Apple Cranberry Pie

If you love the warm, spiced flavors of apple pie but want a tart twist, this Apple Cranberry Pie is the perfect dessert! Sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples and tangy cranberries come together in a buttery, flaky crust for a holiday-worthy treat. Whether you’re making it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just because, this pie is sure to impress!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet & Tart Balance – The apples bring natural sweetness, while the cranberries add a tangy kick.
• Warm & Spiced – Hints of cinnamon and nutmeg make it extra cozy.
• Perfectly Flaky Crust – Buttery and golden, the crust is just as good as the filling!
• Holiday Favorite – A stunning pie for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Filling:

• Apples (4 cups, peeled and sliced, about 4-5 apples) – Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best.
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (1 ½ cups) – Adds tartness and a pop of color.
• Sugar (¾ cup) – Balances the tart cranberries.
• Brown Sugar (¼ cup, packed) – Adds a caramel-like richness.
• All-Purpose Flour (¼ cup) – Helps thicken the filling.
• Cinnamon (1 tsp) – Warm and aromatic.
• Nutmeg (¼ tsp) – Adds depth to the spice profile.
• Salt (¼ tsp) – Enhances all the flavors.
• Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens the fruit flavors.
• Vanilla Extract (1 tsp) – A hint of sweetness.
• Butter (2 tbsp, cut into small cubes) – Melts into the filling for extra richness.

For the Pie Crust:

• Pie Crust (2, store-bought or homemade) – One for the bottom and one for the top.
• Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water, beaten) – Helps create a golden crust.
• Coarse Sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top) – Adds a slight crunch and sweetness.

Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry brush
• Knife for slicing apples

How to Make Apple Cranberry Pie

Step 1: Preheat & Prep

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, trimming any excess.

Step 2: Make the Filling

• In a large bowl, toss together the apples, cranberries, sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
• Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

• Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust.
• Dot the top with small cubes of butter.
• Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. You can do a full crust, a lattice pattern, or use decorative cutouts.
• Seal the edges by crimping with a fork or your fingers.
• Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar (if using).

Step 4: Bake the Pie

• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
• Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
• If the crust browns too quickly, tent it with foil after 30 minutes.

Step 5: Cool & Serve

• Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the ultimate dessert!

What to Serve with Apple Cranberry Pie

• Vanilla Ice Cream – Classic and creamy.
• Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy.
• Caramel Sauce – Drizzle for an extra indulgent touch.
• Hot Coffee or Tea – Complements the warm spices perfectly.

Tips for the Perfect Pie

• Use a Mix of Apples – Combining sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor.
• Cold Butter = Flaky Crust – Keep your butter and crust cold for the best texture.
• Let It Cool Before Slicing – This prevents a runny filling.
• Make It Ahead – The pie tastes even better the next day!

Storing & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Use ¾ cup of dried cranberries and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the filling.

What’s the best apple variety for this pie?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great because they hold their shape and add the perfect balance of tart and sweet.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the pie up to 24 hours ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Conclusion

This Apple Cranberry Pie is a festive, flavorful dessert that brings together the best of sweet and tart flavors in a flaky, golden crust. Whether for a holiday table or a cozy weekend treat, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 340 | Carbohydrates: 55g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 14g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 250mg

Try this delicious pie today, and don’t forget to share your pictures! Happy baking!

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