Description
A creamy and comforting custard pie infused with warm cinnamon and vanilla, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked (homemade or store-bought)
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1½ cups (360ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Optional for serving: whipped cream, fresh berries, extra ground cinnamon for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Pie Crust: Make a 9-inch pie crust. If making from scratch, roll it out and fit into your pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Chill for 15-20 minutes. Line with parchment or foil and fill with weights. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Remove weights, prick the bottom, and bake for another 8-10 minutes until lightly golden. Cool on a wire rack and reduce oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Warm Dairy and Spices: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk, heavy cream, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium-low heat until steaming, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and sea salt for 2-3 minutes until pale yellow and thick.
- Temper the Custard Base: Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. Start with a small amount, then increase the speed as you mix.
- Add Vanilla and Strain: Stir in the vanilla extract. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl to catch any clumps.
- Prepare Water Bath and Bake: Place the cooled pie crust in a larger roasting pan. Pour the custard into the crust. Add hot water to the roasting pan until it reaches halfway up the pie plate sides. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 50-65 minutes until the edges are set and the center wobbles slightly.
- Cool Gradually: Remove the roasted pan from the oven and let the pie sit in the water bath for 15-20 minutes, then cool to room temperature for 2-3 hours.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Slice when slightly softened for clean cuts. Serve with whipped cream, cinnamon, or berries.
Notes
Chilling is crucial for a cleaner slice. Can be made in advance and freezes well, though texture may change.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: custard pie, dessert, holiday dessert, cinnamon, vanilla