Cranberry Custard Pie: A Sweet and Tangy Holiday Treat

There’s something magical about the combination of creamy custard and tart cranberries in a perfectly baked pie. This Cranberry Custard Pie is a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. With its rich, velvety filling and vibrant cranberry topping, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or just because you’re craving something spectacular.

Why You’ll Love Cranberry Custard Pie

Imagine slicing into a pie with a flaky crust, a creamy custard filling, and a tangy-sweet cranberry sauce topping. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors, from the smooth custard to the zesty cranberries. It’s festive, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a beginner, this pie will make you look like a pro.

Ingredients for Cranberry Custard Pie

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful dessert:

Custard Pie

Ingredient	Quantity
Refrigerated pie crust	1
Large eggs	4
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Heavy cream	1 1/4 cups
Whole milk	1 1/4 cups
Vanilla extract	2 tsp
Almond extract	1 tsp
Sea salt	1/2 tsp
Ground nutmeg	1/2 tsp

Cranberry Sauce

Ingredient	Quantity
Fresh cranberries (12 oz bag)	1
Granulated sugar	1 cup
Orange juice	2/3 cup
Water	1/3 cup
Cinnamon	1 tsp
Vanilla extract	1 tsp
Orange zest	From 1 orange

Garnish (Optional)

Ingredient	Purpose
Sanding sugar	For sparkle
Fresh cranberries	Decoration
Mint leaves	Decoration
Orange zest	Decoration

Nutritional Information (Per Slice)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~310
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	34g
Fats	18g
Fiber	2g

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cranberry Custard Pie

Step 1: Pre-Bake the Pie Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.
2. Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate and crimp the edges.
3. Add pie weights to prevent the crust from puffing up and bake for 10 minutes.
4. Remove the weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes, until the crust is lightly browned.
5. Let the crust cool on the counter for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard Filling

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
2. Add the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
2. Depending on the depth of your pie plate, you may not use all the filling. Be sure not to overfill.
3. Sprinkle the top of the filling with ground nutmeg.

Step 4: Bake the Custard Pie

1. Tent the pie loosely with foil to prevent the crust from browning too quickly.
2. Bake for 35 minutes, then remove the foil.
3. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. The pie will be slightly jiggly but set.

Step 5: Cool the Pie

• Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, approximately 1 hour.

Step 6: Make the Cranberry Sauce

1. Combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, mashing the berries as they soften.
3. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Stir in the vanilla extract and orange zest. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 7: Add the Cranberry Topping

1. Once the pie is cool, spoon the warm cranberry sauce evenly over the custard.
2. Sprinkle sanding sugar over the top for sparkle, if desired.

Step 8: Garnish and Refrigerate

1. Decorate with fresh cranberries, mint leaves, and additional orange zest for a festive touch.
2. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie

1. Use Fresh Cranberries
   Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture for the sauce.
2. Don’t Skip Pre-Baking the Crust
   Pre-baking ensures the crust stays crisp under the custard.
3. Tent the Pie
   Tenting with foil prevents the crust from over-browning while the custard bakes.
4. Cool Completely
   Let the pie cool fully before adding the cranberry topping to avoid a runny custard.
5. Chill for Best Results
   Refrigerating the pie for a few hours enhances the flavors and makes slicing easier.

Creative Variations

1. Add a Streusel Topping
   Sprinkle a crumbly streusel over the cranberry sauce for added texture.
2. Coconut Twist
   Replace some of the milk with coconut milk and top with toasted coconut flakes.
3. Chocolate Custard
   Add melted white or dark chocolate to the custard for a luxurious twist.
4. Spiced Cranberry Sauce
   Use star anise or cloves in the cranberry sauce for a warm, spiced flavor.
5. Cranberry-Lime
   Swap the orange juice and zest with lime for a zesty, tropical flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
• Paired with Coffee: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the pie perfectly.
• As a Holiday Dessert: Serve it as the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving or Christmas table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overfilling the Crust
   Too much custard can overflow during baking.
2. Skipping the Cooling Step
   Adding cranberry sauce to a warm pie can cause the custard to become runny.
3. Underbaking the Custard
   Ensure the custard is set in the center before removing it from the oven.
4. Using a Cold Crust
   Pre-bake the crust to prevent it from becoming soggy.
5. Forgetting the Garnish
   Simple garnishes like orange zest or fresh cranberries add a festive touch.

FAQs About Cranberry Custard Pie

1. Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. No need to thaw them before cooking.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

4. Can I freeze this pie?

While the custard may not freeze well, you can freeze the cranberry sauce separately and assemble the pie fresh.

5. What’s the best way to slice the pie?

Use a sharp knife dipped in warm water to cut clean slices.

6. Can I use a homemade crust?

Yes! A homemade crust adds an extra layer of flavor and flakiness.

A Final Word on Cranberry Custard Pie

This Cranberry Custard Pie is the perfect blend of creamy, tart, and sweet. It’s a dessert that looks stunning on the table and tastes even better. Whether you’re making it for a holiday or a weekend treat, it’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends.

Ready to Try This Recipe?

Gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to bake a pie that will wow your taste buds and brighten any occasion!

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