Holiday Eve Cinnamon: 7 Reasons to Love This Pie

Oh, the joy of holiday gatherings! There’s just something magical about the cozy warmth of the season, and my Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie captures that spirit perfectly. This delightful pie is a creamy, dreamy dessert that brings a smile to every face around the table. It’s become a family favorite over the years, gracing our holiday celebrations with its rich flavor and comforting aroma. I remember the first time I made it—my kids couldn’t wait for it to cool before diving in! The hint of cinnamon adds that festive touch, making it a must-have on our dessert spread. Trust me, once you take that first bite of velvety custard, you’ll understand why this pie holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a cozy night in, this pie is bound to spread warmth and cheer!

Ingredients List

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to crafting my beloved Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pie crust: You can use either a homemade or store-bought crust; just make sure it’s 9 inches in diameter.
• 4 large eggs: Fresh eggs are the key to a rich custard.
• ¾ cup granulated sugar: This sweetens the pie beautifully.
• 1½ cups whole milk: For that creamy texture, don’t skimp!
• 1 cup heavy cream: The heavy cream makes the custard luscious.
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon: Or, if you prefer, use 1 cinnamon stick steeped in the milk.
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract: Or, for a more intense flavor, scrape the seeds from 1 vanilla bean.
• Pinch of salt: It enhances all the flavors.
• Optional: ¼ tsp ground nutmeg for a warm spice kick, and 1 tsp orange zest for a festive flair.

How to Prepare Instructions

Prepping the Pie Crust

Let’s get that pie crust ready for all the delicious custard goodness! Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a homemade crust, roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Then, gently place the rolled crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the edges. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!

Now, line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or dried beans to prevent it from puffing up while baking. Pop it into the oven for 15 minutes. Once the timer goes off, carefully remove the weights and parchment. Bake for another 5 minutes until the crust is lightly golden. Let it cool slightly while you prepare the custard filling. This step ensures a delicious, flaky base that holds up to all that creamy goodness!

Making the Custard Filling

Now, for the star of the show—the custard! In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the whole milk and heavy cream. Add the ground cinnamon and vanilla extract (or your steeped cinnamon stick and vanilla bean if you’re feeling fancy!). Heat the mixture until it’s steaming but don’t let it boil! If you’re using a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, let it steep for about 10 minutes before removing it.

While that’s happening, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and pale. This is crucial for achieving a lovely custard texture! Once your milk mixture is ready, it’s time to temper the eggs. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly—this prevents the eggs from scrambling. I can’t stress enough how important this step is! To ensure it’s super smooth, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean bowl.

Baking the Pie

Alright, let’s get this pie in the oven! Lower the oven temperature to 325°F (160°C). Carefully pour the silky custard into your cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set, but the center still jiggles slightly—this is key for that creamy custard vibe! Once baked, let the pie cool at room temperature for about an hour, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before slicing. This chilling time is essential, as it helps the custard firm up just right. Trust me, the wait is worth it when you finally get to enjoy that first slice!

Nutritional Information Section

When it comes to enjoying my Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie, it’s good to know what you’re indulging in! Please keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are approximate. For one slice of this delicious pie, you can expect:

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 20g
• Protein: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Cholesterol: 150mg

It’s a sweet treat, perfect for those special occasions, and worth every bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie checks all the boxes for a perfect dessert! Here’s why you’ll adore it:

• Effortless Preparation: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s easy to whip up, even for novice bakers.
• Irresistible Flavor: The creamy custard combined with a hint of cinnamon creates a warm, inviting taste that screams holiday magic.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This pie is a crowd-pleaser, making it the ideal centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare it in advance, freeing up your time for other holiday festivities!

Trust me, once you serve this pie, it’ll become a cherished part of your holiday traditions!

Tips for Success

Making the perfect Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie is all about a few key tips to ensure success. First, pay attention to your pie crust! If you’re using a store-bought one, let it sit at room temperature for a bit before rolling it out to avoid cracking. If you’re going homemade, don’t rush the chilling time—it makes all the difference for a flaky crust.

When heating the milk and cream, keep an eye on it to prevent boiling. If it boils, it can curdle the custard, and that’s a no-go! Also, whisking the eggs and sugar until smooth is crucial—this helps create that luscious texture we all love. Remember to temper the eggs slowly; rushing this step can lead to scrambled eggs in your custard, and nobody wants that!

Lastly, patience is key! Letting the pie cool and chill properly before serving will allow those flavors to meld beautifully. Enjoy the process—it’s all part of the holiday joy!

Variations

One of the best parts about my Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie is how versatile it can be! If you’re feeling adventurous, why not switch up the spices? For a warm, cozy twist, try adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom alongside the cinnamon. These spices bring a whole new dimension of flavor that’s perfect for the holidays!

If you want to play with the custard’s flavor, consider incorporating a splash of almond extract for a delightful nutty background or even a hint of espresso powder for a mocha-inspired treat. You could also replace some of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.

Feeling fruity? Adding a bit of orange zest or finely chopped dried fruit like cranberries or apricots can brighten the flavor profile. Remember, the key is to keep the essence of the pie while making it your own. So, get creative and have fun with it!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie, storing the leftovers properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact! To store, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead option for your holiday celebrations!

If you have a slice (or two!) left over, simply take it out of the fridge about 15-20 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy it again. This allows the custard to come back to that lovely, creamy texture. You can eat it cold straight from the fridge, or if you prefer a warm slice, pop it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking. No matter how you serve it, trust me, it’s going to taste just as heavenly as the first slice!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying my Holiday Eve Cinnamon vanilla custard pie, the right accompaniments can elevate the experience even more! I love serving it with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top—it adds a lightness that perfectly complements the rich custard. For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle a bit of ground nutmeg or cinnamon over the cream.

If you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is heavenly and adds that delightful contrast of temperature. And don’t forget a warm cup of spiced chai or a rich coffee to sip alongside; the flavors meld beautifully and create that cozy, holiday atmosphere. Enjoy every bite!

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