Introduction to Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
With Christmas right around the corner, you’d swear the air had been scented with cinnamon and baking. Of course, there’s one pie in particular that I always make for the holidays- the *Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie*. This delicious concoction combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, making it an instant hit with everyone. Whether you’ve got a hectic family schedule or are entertaining the pie is your solution. More than a dessert, it’s a warm embrace from the oven, warmly shared to create cherished memories with the dearest people.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
This *Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie* truly shines for its simplicity and flavor. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a festive dessert that looks as stunning as it tastes. It’s quick to prepare and bakes beautifully, making it perfect for busy moms or professionals. Plus, the delightful blend of sweet and tart will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, this pie is sure to impress!
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
Before we dive into baking, let’s gather the star players for our *Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie*. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Fresh Cranberries: Their tartness adds a zesty twist to sweet apples, bringing brightness to each bite.
- Diced Apples: I prefer Granny Smith for their crisp texture and tangy flavor, but feel free to mix in your favorites!
- Granulated Sugar: A sweet touch that balances the tart cranberries and enhances the flavors of the apples.
- Cornstarch: This helps thicken the filling, ensuring it stays together when you slice into your pie.
- Ground Cinnamon: A warm spice that evokes nostalgic holiday vibes, it pairs beautifully with both apples and cranberries.
- Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch enhances the depth of flavor and adds a cozy aroma to your pie.
- Lemon Juice: This brightens the filling and mellows the sweetness, keeping the flavors fresh.
- Pie Crusts: You can use store-bought for convenience or try your hand at homemade for a personal touch.
- Egg (for egg wash): A quick brush on the crust gives it a lovely golden finish—so tempting!
Don’t worry; if you need exact quantities, I’ve included those at the bottom of the article for easy printing. Happy gathering of ingredients!
How to Make Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
Now that we’ve gathered everything we need, it’s time to dive into making this irresistible *Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie*. Let’s tackle this step by step, ensuring every detail contributes to a pie overflowing with flavor.
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Preheating is crucial; it helps the crust to rise and become wonderfully flaky. While the oven heats up, you can prepare your ingredients. It’s like getting the stage ready before the star performance!
Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, diced apples, granulated sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently until everything is well coated and evenly mixed. The sugar will start to draw out the juices from the fruits, making it even more flavorful. Trust me, the smell alone will have everyone gathering in the kitchen!
Prepare the Pie Crust
Next, roll out one pie crust carefully. Make sure the dough is about an inch larger than the pie dish you’re using. Gently fit the rolled crust into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring there are no tears. This crust is your canvas for the delicious filling. If you’re feeling adventurous, try crimping the edges for a rustic look!
Fill the Pie
Now for the fun part! Pour the flavorful filling into the prepared crust. Spread it evenly, making sure every bite will have a great balance of sweet apples and tart cranberries. You’ll know it’s perfect when it starts to mound a little in the center.
Top the Pie
Roll out the second crust and carefully place it over the filling. Don’t forget to seal it! Crimp the edges together with your fingers or use a fork for a decorative touch. Now, make a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape—this will prevent a soggy pie. Finally, brush the top with a beaten egg for that gorgeous golden sheen.
Bake the Pie
Transfer the pie to your preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown and the filling is bubbling inside. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil. The excitement of watching your pie bake is one of my favorite moments of the holiday season!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s baked to perfection, let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes. This cooling time allows the juices to set, preventing a messy slice. When you’re ready to serve, cut it into wedges. It’s delightful on its own, but if you want to amp up the indulgence, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Trust me; it’s pure bliss.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor—frozen can work, but they might be mushy.
- Don’t rush the cooling process; allowing it to cool helps with slicing.
- For a unique twist, add a tablespoon of orange zest to the filling.
- If you’re short on time, store-bought pie crusts save the day.
- Keep an eye on the pie while it bakes—ovens can vary!
Equipment Needed
- 9-inch pie dish: A basic glass or ceramic dish works well.
- Mixing bowl: Any size will do, just make sure it’s sturdy!
- Rolling pin: If you don’t have one, a clean bottle can work in a pinch.
- Pastry brush: A regular brush or your fingers can do the job too.
- Sharp knife: Essential for slicing both the dough and the pie.
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for a delightful crunch. It complements the apples and cranberries beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular pie crust with a gluten-free version. There are many great ready-made options available.
- Spiced Up: Incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of allspice or cloves for a spice blend that brings extra warmth to your pie.
- Vegan Twist: Use a plant-based butter for the pie crust and replace the egg wash with a milk alternative for a golden finish.
- Berry Mix: Combine apples with other berries like blueberries or raspberries for a colorful and flavorful twist.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a creamy contrast.
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream enhances the pie’s flavors.
- Pair with a spiced chai or hot apple cider for a cozy drink.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color.
FAQs about Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
Can I use frozen cranberries in this pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be aware that thawed berries might be a tad mushy, so adjust your baking time accordingly!
How do I store leftover Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Just reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave for a tasty treat later!
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re up for it, homemade pie crust adds a personal touch. You can easily Google a simple pie crust recipe or use my grandmother’s recipe if you’d like!
Is this pie suitable for a vegan diet?
You can make this pie vegan by using plant-based butter in the crust and replacing the egg wash with a milk alternative for a beautiful finish on top.
What can I serve with Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie?
This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a warm drizzle of caramel sauce. Pair it with a glass of spiced cider or tea for a festive beverage!
Final Thoughts on Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
The *Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie* captures the essence of the festive season, wrapping every bite in warmth and love. As the tartness of the cranberries dances with the sweetness of the apples, it creates a delightful symphony of flavors that’s perfect for gathering around the table. This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a cherished tradition waiting to happen. Whether served at family celebrations or quiet nights in, it delivers joy in every slice. I hope this recipe brings moments of happiness and togetherness into your holiday festivities, just as it has in mine. Happy baking!
Print
Apple Cranberry Holiday Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and festive pie combining the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Combine cranberries, diced apples, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Stir until evenly incorporated.
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it is evenly placed.
- Pour the prepared fruit filling into the crust-lined dish.
- Roll out the second crust and place it over the filling. Seal and crimp the edges to secure the filling.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape. Brush the surface with the beaten egg to achieve a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For an extra touch, sprinkle some additional cinnamon on top before baking.
- This pie can be served warm or cold.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
