Introduction
Easy Cranberry Apple Pie is the perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet apples, creating a delightful pie that is both comforting and refreshing. The bright, fruity filling is encased in a buttery, flaky crust, making each slice a memorable treat. This pie is easy to make and versatile, whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a cozy dinner, or as an after-dinner dessert.
One of my favorite parts about this pie is the balance of flavors. The cranberries give a tangy contrast to the sweet apples, while a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the depth of taste. I remember baking it for the first time during Thanksgiving, and the response was immediate—it quickly became a staple in our dessert spread. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, making it a perfect choice for fall or winter.
What’s great about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can make this pie from scratch without stress. You can also tweak the recipe to your liking—adding a drizzle of caramel, or perhaps a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, once you bake this Easy Cranberry Apple Pie, it will soon become a favorite in your holiday baking rotation.
Perfect for:
- Holiday desserts like Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Family gatherings or potlucks
- A cozy weekend dessert
- Any occasion needing a sweet, fruity treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect Balance of Flavors:
- The harmonious combination of sweet, juicy apples and tart, vibrant cranberries creates a mouthwatering filling that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
- Simple and Quick:
- With minimal prep and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this pie without any hassle, making it a go-to dessert even on busy days.
- Flaky, Buttery Crust:
- Whether you opt for a homemade crust or a store-bought shortcut, the golden, buttery layers provide the perfect crispy contrast to the soft, luscious filling.
- Festive and Special:
- The inclusion of cranberries adds a holiday-inspired touch, making this pie a standout dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory occasion.
- Versatile Serving Options:
- Enjoy this delightful pie on its own, or elevate it further with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, or even a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Servings: 8–10 slices
- Calories per Serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling:
- 5–6 cups tart apples, peeled and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 ½ cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 5–7 tablespoons ice water
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
Ingredient Highlights
- Apples: Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in the filling.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are ideal for their tartness, but frozen cranberries work as well.
- Butter: Adds flavor and a flaky texture to both the crust and filling.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg create warm, comforting notes that complement the fruit perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Pie Crust:
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, mix the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough starts to come together.
- Form the Dough: Gather the dough into a ball, split into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Prepare the Pie Filling:
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, toss together the apple slices, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice until the apples and cranberries are coated well.
Assemble the Pie:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out one of the dough discs on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add the Filling: Transfer the rolled-out dough into the pie dish, pressing gently to fit the edges. Pour the apple-cranberry filling into the prepared crust, spreading evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Trim the edges, and crimp them to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Apply Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk to give it a golden, glossy finish.
Bake and Finish:
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake for 55-65 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
- Cool the Pie: Let the pie cool for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the filling to set.
How to Serve
- Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair it with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Perfect for the holiday table or as a casual weeknight dessert.
Additional Tips
- Apple Varieties: Mixing apple varieties can enhance the flavor profile, adding both sweetness and tartness to the filling. Consider combining Granny Smith apples with honeycrisp or Gala for balance.
- Avoid a Watery Filling: Make sure to toss the apples and cranberries with the sugar and flour before adding to the crust to help absorb excess moisture.
- Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out makes it easier to handle and results in a flakier crust.
- Cover the Edges: If the edges of the pie crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent over-baking.
Recipe Variations
- Cranberry Pear Pie: Substitute some of the apples for ripe pears for a richer, more mellow flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use non-dairy butter and a dairy-free milk (such as almond milk) in the egg wash to make this pie completely vegan.
- Gluten-Free Pie: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this pie gluten-free.
- Streusel Topping: Instead of a top crust, you can use a streusel topping made from oats, sugar, flour, and butter for a crumbly, crunchy finish.
- Cranberry Orange Pie: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the filling for a fresh citrus twist.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: To freeze, prepare the pie but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from the freezer, adding 15-20 minutes to the baking time.
- Storage: Store leftover pie in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Special Equipment
- 9-inch Pie Dish: A standard pie dish provides an even baking surface for the filling.
- Pastry Cutter or Fork: For cutting the butter into the flour to make a flaky pie crust.
- Rolling Pin: Used to roll out the dough into evenly sized discs.
FAQ Section
- Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought crust can be used if you prefer convenience, but homemade dough adds a special touch. - Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Fresh cranberries are ideal, but you can use dried cranberries if needed. Just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the filling to rehydrate them. - Can I skip the top crust?
Yes, if you prefer a more rustic look, you can opt for a crumbly topping instead of a full top crust. - How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. The juices should be visible through the slits on the top crust.
Conclusion
Easy Cranberry Apple Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples for a perfectly balanced flavor. With its buttery, flaky crust and vibrant fruit filling, it’s a great choice for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any time you crave a comforting treat. The contrast between the tangy cranberries and tender apples makes each bite memorable.
This pie is not only easy to make but also highly customizable. Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, or incorporate a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s sure to impress and satisfy every sweet tooth.
Bake a pie today and fill your home with the irresistible scent of a fresh, fruity dessert! Be sure to share a picture on Instagram and tag me—let’s celebrate your delicious creation. Happy baking!