If you’re on the lookout for a festive treat that will dazzle your guests and warm hearts, this Christmas Pie Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a charming blend of buttery, delicate crust paired with a creamy, sweet filling, all wrapped up in the cheerful colors of holiday Jimmie sprinkles. The perfect balance of textures and the nostalgia of holiday flavors make this pie a standout dessert for any Christmas celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your Christmas pie just right starts with simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one brings a unique touch—from the flaky crust to the silky filling and that joyful sprinkle of color that gives this pie its holiday spirit.
- 3 cups flour: Provides the structure for a tender pie crust perfect for holding the creamy filling.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
- 1 1/2 tsp sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust for a gentle contrast.
- 1/2 tsp baking powder: Gives the crust a light lift for that perfect flaky texture.
- 2/3 cup melted butter: Adds richness and moisture that makes the crust beautifully tender.
- 6 Tbsp water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too sticky.
- 3 Tbsp holiday Jimmie sprinkles: Introduces festive color and a bit of fun right into the crust and filling.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the luscious filling, creating a creamy and indulgent experience.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling its smooth, custardy texture.
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses the filling with warm, cozy holiday spice.
- 2 cups milk: The base of the filling that binds all the flavors and makes it delectably creamy.
- 1/2 cup butter (cubed): Added to the filling to enrich it, giving a velvety mouthfeel.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a fragrant depth that ties all the flavors together wonderfully.
- Whipped cream (optional for topping): For an extra touch of indulgence and festive presentation.
How to Make Christmas Pie Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees—it’s important to get that crust perfectly golden and flaky. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder using a wooden spoon. This simple dry mix lays the perfect foundation for the pie crust, ensuring it’s seasoned just right.
Step 2: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Next, stir in the melted butter and water into your flour mixture. It may look crumbly at first, but that’s exactly what you want! This crumbly texture will transform into a tender, flaky crust after baking. Toss in one tablespoon of your holiday Jimmie sprinkles here to begin layering in that merry festive feel.
Step 3: Press and Par-bake the Crust
Pat the dough evenly across the bottom and up the sides of your pie pan—it might be a bit crumbly, but gentle pressing will work it into place. Bake it in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until just lightly golden. This par-baking step ensures the crust keeps its shape and doesn’t get soggy once the filling goes in.
Step 4: Prepare the Filling
While the crust cools slightly and you lower the oven temperature to 375 degrees, it’s time to create the luscious filling. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Whisk in the milk over medium heat and keep stirring until the mixture reaches a boil and thickens up—about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in your vanilla extract and cubed butter, creating a silky smooth filling.
Step 5: Add Sprinkles and Fill the Crust
Once the filling is a bit cooler but still pourable, stir in one and a half tablespoons of holiday Jimmie sprinkles gently—just once to keep their colors from bleeding. Pour this festive filling into your partially baked crust and sprinkle the remaining sprinkles on top for that extra holiday cheer.
Step 6: Bake and Chill
Bake your pie at 375 degrees for 20 minutes until the filling is set and the sprinkles have brightened it up. After baking, allow it to cool to room temperature before popping it into the refrigerator to chill for at least two hours. This chilling step helps the filling firm up beautifully for slicing and serving.
How to Serve Christmas Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Christmas pie truly shine on the table, top it with a generous swirl of whipped cream just before serving. The creamy topping adds an extra layer of richness and pairs perfectly with the colorful sprinkles and cinnamon-spiced filling.
Side Dishes
This Christmas Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with a handful of fresh winter berries or a warm cup of spiced cider. These simple sides add a refreshing contrast and complement the pie’s festive sweetness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve slices on individual dessert plates with a sprinkle of crushed peppermint candy or a dusting of powdered sugar. If you’re feeling extra festive, add a small sprig of rosemary or a cinnamon stick on the side to bring an elegant, seasonal flourish to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After savoring your Christmas pie, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it easy to enjoy the holiday magic well after the main event.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie before baking the crust or after it’s fully baked and chilled. Wrap it securely in plastic and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to one month, letting you prepare in advance for holiday gatherings.
Reheating
To enjoy your Christmas pie warm, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it gently in a low oven at 300 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes. This will revive the creamy filling and flaky crust without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust for this Christmas Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While the homemade crust adds a lovely texture and freshness, a good-quality store-bought crust can save time and still deliver great results for this festive pie.
What do holiday Jimmie sprinkles taste like?
Holiday Jimmie sprinkles add a subtle crunch and a burst of cheerful color rather than a strong flavor, enhancing the pie’s festive look and adding a slight texture contrast to the creamy filling.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and use your favorite plant-based milk to keep this Christmas Pie Recipe friendly to dairy-free diets without losing its creamy charm.
How long can I keep the pie at room temperature?
Since this pie contains dairy in the filling, it’s best to keep it refrigerated once it’s cooled. Leaving it out longer than two hours could risk food safety and affect texture.
Is this recipe suitable for kids to help with?
Definitely! From stirring the batter and pressing the crust to sprinkling on those colorful Jimmies, kids will love getting hands-on with this Christmas Pie Recipe and sharing in the festive fun.
Final Thoughts
This Christmas Pie Recipe is not just a dessert, it’s a celebration on a plate. The combination of buttery crust, creamy cinnamon-spiced filling, and joyful holiday sprinkles make it a heartfelt treat perfect for sharing. I hope you give this pie a try and make it a cherished part of your holiday traditions—it’s sure to light up your festive table and bring smiles all around.
