This cranberry pie is a sweet and tart treat, perfect for any gathering! With a buttery crust and juicy cranberries, it’s sure to brighten up your dessert table.
I love how the tartness of the cranberries mingles with the sweetness. Plus, it makes my kitchen smell amazing while baking. Who needs fancy candles? 😂
What I enjoy most is how easy it is to whip up. Just mix the ingredients, pour it in the crust, and let the oven do the hard work. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are key for that tart flavor. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to remove excess moisture.
Pie Crust: While store-bought crusts save time, homemade crusts can add a personal touch. If you’re short on time, consider using graham cracker crust or even a cookie crust for a different twist!
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar balances sweetness and depth. If you’re looking for a lower-sugar option, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup, but be aware that it will be less sweet.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the pie’s flavor. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can work in a pinch. Just use a little less, as it can be more concentrated.
How Do I Create a Beautiful Lattice Top?
Making a lattice top might seem tricky, but it’s quite easy with a little practice! Here’s a simple approach:
- Roll out the second pie crust to about 1/8 inch thick and cut it into 1-inch wide strips.
- Lay half the strips vertically over the filling, parallel and evenly spaced.
- Fold back every other strip and lay a new strip horizontally across. Unfold the vertical strips back over the new one.
- Repeat, alternating between vertical and horizontal strips until the pie is covered.
- After finishing, trim excess dough and crimp the edges for a polished look.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; homemade is always charming! Plus, a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking adds a nice touch.
How to Make a Tasty Cranberry Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Crust:
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough for top and bottom crust)
For The Filling:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
For The Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry pie takes about 20 minutes of prep time and about 1 hour total baking time. After it cools for 2 hours, it’s ready to serve. So, give yourself around 3 hours to enjoy the entire process from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, turn your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it can warm up while you prepare the pie.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out one of the pie crusts and lay it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to press it down into the corners. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges for a neat finish.
3. Make the Filling:
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir in the water and lemon juice and zest, if you’re using it.
4. Cook the Cranberries:
Add your fresh cranberries to the saucepan and cook over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 8-10 minutes, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. You’ll hear the cranberries start popping—it’s a sign they’re getting soft!
5. Cool the Filling:
Once thickened, remove the cranberry filling from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
6. Fill the Crust:
Carefully pour the cranberry filling into your prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
7. Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out your second pie crust and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Lay these strips over the filling in a lattice pattern, weaving them over and under each other. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; just make it look nice!
8. Seal the Edges:
Crimp the edges of the crust together to seal in all that yummy filling. You can use your fingers or a fork to do this.
9. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush this mixture over the lattice crust to give it that beautiful golden color when it bakes.
10. Sugar Sprinkle:
Sprinkle a bit of granulated sugar over the crust. This adds a nice touch and a little crunch!
11. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
12. Cool the Pie:
Take the pie out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up your beautifully baked cranberry pie and enjoy it plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect delicious treat!
Enjoy your vibrant, perfectly tart cranberry pie with a flaky, golden lattice crust! Happy baking! 🍰
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How Should I Store Leftover Cranberry Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The pie will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can also freeze slices for up to 2 months—just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil!
How Do I Avoid a Soggy Pie Crust?
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake the bottom pie crust (blind bake) for about 10 minutes before adding the cranberry filling. This helps set the crust before baking it with the filling.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance! Just bake it and let it cool, then cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to serve, you can warm it up slightly in the oven, if desired.
