Christmas Eve Cinnamon Vanilla Custard (Print Version)

Buttery crust and creamy cinnamon-vanilla custard blend for a festive holiday dessert loved by all.

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crust

01 - 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
03 - 2-3 tablespoons ice water
04 - A pinch of salt
05 - Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar for a slightly sweet crust

→ For the Custard Filling

06 - 3 large eggs
07 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
08 - 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
09 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
10 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
11 - A pinch of salt

# Steps:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Roll the chilled dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer it to the dish, trim the edges, and crimp them as desired. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper, fill it with pie weights or dried beans, and bake for 10-12 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 5 minutes. Let the crust cool.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth and well combined. Mix in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness.
03 - Carefully pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust, avoiding overfilling to prevent spillage during baking. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. The custard will continue to set as it cools.
04 - Top with whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving. Slice and enjoy with a warm cup of coffee or hot cocoa for the perfect holiday treat.

# Notes and Tips:

01 - Ensure the dough is well chilled before rolling out for a flakier crust.
02 - Allow the pie to cool fully for the custard filling to set properly.