Cinnamon pie has been my go-to dessert for cozy fall evenings and holiday gatherings ever since I stumbled upon this incredibly simple recipe. I remember the first time I made it; the aroma of warm cinnamon and sweet sugar filled my kitchen, promising pure comfort. It’s like a cinnamon roll and cheesecake had a delicious baby! This homemade cinnamon pie is surprisingly easy to whip up, making it perfect for when you need a stunning dessert without all the fuss. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Pie

Get ready to fall in love with this easy cinnamon pie! It’s more than just a dessert; it’s a little slice of cozy heaven. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Unbelievably Easy: Seriously, this simple cinnamon pie recipe comes together in minutes.
Incredible Flavor: The perfect balance of sweet, spiced cinnamon and creamy custard.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it the day before – less stress on the day of your event!
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit for holidays, potlucks, or any sweet craving.
Versatile Dessert: Tastes amazing chilled, making it a refreshing treat any time.
Comfort Food Bliss: It evokes that warm, nostalgic feeling of an old fashioned cinnamon pie.
Customizable: Easily adaptable for different crusts or added fruits.

Ingredients for Your Homemade Cinnamon Pie

Gather these simple ingredients for a truly delightful cinnamon pie. This recipe relies on a few key components to achieve that perfect creamy texture and spiced flavor. Using room temperature ingredients helps everything blend smoothly, ensuring no lumps in your glorious cinnamon custard.

8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This is the base for our creamy, cheesecake-like filling.
1 cup light brown sugar, packed tightly – Adds a wonderful caramel note and sweetness.
3 tablespoons cinnamon – The star spice! Don’t skimp here for that signature flavor.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors and adds warmth.
½ teaspoon nutmeg – A touch of warmth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
¼ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and brings out the spice.
3 large eggs, room temperature – They bind everything together for that perfect custard texture.
1 cup heavy whipping cream, room temperature – Contributes to the rich, smooth consistency of the cinnamon pie filling.
¼ cup all-purpose flour – A little bit of flour helps set the filling without making it heavy.
1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust – Use your favorite store-bought or homemade crust for this simple cinnamon pie recipe.

How to Make the Best Cinnamon Pie

Whipping up this delicious cinnamon pie is a straightforward process that yields incredible results. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can create this dessert that tastes like a dream. Follow these simple steps and get ready for a wonderfully spiced treat!

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab an unbaked 9-inch pie crust and place it on a baking sheet. This makes handling easier and catches any potential spills from your simple cinnamon pie recipe.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and the packed light brown sugar. Beat them with an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is completely smooth and there are no lumps. This smooth base is key to a luscious cinnamon pie filling.
Step 3: Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and salt to the cream cheese mixture. Mix on low speed until everything is just combined. The aroma at this stage is already divine, signaling the deliciousness to come in your homemade cinnamon pie.
Step 4: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully blended into the batter before adding the next. This helps create that perfect, creamy custard texture we’re aiming for in this easy cinnamon pie.
Step 5: Gradually stir in the room temperature heavy whipping cream and the all-purpose flour. Mix on low speed until the batter is smooth and uniform. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; we just want everything incorporated for the best cinnamon pie.
Step 6: Pour the glorious cinnamon pie filling into your prepared unbaked pie crust. Smooth the top gently with a spatula.
Step 7: Carefully place the baking sheet with the pie into the preheated oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and puffed, and the center still has a slight jiggle.
Step 8: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Let it cool completely to room temperature. This cooling process is crucial for allowing the filling to set properly.
Step 9: After it has cooled, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Chill it in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight. This chilling time is essential for the best texture and flavor of your cinnamon pie.
Step 10: Serve this delightful cinnamon pie chilled. It’s wonderful on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. Enjoy every bite of this fantastic dessert!

Cinnamon Pie: Effortless 3-Hour Dessert Magic - Cinnamon Pie - additional detail

Pro Tips for Perfect Cinnamon Pie

Achieving that perfect texture and flavor in your homemade cinnamon pie is easier than you think with these little tricks. I’ve learned a few things over the years that make all the difference in creating a truly memorable dessert.

Always use room temperature ingredients for the filling. This ensures a smooth, lump-free batter that bakes evenly.
Don’t overbake! The center should still have a slight wobble when you take it out; it will continue to set as it cools.
Blind-baking your crust can help prevent a soggy bottom, especially if you’re adding fruit or a very wet filling. For more on crust techniques, check out this guide to baking.
For beautiful slices, chill the pie thoroughly before cutting. A clean knife dipped in hot water also helps.

What’s the secret to a perfect cinnamon pie?

