The aroma of spiced fruit and creamy custard fills my kitchen, instantly transporting me to festive holiday gatherings. Enter the Gingerbread Fruit Custard Christmas Pie—a delightful twist on traditional holiday desserts that blends the warmth of gingerbread with the tangy sweetness of fruit. This seasonal favorite not only boasts a flaky crust that cradles a luscious filling, but it also promises a crowd-pleasing treat that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Perfect for sharing at family feasts or cozy gatherings, this pie makes any occasion feel a little more special. Imagine cutting into a slice and revealing the beautiful layers of fruit bubbling up through star-shaped cutouts! Are you ready to add a touch of homemade magic to your holiday table? Why Is This Christmas Pie Unique? Festive Flavors: The combination of spiced gingerbread, creamy custard, and tart fruit offers a symphony of holiday tastes that dazzles your palate. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and uncomplicated steps, this pie is perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers. Gathering Appeal: This show-stopping dessert is ideal for family gatherings and holiday parties, delighting everyone at the table. Versatile Variations: You can easily swap fruits or adjust spices, making each pie uniquely yours. Check out how you can customize your pie using an all-apple filling for a twist! Picture-Perfect Presentation: The star-shaped cutouts allow the fruity filling to peek through, creating an eye-catching dessert that invites second helpings! Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Its balance of creaminess and crunch ensures that this pie will be a favorite for any dessert lover. Christmas Pie Ingredients For the Crust • Flaky Pie Crust – A homemade crust makes this Christmas Pie extra special, but store-bought works beautifully too! For the Filling • Cranberries – Their tartness adds depth to the sweet filling; fresh or frozen both work wonderfully. • Cherries – Sweet and juicy, these are essential for a delightful contrast to the tart cranberries; feel free to use fresh or frozen. • Diced Apple – Offers an extra layer of texture and flavor; choose your favorite variety! • Brown Sugar – Adds a hint of molasses flavor, enhancing the richness of your spiced filling. • White Sugar – Balances sweetness to ensure the flavors sing together harmoniously. • Cornstarch – This ingredient thickens the fruit filling and custard, keeping everything nicely together. • Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These warm spices create the inviting gingerbread flavor profile without overpowering other ingredients. • Orange Zest and Juice – Brightens up the filling with a burst of freshness and liveliness. • Milk – Forms the creamy base of the custard; whole milk is recommended for richness. • Egg Yolks – Contribute a luscious richness to the custard, making it velvety smooth. • Powdered Sugar – Perfect for dusting on top for a touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Christmas Pie – Flaky Crust With Spiced Gingerbread Cream Filling Step 1: Prepare the Custard In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugars, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature while you prepare the fruit filling. A smooth, creamy custard will serve as the base for your Christmas Pie. Step 2: Prepare the Fruit Filling In a large bowl, combine cranberries, cherries, diced apple, brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice. Gently toss the mixture until all the fruits are evenly coated with the sugars and spices, about 3–5 minutes. This vibrant, spiced fruit mixture will bring bursts of flavor to your Christmas Pie and should be set aside while you roll out the crust. Step 3: Assemble the Pie Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the first flaky pie crust and lay it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it covers the sides. Spread the cooled custard evenly across the bottom, creating a silky base. Next, layer the spiced fruit filling over the custard, distributing it evenly. With the second crust, roll it out and cut it into festive star shapes, then place it on top, allowing the fruit to peek through. Step 4: Chill & Brush the Crust Chill the second pie crust for about 15 minutes in the freezer, which helps ensure the shapes hold during baking. Once chilled, brush the star-shaped cutouts with an egg wash (an egg mixed with a little water) for a beautiful golden finish. This step is crucial for achieving that lovely shine, enhancing the presentation of your Christmas Pie. Step 5: Bake the Pie Carefully place the assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven at 375°F for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown, and the fruit filling is bubbling through the star cutouts. If the edges brown too quickly, tent the pie with aluminum foil. The aroma of the gingerbread cream filling will fill your kitchen! Step 6: Cool the Pie Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour. This cooling time is important, as it helps set the filling for cleaner slices. You’ll see the filling slowly settle, creating a delightful texture that is perfect for serving. Step 7: Serve the Pie Before serving, dust the top of the cooled Christmas Pie with powdered sugar for a festive touch. Slice the pie and serve it at room temperature or slightly warm, alongside softly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This rich and creamy dessert with spiced fruit will surely be a hit at your holiday gatherings! Expert Tips for Christmas Pie • Cold Dough is Key: Using cold dough for cutting shapes helps maintain their structure during baking. This results in a beautifully formed pie crust. • Cool Custard Thoroughly: Ensure your custard is completely cooled before assembly to prevent a soggy crust. This yields clean and gorgeous slices of your Christmas Pie. • Watch the Bake: Set the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips and help manage heat distribution, ensuring an evenly baked crust. • Variations Welcome: Feel free to swap out fruits or adjust spices based on your preferences. This way, you can create your perfect version of Christmas Pie. • Presentation Matters: Dust the top with powdered sugar just before serving for that festive look and delightful sweetness. Enjoy the compliments! How to Store and Freeze Christmas Pie Fridge: Keep leftover Christmas Pie covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for optimal freshness; it will last for up to 3 days. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pie uncut for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Reheating: To enjoy your pie again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 15–20 minutes, or until heated through. Serving: For the best flavor and texture, serve your Christmas Pie at room temperature or slightly warm. Christmas Pie Variations & Substitutions Explore the endless possibilities for customizing your Christmas Pie to delight your family this holiday season! All-Apple Filling: Swap the fruit mix for a generous helping of diced apples for a classic flavor twist. The sweetness pairs beautifully with the custard. Berry Medley: Use a mix of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries and raspberries for a vibrant and tart filling that brightens up the dish. Spiced Pumpkin: Add canned pumpkin puree along with the spices for a comforting, fall-inspired variation that combines the best of both worlds. Nutty Crunch: Enhance the texture by adding chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the fruit filling for delightful crunch in each bite. Gluten-Free Crust: For a gluten-sensitive option, swap in a gluten-free pie crust, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat. Cinnamon Roll Twist: Flavor the crust with a touch of cinnamon and brown sugar before baking, creating a delightful cinnamon roll experience with your holiday pie. Zesty Citrus Kick: Mix in lemon or lime zest to the filling for a refreshing, zesty brightness that contrasts beautifully against the creaminess. Let your imagination run wild, just like you would when whipping up a delicious batch of Pumpkin Cream Cheese muffins or a cozy bowl of Lemon Chicken Soup. The sky’s the limit—make it your family’s new favorite! Make Ahead Options These Gingerbread Fruit Custard Christmas Pies are a fantastic choice for meal prep, allowing busy home cooks to enjoy festive desserts without the last-minute rush! You can prepare the custard and fruit filling up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them separately to maintain their textures. For best results, assemble the pie just before baking to ensure the crust remains flaky and delightful. When you’re ready to serve, bake the pie directly from the refrigerator, allowing an additional 5-10 minutes of baking time if needed. This approach lets you savor the joy of homemade magic without the hassle, making your holiday gatherings even more special! What to Serve with Gingerbread Fruit Custard Christmas Pie The warmth of spiced flavors and creamy custard creates a luscious ideal for an unforgettable holiday gathering. Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that beautifully contrasts with the rich pie. Cinnamon Ice Cream: This creamy dessert pairs perfectly with the gingerbread flavors, enhancing the festive spirit of the pie. Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with seasonal gems like pomegranate and citrus provides a refreshing balance against the pie’s richness. Gingerbread Cookies: Keep the gingerbread theme going! Serve alongside soft gingerbread cookies for a delightful texture combination. Mulled Wine: A warm glass of spiced mulled wine brings cozy notes that complement the pie’s flavor and elevate your holiday experience. Hot Chocolate: Rich, velvety hot chocolate with a sprinkle of cinnamon can turn dessert time into a festive celebration, perfect for the season. Coffee or Espresso: The bitter notes of coffee provide a lovely contrast to the sweet pie, ideal for warming up on chilly evenings. Chocolate Fondue: Offer a little indulgence by presenting chocolate fondue with fresh fruits and marshmallows for dipping, creating a decadent dessert spread. Sugar Cookies: Soft, sugar-dusted cookies can provide that nostalgic touch to your dessert table, making each bite a reminder of childhood holidays. Christmas Pie – Flaky Crust With Spiced Gingerbread Cream Filling Recipe FAQs How do I choose ripe fruit for this pie? Absolutely! For cranberries, look for firm, bright red berries; avoid those that are soft or have dark spots. Cherries should be glossy and plump with no wrinkles, while diced apples should be crisp and fresh. The more the merrier, so mix and match your favorites to suit your taste! What’s the best way to store leftover Christmas Pie? To keep your pie fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature before serving again for the best flavor! Can I freeze Christmas Pie, and if so, how? Yes, you can! For freezing, wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes to bring back its delightful warmth. What if my custard doesn’t thicken properly? No worries! If your custard is too thin, make a slurry with a bit of cornstarch and milk — about 1 tablespoon of each. Gradually stir it into your custard over low heat until thickened, stirring constantly. If it thickens too much, you can whisk in a splash of milk to reach the desired consistency. Can I make this pie gluten-free? Very much! Simply substitute the flaky pie crust with a gluten-free variety available at many stores or make your own with gluten-free flour. The rest of the ingredients in the filling are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. Is this pie safe for my pets? While ingredients like apples and some spices may be fine, it’s best to keep this pie away from your furry friends. The sugars and certain fruits could be harmful to pets, so enjoy this festive dessert yourself while keeping your pets safe and sound! Christmas Pie - Flaky Crust With Spiced Gingerbread Delight Gingerbread Fruit Custard Christmas Pie combines spiced gingerbread and tangy fruit for a festive holiday dessert. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 30 minutes minsCook Time 45 minutes minsCooling Time 1 hour hrTotal Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Crust1 recipe Flaky Pie Crust homemade or store-boughtFor the Filling1 cup Cranberries fresh or frozen1 cup Cherries fresh or frozen1 cup Diced Apple your favorite variety1/2 cup Brown Sugar1/2 cup White Sugar3 tbsp Cornstarch1 tsp Cinnamon1/2 tsp Nutmeg1 tbsp Orange Zest1/4 cup Orange Juice2 cups Milk whole recommended4 large Egg Yolks1 cup Powdered Sugar for dusting Equipment 9-inch pie dishmedium saucepanlarge bowlRolling Pin Method Preparation StepsIn a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks, sugars, and cornstarch over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 5–7 minutes until thickened, then cool to room temperature.In a large bowl, combine cranberries, cherries, diced apple, brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice. Toss gently until coated, about 3–5 minutes.Preheat your oven to 375°F. Roll out the first flaky pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, spread cooled custard, and layer fruit filling.Chill the second pie crust for about 15 minutes, then cut into star shapes and place on top of the pie.Bake the pie for 40-45 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. Tent with foil if necessary.Cool the pie for at least 1 hour on a wire rack before slicing.Dust with powdered sugar before serving and enjoy at room temperature or slightly warm. Nutrition Serving: 1slicesCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 5gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 180mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg NotesUsing cold dough for shapes helps maintain structure during baking. Ensure custard is cooled before assembly to avoid a soggy crust. Serve at room temperature for best flavor. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
