Introduction
Welcome to a dessert that’s about to become your new holiday favorite! This creamy cinnamon pie is a true delight, offering a unique twist on classic holiday flavors. With its rich, perfectly spiced filling and luscious texture, this recipe proves that impressive results can come from an easy, straightforward process. Get ready to bake a delicious cinnamon pie that will charm everyone at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This delightful pie is designed to bring joy and ease to your baking. Here are just a few reasons why it will quickly become a cherished recipe:
- Luxuriously Smooth Texture: The filling boasts an incredibly silky, melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that truly elevates each bite.
- Warm, Comforting Flavor: Experience the cozy embrace of real cinnamon spice, perfectly balanced for a comforting taste.
- Simple, Straightforward Preparation: This recipe breaks down into easy steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect Make-Ahead Treat: Prepare this pie in advance, allowing you to enjoy your special occasions without last-minute stress.
- Delightful Alternative to Classics: Offer a fresh, exciting dessert that stands out beautifully from traditional holiday pies.
Ingredients
Crafting this creamy pie requires a few simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to create magic.
For the Pie Filling:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs (+ 1 egg yolk)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
For the Crust & Topping:
- 1 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Whipped cream (for serving)
Notes & Substitutions
Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before you start; this is key for a smooth, lump-free filling. Light brown sugar gives the cinnamon pie a wonderful depth with its molasses notes. The extra egg yolk contributes to the pie’s rich, custard-like texture. Feel free to adjust the amount of ground cinnamon and nutmeg to suit your personal spice preference. Always opt for full-fat heavy cream for the best consistency. For a gluten-friendly option, substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free all-purpose blend.
Equipment
You likely have most of these essential tools already in your kitchen, making this cinnamon pie recipe even more approachable.
- Standard 9-inch pie dish
- Electric stand mixer (or hand mixer)
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Wire cooling rack
How To Make Cinnamon Pie
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions to create your perfect creamy pie. Each step is designed to be easy and enjoyable, ensuring a beautiful result.
- Prepare Oven & Crust: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, carefully unroll and fit your chosen 9-inch pie crust into a standard pie dish. Take a moment to crimp the edges decoratively around the rim of the dish; this adds a lovely touch. Once the crust is ready, place the pie dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
- Make the Filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and the packed light brown sugar. Beat these ingredients on high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the mixture becomes wonderfully light and fluffy. Stop the mixer and use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring everything is well incorporated. Add the two large eggs and the extra egg yolk, then beat again until well combined. Scrape the bowl one more time, ensuring no streaks remain. Finally, set your mixer to a low speed and gradually mix in the heavy cream, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and ground nutmeg. Continue beating on low until the cinnamon pie filling is perfectly smooth and uniform, without any lumps.
- Bake the Pie: Retrieve your chilled pie crust from the refrigerator. Carefully pour the smooth cinnamon filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Transfer the pie dish to your preheated oven. Bake the pie for an initial 35 minutes. At this point, gently jiggle the pie dish; the center should seem mostly set with a slight, delicate jiggle, but not entirely firm. If the center still appears very liquid, bake for another 5 minutes, checking again. It is crucial to avoid overbaking, as this can compromise the creamy texture of your cinnamon pie.
- Cool & Chill: Once baked, carefully remove the cinnamon pie from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, which can take a couple of hours. Once fully cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing refrigerator odors. Transfer the covered pie to the refrigerator and chill it thoroughly for at least 4 hours. Ideally, chill your cinnamon pie overnight for the best setting and flavor development. Take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving for optimal enjoyment. Dust the top with powdered sugar just before slicing.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Pie
Achieving a flawless pie is simple with a few expert tricks. These tips will help you bake with confidence.
- Cream Cheese Softness: Always start with truly room temperature cream cheese for a perfectly smooth, lump-free filling every time. Understanding the science behind baking can elevate your results, as detailed by Sally’s Baking Addiction on the importance of room temperature ingredients in baking.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the filling just until combined and smooth. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, which can lead to cracks or a less dense texture in your cinnamon pie.
- Crust Protection: If you notice your pie crust edges browning too quickly during baking, loosely cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil.
- Test for Doneness: The “gentle jiggle” test is your best indicator. The pie will continue to set as it cools, so don’t wait for it to be completely firm in the oven.
- Thorough Chilling: Chilling for at least 4 hours, or even overnight, is absolutely crucial for the pie to set properly, making it easy to slice and ensuring that delightful creamy texture.
- Spice Adjustment: Taste your filling before baking, if comfortable. Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to your personal preference, adding a little more if you like a bolder spice flavor in your cinnamon pie.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile pie is wonderful on its own, but can also be elevated with simple additions and adapted to your liking.
Serving Suggestions
- For a beautiful finish, lightly dust the top of your chilled pie with powdered sugar just before serving.
- Serve each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream, which beautifully complements the rich, spiced flavor.
- Consider adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream alongside your pie for a delightful hot and cold contrast.
- Garnish individual slices with a small cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of extra ground cinnamon for an elegant touch.
Storage
- Store any leftover cinnamon pie tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the whole baked pie or individual slices for 1-2 months. Wrap it very well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
- To thaw, simply place the frozen pie in the refrigerator overnight until fully defrosted.
Variations
- Crust Options: Experiment with different crusts! A buttery graham cracker crust or a gingersnap crust would both pair wonderfully with the cinnamon pie filling.
- Spice Boost: For an extra layer of warmth, add a pinch of ground cardamom or allspice to the filling along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of finely grated orange zest can brighten the flavors and add a subtle, refreshing note to this rich pie.
- Mini Pies: For individual servings, bake the filling in small ramekins or mini pie crusts, adjusting the baking time as needed.
- Cinnamon Pie Bars: Press a crust into a square baking dish, pour the filling over it, and bake to create easy-to-serve cinnamon pie bars.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying a slice of this delicious pie can be part of a balanced diet. Here’s a quick look at the nutritional details per serving.
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Carbohydrate | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 slice | 371 kcal | 4 g | 24 g | 14 g | 123 mg | 421 mg | 35 g | 1 g | 27 g |
This custard cinnamon pie is a rich dessert, providing a satisfying amount of calories and fat, primarily from the cream cheese and heavy cream. It also contains carbohydrates and sugars for energy, making it a true treat.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ve got questions about this delightful cinnamon pie, and we’ve got answers to help you bake with confidence!
- Can I use a pre-made pie crust? Yes, absolutely! A store-bought pie crust works perfectly and saves you time, making this cinnamon pie even easier.
- How long does cinnamon pie last? When stored properly in the refrigerator, this delicious cinnamon pie will stay fresh and tasty for up to 5 days.
- Can this pie be frozen? Yes, you can freeze the baked cinnamon pie for up to two months. Ensure it’s well-wrapped to maintain its quality.
- Is it very sweet? This cinnamon pie offers a balanced sweetness, allowing the spice flavors to shine without being overpowering. You can adjust the brown sugar slightly if desired.
- Can I reduce the amount of cinnamon? Of course! If you prefer a milder spice, start with less cinnamon and add more to taste before baking.
- What makes the filling so creamy? The combination of softened cream cheese and rich heavy cream creates that incredibly smooth and luxurious texture in your cinnamon pie.
Conclusion
Embrace the warmth and comfort of this truly delightful creamy cinnamon pie. Its perfect balance of luscious creaminess and inviting spice makes it an unforgettable dessert. This easy-to-follow recipe promises impressive results, bringing joy and a unique flavor to your table. We encourage you to enjoy baking and sharing this incredible cinnamon pie with your loved ones!
The Best Creamy Cinnamon Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
- 9-inch pie dish
- Electric mixer
- spatula
Ingredients
Pie Filling
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup light brown sugar packed
- 2 large eggs (+ 1 egg yolk)
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 1/2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Crust & Garnish
- 1 pie crust homemade or store-bought
- powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Roll and fit a pie crust into a standard 9-inch pie dish, crimp the edges, then refrigerate the crust.
Make the Filling
- In an electric mixer, beat softened cream cheese and packed brown sugar on high until light and fluffy. Scrape the bowl, then beat in the eggs and egg yolk. With the mixer on low, blend in heavy cream, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, salt, and ground nutmeg until the mixture is very smooth.
Bake & Chill
- Pour the cinnamon filling into the prepared pie pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set but still slightly jiggly. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack, then cover and chill it thoroughly in the refrigerator.
Serve
- Remove the pie from the refrigerator one hour before serving. Dust the top generously with powdered sugar, then cut into slices and serve, optionally with a dollop of whipped cream.