The secret to a truly perfect cinnamon pie lies in the balance of creamy custard and warm spices, combined with careful baking and chilling. Using room temperature ingredients and not overbaking are key for that ideal texture.

Can I make this cinnamon pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This old fashioned cinnamon pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare the pie entirely the day before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. It’s often even better the next day! For other make-ahead ideas, explore our collection of last-minute recipes.

How do I avoid a watery cinnamon pie filling?

To avoid a watery cinnamon pie filling, ensure your eggs and cream are at room temperature for better emulsification. Also, be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the flour, and bake until the center is just slightly jiggly, not completely firm. Understanding ingredient temperatures is crucial for many recipes, like homemade mayonnaise.

Best Ways to Serve Cinnamon Pie

This sweet cinnamon pie is incredibly versatile and tastes wonderful served in so many ways. Whether you’re looking for a simple treat or a show-stopping dessert, here are a few ideas to elevate your experience.

Simply Chilled: Honestly, this dessert cinnamon pie is often best served perfectly chilled, just as it is. The creamy filling and warm spice flavors really shine through without any additions.
With Whipped Cream: A generous dollop of freshly whipped cream is a classic pairing. For an extra touch, try lightly sweetening the cream and adding a tiny pinch of cinnamon to it.
A la Mode Style: While it’s a chilled pie, serving a slice alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is divine. The contrast in temperature and the creamy, cool ice cream with the spiced pie is pure magic.

Nutrition Facts for Cinnamon Pie

Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving for this delightful cinnamon pie. This dessert offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect treat for special occasions or just because!

Calories: 454 kcal
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 29g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 291mg
Cholesterol: 132mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Pie

Proper storage is key to maintaining the deliciousness of your homemade cinnamon pie. Once your sweet cinnamon pie has cooled completely on a wire rack, it’s ready for its chill time. For optimal freshness, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy this dessert cinnamon pie even longer, it freezes beautifully! Wrap it well in plastic wrap, then a layer of aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to reheat your frozen cinnamon pie, the best method is to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can gently warm individual slices in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soft. Enjoy your perfectly preserved pie! For more tips on preserving food, consider looking into food preservation techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cinnamon Pie

Can I substitute the spices in this cinnamon pie recipe?

You can certainly adjust the spices in this cinnamon pie! While the 3 tablespoons of cinnamon are key for that signature flavor, feel free to add a pinch of ginger or cardamom for complexity. If you’re making a spiced apple cinnamon pie, you’d obviously add more apple-friendly spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

What kind of pie crust is best for this cinnamon pie?

For this easy cinnamon pie, a standard 9-inch unbaked pie crust works perfectly. Whether you use a store-bought one for a quick cinnamon pie or a homemade flaky crust, it provides a delicious base for the creamy filling. A gingersnap cinnamon pie crust would also be a fun, flavorful twist!

Why is my cinnamon pie filling not setting?

If your homemade cinnamon pie filling isn’t setting, it might be due to underbaking or not chilling it long enough. Ensure the center is still slightly jiggly when you remove it from the oven, as it continues to set while cooling. Proper chilling for at least 3-4 hours is also crucial for achieving that perfect custard texture in your cinnamon sugar pie.

Can this simple cinnamon pie recipe be made vegan?

Adapting this sweet cinnamon pie to be vegan would require substitutions for the cream cheese, eggs, heavy cream, and butter in the crust. You could use vegan cream cheese, a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, plant-based cream, and vegan butter for the crust. It would likely change the texture slightly but could still be delicious! For other vegan options, explore vegan recipes.

Variations of Cinnamon Pie You Can Try

This delightful cinnamon pie recipe is a fantastic starting point, and I love experimenting with different twists! Whether you’re looking for a dietary adaptation or a new flavor profile, there are so many ways to make this dessert your own. Here are a few ideas to inspire your next baking adventure.

Spiced Apple Cinnamon Pie: Fold in about 1 cup of thinly sliced, peeled apples into the cinnamon pie filling before baking. You might want to slightly increase the cinnamon and add a pinch of allspice to complement the apples beautifully.
Cinnamon Crumb Pie: For an extra layer of texture and flavor, prepare a simple streusel topping (flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold butter) and sprinkle it over the pie during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.
Gingersnap Cinnamon Pie: Swap out the traditional pie crust for a homemade gingersnap crust! Crush about 1.5 cups of gingersnap cookies, mix with a few tablespoons of melted butter and a pinch of sugar, then press into your pie plate and bake briefly before filling.
Dairy-Free Cinnamon Pie: Easily make this a dairy-free dessert cinnamon pie by using a dairy-free cream cheese alternative, full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based creamer, and ensuring your pie crust is also dairy-free.