cranberry apple pie recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
cranberry apple pie recipe
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The Best cranberry apple pie recipe

I’ve been making cranberry apple pie for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet apples is a perfect balance of flavors. The pie crust is flaky and buttery, and the filling is just the right amount of sweetness without being too overpowering.

My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is always a fun one to make together. We like to serve it at family gatherings, especially during the holidays. It’s also a great dessert to have on hand for a weeknight treat.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s actually good for you, too – the cranberries are full of antioxidants and the apples provide a good source of fiber. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, so even novice cooks can give it a try. I like to use fresh cranberries for this recipe, but frozen will do in a pinch.

The key to making this pie is getting the filling just right – not too runny, not too thick. It’s all about finding that perfect balance between the two ingredients. Once you’ve got that down, you can’t go wrong.

I’ve experimented with different types of sugar in this recipe over the years – some people swear by using honey or maple syrup – but I find that good old-fashioned white sugar works just fine. Of course, if you’re feeling fancy, you could try using some chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top of the pie before baking… but let’s be real, it’s all about that filling.

Cranberry Apple Pie

Cranberry Apple Pie

4.7 from 680 votes

A classic double-crust pie filled with tart cranberries and sweet apples. The filling is spiced with cinnamon and orange zest for a bright, festive flavor.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time55 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr 25 mins
Servings: 8Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
6-8 tbsp ice water

For the Filling

3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
4 cups peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp orange zest
2 tbsp orange juice
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For the Egg Wash

1 large egg
1 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1Make the pie crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
2Add cold butter cubes and cut in with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter pieces.
3Drizzle 6 tablespoons of ice water over the mixture and stir with a fork until the dough begins to come together, adding more water a tablespoon at a time if needed.
4Divide dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
5Preheat oven to 400°F.
6In a large bowl, combine cranberries, sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange zest, and orange juice.
7Toss until fruit is evenly coated.
8Let the filling sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
9On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to a 12-inch circle, about 1/8-inch thick.
10Gently transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it into the bottom and sides.
11Trim the overhanging edges to about 1/2 inch beyond the rim.
12Pour the fruit filling into the crust and dot with the small pieces of butter.
13Roll out the second disc of dough to a 12-inch circle.
14Place it over the filling.
15Trim the edges to 1/2 inch beyond the rim, then fold the top crust under the bottom crust and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork.
16Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
17In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to make an egg wash.
18Brush the top crust with the egg wash.
19Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
20Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits.
21If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield.
22Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
23This allows the filling to set properly.
24Serve warm or at room temperature.

🔧Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Rolling pin
Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or fork
Plastic wrap
Baking sheet
Pastry brush
Sharp knife or kitchen shears

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 11g❤️Cholesterol: 55mg🧂Sodium: 300mg🌾Total Carbs: 62g🥦Dietary Fiber: 4g🍬Sugars: 35g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a deeper flavor, toast the spices in a dry pan for 1 minute before adding to the filling. If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first. The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Watch Video Of How Cranberry Apple Pie Works

This cranberry apple pie recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just need a tasty dessert for weeknights. It’s also super easy to store and reheat when you need it later on down the line.

If you’re looking for some ideas on how to serve this pie, try slicing it up into wedges or squares – either way works great! If you’re feeling fancy, you could even top it with some whipped cream or ice cream…

but honestly? It’s perfect just as is.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cranberry Apple Pie

Q: What type of sugar should I use in this recipe?

White sugar is your best bet for this recipe – it dissolves nicely into the filling and provides a nice sweetness without overpowering the other flavors.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Sure thing! Just be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the filling.

Q: Is there anything I can substitute for apples in this recipe?

Nope! Apples are an essential part of this recipe – they provide a nice texture and flavor contrast to the tart cranberries.

Q: How long does it take to make this pie from scratch?

Around an hour or so – depending on how quickly you can get your filling mixed up!

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Sure thing! You can assemble the pie and refrigerate it overnight before baking it off in the morning.

Q: Do I need any special equipment to make this pie?

Nope! Just your average kitchen gear like a mixing bowl and baking sheet will do just fine.

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