If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to wow your family this holiday season, I can’t recommend this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe enough. It’s rich, silky, and infused with warm spices that scream festive comfort. Trust me, once you taste its creamy goodness, it’ll become your holiday dessert go-to year after year. Keep reading, because I’m sharing all the tips that’ll help you make this custard pie a serious showstopper.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadently Creamy Texture: The custard filling is silky smooth and melts in your mouth with every bite.
Festive Warm Spices: Cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of nutmeg bring that cozy holiday feeling you’re craving.
Simple Yet Impressive: Despite its gourmet feel, this pie is straightforward to make – perfect for any level of baker.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It sets up beautifully in the fridge, so you can prepare it early and enjoy a stress-free holiday.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, holiday custard pie, festive dessert recipe, creamy holiday dessert, Christmas dessert ideas - A single slice of creamy pale yellow pie with a thick brown crust sits on a white plate; the pie is topped with a swirl of white whipped cream dusted with brown cinnamon powder. Two cinnamon sticks lay beside the pie on the plate, which also has a light sprinkling of cinnamon. In the blurred background, a white cup filled with a light brown drink and a clear glass with a white liquid can be seen, along with some green pine needles and red berries. The surface beneath the plate has a white marbled look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This custard pie is a simple harmony of classic ingredients that come together to create that melt-in-your-mouth magic. The dairy provides richness, eggs give it structure, and the cinnamon-vanilla combo adds deep holiday flair. Pro tip: quality matters here, especially for your vanilla and cinnamon.

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, holiday custard pie, festive dessert recipe, creamy holiday dessert, Christmas dessert ideas - Flat lay of whole cinnamon sticks, a split vanilla bean with visible seeds, cracked brown eggs, a small mound of granulated sugar, a splash of heavy cream in a glass jar, fresh whole nutmeg, and a few bright orange zest curls, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Pie crust: A buttery, flaky crust holds the custard beautifully; store-bought works great, but homemade up your game if you have time.
Large eggs: Eggs set the custard, so use fresh ones for the best texture and flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens just enough without overpowering the spice notes.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess without heaviness, balancing the texture.
Heavy cream: For that luscious, velvety mouthfeel you’ll swoon over.
Ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick: Cinnamon is the star spice here; using a stick and steeping it infuses more nuanced flavor.
Pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean: Vanilla is your custard’s best friend—go for real vanilla bean if you want that extra fancy touch.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors and brightens the custard.
Optional nutmeg and orange zest: Small additions that layer more holiday cheer and complexity.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I love that this Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe lends itself to little tweaks, so you can really make it your own. Sometimes, I’ll add a splash of bourbon to the custard for a boozy holiday twist, or swap half the milk for almond milk for a dairy-light version that still holds up. Feel free to experiment!

Variation: Last year, I swapped ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice for a slightly different but still festive flavor profile—everyone loved it.
Dietary swaps: I’ve tried coconut cream in place of heavy cream for a dairy-free option, and it still comes out wonderfully creamy.
Customize sweetness: Adjust sugar to your liking—add a bit more if you love your desserts extra sweet or less if you prefer subtle sweetness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe

Step 1: Perfectly Pre-bake the Pie Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out your pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. To avoid a soggy bottom, line it with parchment paper and fill with baking weights (or dried beans). Bake for 15 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment—and bake for another 5 minutes until it’s just slightly golden. This step sets the crust so it stays crisp under the custard. Let it cool a bit while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Infuse the Milk and Cream with Cinnamon and Vanilla

In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and heavy cream with your cinnamon (either ground or a cinnamon stick) and vanilla (extract or bean). Warm gently over medium-low heat until you see steam rising—do not let it boil, or the dairy could curdle. If you’re steeping a cinnamon stick or vanilla bean, remove them after about 10 minutes to keep flavors balanced.

Step 3: Whisk Eggs, Sugar, and Salt

While the milk mixture is warming, grab a mixing bowl and whisk your eggs with granulated sugar and that pinch of salt until smooth and pale. This step incorporates air into the eggs, helping make your custard light yet creamy.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs with Warm Milk Mix

This is an essential step to avoid scrambled eggs in your custard. Slowly pour the warm milk mixture into the eggs in a thin stream while whisking steadily. Keep whisking to ensure everything blends perfectly. For an ultra-smooth custard, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to catch any little curds or bits.

