Name: Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 200 g (1 ⅓ cup) all-purpose flour; 50 g (¼ cup) granulated sugar; 1 pinch salt; 135 g (1 stick + 2 tbsp) unsalted butter, very cold, cut into pieces; 60 ml (¼ cup) iced water; 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, Philadelphia; 100 g (½ cup) granulated sugar; 50 g (¼ cup) brown sugar; 3 eggs, room temperature (approx. 180 g); 300 g (1 ¼ cup) heavy cream, full fat; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 30 g (3 tbsp) flour or cornflour; 3 tsp ground cinnamon; ½ tsp allspice; 1 pinch salt

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If you love pies that bring both cozy warmth and a touch of elegance to your table, this Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe is going to become one of your all-time favorites. Imagine a crispy, buttery crust supporting a luxuriously creamy filling enriched with cinnamon’s comforting spice and the sweet subtlety of vanilla. Perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends, this pie balances richness and spice beautifully, making every bite a delightful experience you’ll want to revisit time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, holding three raw eggs with bright yellow yolks and translucent whites spread evenly around them. There is a splash of dark brown liquid near the edge of one yolk, blending slightly into the egg whites, showing contrast in color. The glass bowl’s curved edges are smooth and visible, giving a soft shine under light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully straightforward with essential ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a fantastic texture, flavor, and appearance. From the flaky pie crust to the silky cinnamon-vanilla filling, every component is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of deliciousness.

Flour (200 g / 1 ⅓ cup): Provides the structure and base for the pie crust’s perfect flakiness.
Sugar – granulated (50 g / ¼ cup): Adds just a touch of sweetness to balance the crust.
Salt (a pinch): Enhances all the flavors and rounds out the crust’s taste.
Unsalted butter (135 g or 1 stick + 2 tbsp), very cold: The secret to that crispy, melt-in-your-mouth crust.
Ice water (60 ml / ¼ cup): Helps bind the dough without melting the butter, keeping it tender.
Cream cheese (225 g / 8 oz): Gives the filling its creamy texture and mild tang.
Granulated sugar (100 g / ½ cup): Sweetens the filling and balances the spices.
Brown sugar (50 g / ¼ cup): Adds a warm, rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with cinnamon.
Eggs (3, room temperature, about 180 g): Provide structure and richness to the filling.
Heavy cream (300 g / 1 ¼ cup, full fat): Makes the filling luxuriously smooth and luscious.
Vanilla extract (2 tsp): Brings out the sweet, floral notes that complement the cinnamon beautifully.
Flour or cornflour (30 g / 3 tbsp): Ensures the filling firms up perfectly without becoming dense.
Ground cinnamon (3 tsp): The star spice that lends warmth and depth to the filling.
Allspice (½ tsp): Adds a subtle complexity that elevates the traditional cinnamon flavor.
Salt (a pinch): Balances and enhances the sweet and spiced notes.

How to Make Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Start by combining your flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a bowl to evenly distribute the dry ingredients. Then, add your very cold butter pieces, crumbling them into the flour mixture with your hands until it reaches a sandy texture. This step is key to achieving a flaky crust. Add the iced water slowly and bring everything together gently to form a dough ball—but don’t knead. Chilling it for 20 minutes helps the butter firm up again, which gives you that crisp pie crust everyone loves.

Step 2: Roll and Shape the Dough

Roll out the dough between parchment paper or on a floured surface until it’s about 3-4 mm thick, then carefully line your 9-inch pie plate with it. Shape the edges neatly and prick the bottom with a fork so it bakes evenly without puffing up. Pop the crust into the freezer to chill again while you prepare the filling—this keeps everything crisp and ready for a perfect bake.

Step 3: Make the Cinnamon Filling

Using an electric mixer, whip the cream cheese with both sugars until creamy and smooth — this ensures a silky base with balanced sweetness. Add the eggs, vanilla, and heavy cream, mixing gently to combine while keeping the mixture light. Finally, incorporate the flour, salt, ground cinnamon, and allspice with a spatula, folding just enough to marry the flavors without deflating the airiness. Pour this fragrant filling evenly into your prepared crust.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the pie for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top has a beautiful golden-brown color, and the filling feels set and firm to the touch. Let the pie cool completely at room temperature—this resting time helps the flavors develop and the filling to stabilize before slicing.

How to Serve Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe

A single slice of pumpkin pie sits centered on a white plate with a textured rim, showing two layers: the bottom pale golden crust and the thick, light brown spiced pumpkin filling above it. On top of the slice is a tall swirl of white whipped cream, dusted lightly with cinnamon powder. The crust edge looks flaky and golden, and a silver fork and spoon with ornate handles rest at the front edge of the plate. The background is a soft white marbled surface, and part of the remaining whole pie is visible blurred in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet thoughtful garnishes can take your Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe to the next level. A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds lightness that balances the dense filling, while a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans offer a delightful contrast in texture and taste. Fresh berries on the side wouldn’t hurt, either, for a burst of color and brightness.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with warm drinks, such as a rich cup of coffee, spicy chai tea, or even a glass of cold milk. If you’d like a more substantial dessert spread, consider serving alongside apple compote or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to echo the pie’s sweet and spicy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming twist on presentation, serve your Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe in individual mini tart pans for a personalized touch, or dust the top with a light layer of powdered sugar and a cinnamon stick for an inviting visual and aromatic experience. Lining your serving plate with edible flowers or cinnamon sticks can also turn your dessert into a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the filling fresh and the crust crisp. Using airtight containers or wrapping tightly in plastic wrap prevents the pie from absorbing other odors and keeps all those layers of flavor intact.

Freezing

You can freeze the pie, but because of the creamy filling, it’s best frozen without any whipped cream garnish. Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices gently in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) for 10-15 minutes to revive that freshly baked feel. Avoid microwaving for long periods as it can make the crust soggy and the filling rubbery. Enjoy your pie slightly warmed or at room temperature — both ways are delightful.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought pie crust instead of making my own?

Absolutely! While the homemade crust offers the best buttery, flaky texture, a high-quality store-bought pie crust works perfectly in a pinch and makes this Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe even faster to prepare.

Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the butter, cream cheese, and heavy cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil-based butter, vegan cream cheese, and coconut cream. The flavors might shift slightly, but it will still be deliciously creamy and spiced.

How can I tell when the pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden-brown top and a filling that feels firm but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pie dish. The edges should be set and hold their shape well.

Can I adjust the amount of cinnamon?

Of course! If you prefer a milder spice, reduce the cinnamon by half, or if you love that warm kick, add an extra teaspoon. The recipe is forgiving and customizable to your taste.

What is the best way to slice this pie?

Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife, wiping it clean between cuts to maintain neat slices. Chilling the pie until firm also helps keep the edges clean and prevents the filling from sticking to the knife.

Final Thoughts

This Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe is truly a joy to make and share, combining classic flavors with a comforting texture that feels like a warm hug. Whether it becomes a regular in your baking rotation or reserved for special occasions, it’s sure to bring smiles and satisfied sighs from everyone lucky enough to taste it. So roll up your sleeves, grab those ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of pure homemade happiness!

Vanilla Cinnamon Pie Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need