The delightful scent of a warm Cranberry Pie wafts through the air, creating an inviting atmosphere that beckons everyone to the table. Picture this: a golden-brown crust cradling tart cranberries, glistening with a hint of sweetness, ready to dance on your taste buds.
Every bite promises a delightful blend of tang and sweetness that reminds you of festive gatherings and cozy family moments. Whether it’s Thanksgiving or just a Tuesday night craving, this pie is sure to elevate any occasion into something truly special.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Pie
- This incredible Cranberry Pie transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly
I once brought this pie to a potluck, and you would have thought I discovered fire! Friends were fighting over the last slice like it was the last cookie in the jar.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cranberries: Look for firm, vibrant berries; they’re tart and lend that signature zing to your pie.
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Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cranberries; don’t skimp on it!
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All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening; sift it well for a smoother texture.
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Baking Powder: Helps create a light, fluffy filling; be sure it’s fresh for best results.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter for better flavor control; it adds richness to the crust.
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Eggs: These bind everything beautifully while adding moisture; room temperature eggs work best.
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Vanilla Extract: A splash elevates flavor profiles; choose pure extract if possible.
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Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and depth; use freshly grated nutmeg if available.
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Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade): Choose your favorite crust option; both work wonderfully here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cranberry Pie
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your pie dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse two cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. Remove any damaged berries and pat them dry with a kitchen towel.
Mix Filling Ingredients: In a bowl, combine cranberries, sugar (about one cup), flour (half cup), baking powder (one teaspoon), cinnamon (one teaspoon), and nutmeg (a pinch). Stir until the cranberries are well coated.
Create the Pie Crust Layer: Roll out your pie crust on a floured surface and fit it into your greased pie dish. Trim any excess edges but leave enough for crimping later.
Add Filling to Pie Crust: Pour the cranberry mixture into your prepared crust evenly. Spread it out gently but firmly, ensuring all those lovely berries are nestled in nicely.
Bake Your Pie!: Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it—if things get too brown too quickly, cover with foil.
Let cool slightly before slicing into wedges and serving warm or at room temperature. The aroma alone will have everyone thinking they’ve wandered into a bakery!
Enjoy it plain or accompanied by whipped cream—a perfect way to complement those vibrant flavors!
Now you’ve created not just a dessert but an experience filled with laughter and joy as friends gather around!
You Must Know About Cranberry Pie
- This showstopping Cranberry Pie delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create the ultimate Cranberry Pie, start by making your crust first. Prepare the filling while it chills in the fridge. Finally, bake the pie until golden brown and bubbly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap cranberries for cherries or blueberries if you’re feeling fruity! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile and make your pie truly unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cranberry pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Pie
- This professional-quality Cranberry Pie relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly
A memorable moment was when my friends took their first bite of my Cranberry Pie; their eyes lit up in pure delight! That feedback made all those hours of trial and error worthwhile.
FAQ
What is the best type of cranberries to use for cranberry pie?
Fresh cranberries provide a tart flavor that balances perfectly with sweetness. If fresh ones are unavailable, frozen cranberries work well too—but remember to thaw them first! The vibrant color also adds visual appeal.
Can I make cranberry pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your cranberry pie a day in advance. Just store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator after baking. This helps meld flavors together beautifully—just like a good family gathering!
How do I prevent my cranberry pie from being too runny?
To avoid a soggy bottom, ensure you cook down your filling slightly before adding it to the crust. Also, consider adding cornstarch or flour to thicken it up nicely without compromising taste.
Can I substitute other fruits in cranberry pie?
Certainly! Apples or pears complement cranberries wonderfully. Mixing berries can also add depth and variety—think raspberry or blueberry combinations that enhance both flavor and color!
Conclusion for Cranberry Pie
In conclusion, mastering the art of Cranberry Pie is all about balancing flavors while embracing creativity. From choosing fresh cranberries to experimenting with spices, every step elevates this delightful dish. Remember to share it with loved ones; nothing beats enjoying delicious food together!
Cranberry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a hint of sweetness, all nestled in a golden-brown crust. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dish perfect for any occasion—from festive holidays to cozy weeknight dinners. With its beautiful presentation and mouthwatering aroma, this pie will impress your guests and become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease your pie dish.
- Rinse cranberries under cold water, remove damaged ones, and pat dry.
- In a bowl, mix cranberries, sugar, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- Roll out the pie crust and fit it into the greased dish. Trim edges as needed.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into the crust evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown on top. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
- Let cool slightly before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For varied flavors, substitute cranberries with cherries or blueberries. Adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg enhances flavor depth. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
