Cranberry Pie is a delightful blend of tart and sweet that dances on your taste buds like it just won the culinary lottery. Picture this: a buttery crust cradling a luscious filling, bursting with bright, ruby-red cranberries, and kissed with a hint of citrus. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone wondering if you’ve secretly turned into a pastry wizard overnight.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cranberry Pie
- How to Make Cranberry Pie
- <strong>Perfecting Cranberry Pie Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch to Cranberry Pie</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating Cranberry Pie</strong>
- <strong>FAQs About Cranberry Pie</strong>
- What is Cranberry Pie?
- How do I make cranberry pie from scratch?
- Can I use frozen cranberries for my cranberry pie?
- What are some variations of cranberry pie?
- <strong>Conclusion for Cranberry Pie</strong>
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you down memory lane. It was Thanksgiving at Grandma’s house, where the air smelled like nostalgia mixed with a dash of cinnamon. As we gathered around the table, the centerpiece was her famous Cranberry Pie, glistening like a jewel. It wasn’t just dessert; it was the grand finale to our family feast and the reason for many fun food fights over who got the last piece. Trust me; once you try this pie, you’ll understand why it deserves a place at every festive gathering. For more inspiration, check out this refreshing lemon bars recipe.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Pie
- This amazing Cranberry Pie offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Ingredients for Cranberry Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cranberry Pie:
- Fresh Cranberries: About 4 cups of tart cranberries bring that signature zing; avoid mushy ones for best results.
- Granulated Sugar: Use about 1 cup to balance the tartness of cranberries perfectly.
- Butter: Two tablespoons of unsalted butter will enrich your filling and add depth to its flavor.
- Lemon Juice: A tablespoon of fresh lemon juice brightens up the flavors and enhances the overall profile.
- Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade crust will serve as your pie’s cozy home; choose wisely!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Cranberry Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Cranberry Pie:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial because no one likes a cold pie – unless it’s winter in Antarctica!
Step 2: Prepare Your Crust
Roll out your pie crust and fit it into a pie dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges—don’t worry; we’ll cover that with flaky goodness later.
Step 3: Mix Your Filling
In a large bowl, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, and butter. Stir until everything is well coated in sugary joy – feel free to taste-test because quality control is key!
Step 4: Pour It In
Carefully pour your cranberry mixture into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly so every bite has that beautiful balance of flavors—no cranberry left behind!
Step 5: Cover It Up
If you have extra pie crust, cut out strips to create a lattice top or simply cover it with another layer of dough. Don’t forget to vent those top crusts; nobody wants an explosion in their oven.
Step 6: Bake It!
Bake your masterpiece in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Keep an eye on it—your nose will tell you when it’s close!
Transfer to plates and serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat that will have everyone begging for seconds!
You Must Know About Cranberry Pie
- This amazing Cranberry Pie offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Perfecting Cranberry Pie Cooking Process
Begin by preparing your crust first, allowing it to chill while you cook the cranberries. Next, simmer the cranberries with sugar and spices until they burst with flavor. Finally, assemble everything and bake until golden brown.
Add Your Touch to Cranberry Pie
Feel free to swap in chopped nuts for added crunch or use different berries like raspberries for a twist. You can also add spices like nutmeg or orange zest to elevate the flavors.
Storing & Reheating Cranberry Pie
Store leftover Cranberry Pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, keeping that crust crisp.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Cranberry Pie
- This amazing Cranberry Pie offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing
Creating a perfect pie might sound daunting, but here are some expert tips to help you shine like a star baker:
– Always taste your cranberry mixture before adding it to the crust; adjust sweetness as needed.
– Ensure your butter is cold when making the crust; this helps create that flaky texture we all crave.
– Avoid overcooking your filling to keep that vibrant cranberry color and juicy texture intact.
I once made this pie for Thanksgiving, and my relatives were so impressed that they thought I’d been secretly attending culinary school! Turns out, it’s all about love and a little bit of patience.
FAQs About Cranberry Pie
What is Cranberry Pie?
Cranberry pie is a delightful dessert that features tart cranberries as the star ingredient. This pie combines fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar, spices, and a flaky crust to create a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Often enjoyed during the fall and winter months, cranberry pie can be served warm or chilled. It’s an excellent addition to holiday feasts, bringing a burst of color and flavor to any table.
How do I make cranberry pie from scratch?
To make cranberry pie from scratch, you will need a simple pie crust, fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, and a few spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Start by preparing the crust in a pie dish. Then, mix the cranberries with sugar and spices before pouring the mixture into the crust. Bake until bubbly and golden brown. Allow it to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor experience.
Can I use frozen cranberries for my cranberry pie?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cranberries for your cranberry pie! Frozen cranberries work well because they maintain their tartness when baked. Just make sure to thaw them before mixing with sugar and spices. Using frozen fruit can also save time during busy holiday preparations without sacrificing taste.
What are some variations of cranberry pie?
Cranberry pie has several tasty variations that can elevate its flavor profile. You might try adding orange zest for a citrusy twist or incorporating apples for extra sweetness. Some recipes even include nuts like walnuts or pecans for added texture. Experimenting with different spices such as ginger or cloves can also create unique flavors in your cranberry pie. For more inspiration, check out this savory rice and sausage recipes.
Conclusion for Cranberry Pie
In conclusion, cranberry pie is a versatile dessert that beautifully balances sweet and tart flavors, making it perfect for festive occasions. Whether you prepare it from scratch using fresh ingredients or opt for simpler methods with frozen ones, this delightful treat is sure to impress guests at any gathering. Remember to explore variations by adding fruits or spices for an even more exciting twist on this classic dessert. Enjoy making your own delicious cranberry pie!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Cranberry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Cranberry Pie is a seasonal delight that marries tart and sweet flavors in a buttery crust. With fresh cranberries bursting with flavor and a hint of citrus, this pie is the perfect showstopper for any holiday table. Ideal for gatherings, it captures the essence of fall and winter festivities, making it an unforgettable dessert that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish and trim excess dough.
- In a bowl, mix cranberries, sugar, lemon juice, and butter until well combined.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into the prepared crust, spreading evenly.
- If desired, add a lattice top or cover with another layer of dough and vent.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (97g)
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg






