Cranberry custard pie has a special place in my heart, especially during the holidays. I remember my aunt making this exact old fashioned cranberry custard pie for Thanksgiving every year, and the aroma of sweet, tart cranberries mingling with creamy custard filled our entire house. It’s that comforting smell and the perfect balance of flavors – that lovely cranberry pie with custard filling – that makes it my go-to festive dessert. This recipe is so simple, yet it always impresses everyone. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Custard Pie
- An incredible balance of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy custard
- Super quick prep time means less time in the kitchen
- A relatively healthy dessert option with natural fruit and protein
- Budget-friendly ingredients make it accessible for any occasion
- This easy cranberry custard pie is a guaranteed family favorite
- Perfect for Thanksgiving and other holiday gatherings
- It’s an elegant yet simple dessert that looks beautiful
- You’ll be amazed at how simple this easy cranberry custard pie is to make!
Ingredients for Cranberry Custard Pie
Gathering the right cranberry custard pie ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful dessert. You’ll need fresh, vibrant cranberries for that signature tartness, and a good quality sugar to balance them out. The magic truly happens with the custard base, made from simple, wholesome ingredients like eggs, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract. These components come together in a pre-made pie crust, making this an incredibly accessible recipe.
- 2 cups fresh cranberries – washed and picked over
- 1 cup granulated sugar – for sweetness
- 3 large eggs – at room temperature for better emulsification
- 1 cup heavy cream – for a rich, creamy texture
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor profile
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust – your choice of buttery or flaky
How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie
Creating this beautiful cranberry custard pie is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. These cranberry custard pie instructions are designed to make it easy for you to achieve a perfectly baked, delicious dessert. You’ll love the simple steps involved in bringing this festive treat to life!
- Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the pie bakes evenly from the start.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, toss the 2 cups fresh cranberries with the 1 cup granulated sugar. Make sure the cranberries are coated evenly; you’ll notice the sugar starts to glisten on them.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, and 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This creates the luscious custard filling.
- Step 4: Carefully pour the creamy custard mixture into the 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust. Try to pour it gently to avoid splashing the sides.
- Step 5: Evenly spread the sugared cranberries within the custard filling. Arrange them so they are nestled nicely throughout the pie.
- Step 6: Bake the pie for approximately 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set around the edges but still has a slight jiggle in the very center. A knife inserted near the center should come out mostly clean.
- Step 7: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. This cooling period is crucial for the custard to fully set and for the flavors to meld.
- Step 8: Slice and serve your homemade cranberry custard pie warm or chilled. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes it extra special. Following these cranberry custard pie instructions ensures a delightful dessert every time.
Cranberry Custard Pie Baking Tips
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to ensure this cranberry custard pie turns out perfectly. Following these insights can elevate your baking and guarantee a fantastic dessert.
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tartness; if using frozen, don’t thaw them first but add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Don’t overbake the pie! The custard should still have a slight wobble in the center when you remove it from the oven. It will continue to set as it cools.
- For an even more festive look, sprinkle some slivered almonds over the cranberries before baking.
- Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture for a warmer, spiced flavor profile.
What’s the secret to perfect Cranberry Custard Pie?
The secret to a truly perfect and creamy cranberry custard pie lies in not overbaking it. The custard needs to be just set around the edges with a slight jiggle in the center. This ensures it remains wonderfully moist and creamy, not rubbery.
Can I make Cranberry Custard Pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can absolutely prepare this cranberry custard pie a day in advance. Assemble the pie completely and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the pie is cold from the refrigerator.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Cranberry Custard Pie?
A common pitfall is overbaking, which leads to a rubbery custard. Also, ensure your eggs are at room temperature for a smoother, more evenly incorporated filling. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling step; it’s essential for the pie to set properly. For more baking tips, check out general baking advice.
Best Ways to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie
This beautiful cranberry custard pie is a showstopper on its own, but I love taking it a step further with a few simple serving suggestions. Imagine a slice of this perfectly baked pie, still slightly warm, with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast between the tart cranberries, sweet custard, and airy cream is divine. For a truly festive pairing, consider serving it alongside a light vanilla bean ice cream; the coolness complements the rich custard beautifully. It’s a wonderful cranberry and custard dessert that’s perfect for any holiday table or special occasion. You might also enjoy a slice with our pistachio pavlova for a different dessert experience.
Cranberry Custard Pie Nutrition Facts
Understanding the nutritional breakdown of this delightful cranberry custard pie helps you enjoy it guilt-free. Each slice offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a festive dessert without being overly heavy. For more information on the nutritional benefits of cranberries, you can refer to this article on nutritional powerhouses.
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade cranberry custard pie.
How to Store and Reheat Cranberry Custard Pie
Properly storing your delicious cranberry custard pie ensures you can enjoy its delightful flavors for days to come. Once the pie has cooled completely on a wire rack (this usually takes about 2-3 hours), you can begin the storage process. For short-term keeping, place the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will keep your homemade cranberry custard pie fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and tart-sweet balance.
If you want to keep this festive dessert even longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then layer them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, your cranberry custard pie can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. You can then enjoy it chilled, or warm it gently in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This ensures your cranberry custard pie is just as delightful as when it was freshly baked. For other dessert ideas, consider our berry crumble.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Custard Pie
What is the best way to make a creamy cranberry custard pie?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, the key is in the custard base. Ensure you whisk the eggs and heavy cream until completely smooth, and most importantly, don’t overbake! The custard should remain slightly jiggly in the center when you take it out of the oven. It will continue to set as it cools, giving you that delightful creaminess.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer without thawing. Just toss them with the sugar as usual. You might need to add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time, as the frozen berries will release more moisture. This is a great tip for how to make cranberry custard pie year-round!
My custard pie cracked. How can I prevent this?
Cracking often happens due to overbaking or a sudden temperature change. Try baking the pie at a slightly lower temperature, like 325°F (160°C), and place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any drips. Also, ensure you don’t over-whisk the eggs, as too much air can cause it to puff up and then crack. For more tips on preventing baking issues, you can explore dessert recipes.
How do I know when the cranberry custard pie is fully baked?
The pie is ready when the edges of the custard are set and slightly puffed, while the center still has a slight wobble when you gently shake the pie. A thin knife inserted about an inch from the center should come out mostly clean. Avoid baking until the center is completely firm, as this will result in a rubbery texture.
Cranberry Custard Pie Variations You Can Try
I love how versatile this cranberry custard pie is! While the classic recipe is fantastic, there are so many fun cranberry custard pie variations you can explore to suit your tastes or dietary needs. These ideas are simple ways to put your own spin on this beloved dessert.
- Dietary Swap: For a dairy-free version, try substituting the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream. You might also find good results with a plant-based milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken.
- Crust Creations: Don’t limit yourself to a traditional pie crust! Consider a graham cracker crust for a touch of sweetness, or an almond flour crust for a nuttier flavor and a gluten-free option.
- Flavor Boosts: Infuse a little warmth by adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ground ginger to the custard mixture. A splash of orange zest can also complement the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Crumb Topping: For added texture and a delightful crunch, sprinkle a simple streusel topping (flour, sugar, butter, and maybe some oats) over the cranberries before baking.
Cranberry Custard Pie: 1 Amazing Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Custard Pie recipe offers a delightful balance of tart cranberries and sweet, creamy custard baked in a golden crust. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert perfect for holidays or any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar until they are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the custard mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Spread the cranberries evenly within the custard filling.
- Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes, until the custard is set but slightly jiggly in the center.
- Let the pie cool at room temperature before slicing.
- Serve the cranberry custard pie either warm or chilled, ideally with a dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
- For a spiced flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard.
- Sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for added texture.
- Consider using an almond or graham cracker crust for a variation on this cranberry pie.
- Frozen cranberries can be used directly from the freezer; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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