There’s something magical about the aroma of a freshly baked cranberry apple pie wafting through your home, filling every nook and cranny with warmth and comfort. Picture this: warm, buttery crust cradling sweet-tart apples and juicy cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Just thinking about it brings a smile to my face! For more inspiration, check out this Decadent Peanut Butter Brownies recipe.
I remember the first time I whipped up this delightful dessert for Thanksgiving. My family gathered around the table, eyes sparkling with anticipation as I pulled my masterpiece from the oven. Little did I know that I had just created a holiday tradition that would be passed down for generations. Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad The laughter and joy shared over each slice made it clear that this was no ordinary pie; it was a celebration of love, togetherness, and the irresistible allure of cranberry apple pie. Cranberry Feta Bowtie Salad.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cranberry apple pie is easy to prepare, making it ideal for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike
- Its sweet-tart flavors create a delightful balance that pleases everyone at the table
- Visually stunning, it showcases vibrant red cranberries nestled among golden apples
- Perfect for holidays or cozy family dinners; it’s versatile enough to serve year-round!
Sharing dessert with loved ones is always special; I’ll never forget my niece’s delighted squeal when she took her first bite!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Avocado Chicken Salad recipe.
- Fresh Cranberries: Choose plump, vibrant cranberries; they add a beautiful tartness and stunning color.
- Apples: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for depth of flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweeten your filling while balancing the tartness of the cranberries; adjust based on personal preference.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon enhances warmth and comfort in every bite; it’s a must-have in this recipe! Cinnamon Pull Rolls.
- Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade; both work beautifully but homemade adds an extra touch.
- Butter: A couple of tablespoons will bring richness to your filling while helping it bind together nicely.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps your apples from browning too quickly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, wash your cranberries thoroughly and peel, core, and slice your apples into thin wedges.
Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with fresh cranberries. Sprinkle granulated sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and toss until everything is well-coated. The colors should pop beautifully in the bowl.
Roll Out Your Pie Crust: If you’re using homemade dough, roll out half to fit into your pie dish. Gently lift it into place without stretching it too much—it should hug those edges like an old friend.
Add Filling & Top Crust: Pour in your fruity filling evenly over the crust. Roll out your second pie crust to cover the top; you can cut slits for steam vents or go full-on fancy with lattice work!
Bake It Up: Place your pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on it—the heavenly smell will tempt you before it’s done!
Cool Before Serving: Once baked to perfection, remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes. This allows juices to set up nicely—trust me; you don’t want a soupy pie!
Now go ahead and slice yourself a generous piece of that tantalizing cranberry apple pie! Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an irresistible treat everyone will adore! Pumpkin Spice Buddies.
You Must Know
- When making cranberry apple pie, balance the tartness of cranberries with sweet apples for flavor harmony
- Ensure your crust is perfectly flaky by chilling it before use
- The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, making everyone eager to taste this treat
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by prepping the filling while the pie crust chills in the fridge. This ensures a flaky base and allows flavors to develop in the filling.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to add cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the filling’s flavor. You can also experiment with different apple varieties for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a mixture of tart and sweet apples for depth of flavor
- Avoid overcooking cranberries; they should burst but not turn mushy
- Always let the pie cool before slicing to set the filling properly
I remember the first time I made cranberry apple pie; my family devoured it, asking for seconds and thirds! It was a hit that sparked many more baking adventures together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for cranberry apple pie?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw them before using in the recipe.
What type of apples are best for this pie?
Mix Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a perfect sweet-tart combination.
How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the crust slightly before adding the filling to keep it crispy and delicious.
Cranberry Apple Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Description
Cranberry Apple Pie is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, featuring a buttery crust enveloping juicy apples and vibrant cranberries. This classic dessert fills your home with an irresistible aroma, making it perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. With its stunning visual appeal and comforting taste, this pie is sure to become a cherished tradition in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 4 cups mixed apples (2 cups Granny Smith, 2 cups Honeycrisp), sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 tbsp butter, diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Wash cranberries and slice apples.
- In a bowl, combine apples, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
- Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish. Add the fruit filling evenly.
- Top with another layer of crust; cut slits for steam vents or create a lattice top.
- Bake on a baking sheet for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
- Let cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider mixing in nutmeg or trying different apple varieties. To prevent a soggy crust, slightly pre-bake the bottom layer before adding filling.