Description
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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Ingredients
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.
Instructions
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!
Notes
- 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!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Cuisine: American