Step 5: Bake the Custard in the Pie Shell

Lower your oven temperature to 325°F (160°C), then pour the custard filling gently into your pre-baked crust. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes until the edges are set but the center still jiggles just slightly when you nudge the pie dish. This jiggle means the custard will finish setting as it cools—don’t overbake or it’ll turn rubbery.

Step 6: Cool and Chill Before Serving

Once out of the oven, let the pie cool to room temperature. Then, refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before slicing so the custard firms up nicely. This chilling step is where the magic truly happens—the texture becomes velvety smooth.

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Pro Tips for Making Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh eggs and real vanilla make a huge difference in taste and texture.
Don’t Skip Straining: Trust me, straining the custard mix ensures that perfectly silky finish without any lumps.
Watch Your Bake Time Closely: The slight jiggle at the center means it’s just right—overbaking will dry it out.
Steep Spices Gently: Over-steeping cinnamon can make the custard bitter, so time your infusing carefully.

How to Serve Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe

Christmas Eve Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie, holiday custard pie, festive dessert recipe, creamy holiday dessert, Christmas dessert ideas - A slice of creamy pie sits on a white plate with a textured edge, showing three layers: a crumbly light brown crust at the bottom, a thick smooth pale yellow filling in the middle, and a tall swirl of white whipped cream dusted with fine brown powder on top. Two brown cinnamon sticks rest on the plate beside the pie. The background is softly blurred with warm bokeh lights and a hint of green pine needles and red berries, while a white cup of coffee and a glass of milk are partially visible. The surface beneath is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes classic and simple here—a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg or a few cinnamon sticks tucked on the side add aromatic charm. If I’m feeling extra festive, a dollop of lightly whipped cream dusted with cinnamon elevates every bite. Fresh orange zest adds a bright color pop and a zing that complements the custard beautifully.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the custard pie, try serving it alongside spiced apple cider or a warm cranberry compote. If you want a real holiday spread, fresh gingerbread cookies or candied pecans make excellent companions, adding texture and a little crunch to the dessert plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the pie into elegant wedges and serve each one on a festive plate with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh rosemary for that holiday wow factor. Another trick? Individual mini pies using ramekins—perfect for dinner parties and they look stunning when garnished with dusted powdered sugar and a cinnamon quill.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I cover the leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day, but it’s best enjoyed within 3–4 days for that perfect texture. Just keep it chilled until serving to keep the custard silky.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in an airtight container before—while it slightly changes the texture, it still tastes great after thawing overnight in the fridge. For best results, avoid freezing the whole pie, as the crust can lose its crispness.

Reheating

If you want to warm leftover slices, I recommend a quick 20-second zap in the microwave or a few minutes in a warm oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil. This gently revives the creamy texture without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this custard pie?

Absolutely! A store-bought crust works wonderfully and saves time. Just be sure to pre-bake (blind bake) as directed to keep the crust crisp and avoid soggy bottoms.
What’s the difference between using cinnamon powder and a cinnamon stick?

Using a cinnamon stick and steeping it in the milk-cream mixture gives a subtler, more layered flavor, while ground cinnamon blends in immediately with a stronger punch. Both work—choose based on your flavor preference and what you have on hand.
How do I know when the custard pie is done baking?

It’s ready when the edges look set and firm but the center still jiggles slightly if you gently shake the pan. The residual heat will finish cooking it as it cools.
Can I add other spices or flavors?

Definitely! Nutmeg, orange zest, or even a splash of brandy make wonderful additions for holiday flair. Just be careful not to overpower the cinnamon-vanilla base that makes this custard pie so special.
How far in advance can I make this pie?

You can bake the pie a day or two before serving. Just keep it well covered in the fridge and slice just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about sharing a homemade custard pie on Christmas Eve, and this Cinnamon-Vanilla Custard Pie – Creamy Holiday Dessert Magic Recipe is my family’s new favorite. I love how it’s just the right balance of cozy spice and creamy bliss without fussing over complicated ingredients or techniques. So, give it a try—you’ll be bringing a little magic to your holiday table, and wrapped in all those wonderful flavors, I guarantee this pie will become a new tradition you look forward to every year.