Cranberry Custard Pie

The Cranberry Custard Pie is the ultimate dessert for any festive occasion, especially Christmas and Thanksgiving. The combination of tangy cranberries, creamy custard, and bright citrus makes every bite a holiday delight. With its vibrant red hue and luscious filling, this pie doesn’t just taste amazing—it’s a showstopper on the dessert table.

Perfect for preparing ahead of time, this recipe is as practical as it is stunning. The flaky crust and smooth custard complement each other beautifully, making it an irresistible treat for guests and family alike. Add your favorite festive garnishes like sugared cranberries or whipped cream, and let this pie shine as the centerpiece of your holiday spread!

Full Recipe:

  • Refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-inch pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
  • 4 cups (480 g) cranberries (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) orange juice (preferably freshly squeezed)
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 6 large egg yolks (at room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from approximately 2 oranges)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Prepare pie crust: Roll out the pie crust into a 12-inch circle on a floured surface. Line a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, trim the excess, and flute the edges. Par-bake the crust: line with parchment, fill with pie weights, and bake for 10 minutes. Remove weights and bake an additional 10 minutes.
  3. Cook cranberries: Combine cranberries and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the cranberries burst.
  4. Puree and strain: Blend the cranberries and press through a fine-mesh sieve. Measure 2 cups of puree.
  5. Mix filling: In a mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry puree, and orange zest. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Bake pie: Pour the filling into the crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is set but slightly wobbly. Cover the crust edges if browning too quickly.
  7. Cool and refrigerate: Cool the pie for 2 hours on a wire rack, then chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  8. Decorate: Garnish with whipped cream, sugared cranberries, rosemary, or festive sprinkles before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 183 kcal per slice | Servings: 12 slices

The Perfect Holiday Dessert: Cranberry Custard Pie

Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of custard, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that’s perfect for any festive occasion. Whether it’s a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or a dessert offering for Thanksgiving, this pie has all the hallmarks of a seasonal favorite: vibrant colors, zesty citrus undertones, and an indulgent, silky texture.

This pie is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight, with its ruby-red cranberry layer beautifully contrasting with the golden custard filling. It’s the kind of dessert that not only tastes amazing but also elevates the aesthetic of your holiday table.

Why Cranberry Custard Pie Stands Out

Cranberries are often associated with the holiday season, but their tartness can sometimes overpower other flavors. This recipe balances the cranberries’ natural tang with the creamy sweetness of custard and the bright, aromatic zest of oranges. The combination ensures every bite is refreshing yet indulgent, making it a dessert that appeals to a wide range of palates.

The texture of this pie is another reason it stands out. The buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect base for the smooth custard and the rich cranberry puree. Together, these layers create a symphony of textures that’s satisfying and memorable. It’s the kind of dessert that has people reaching for a second slice, even after a hearty holiday meal.

A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

While Cranberry Custard Pie is a holiday classic, its versatility makes it suitable for various occasions. Its refreshing citrus notes and balanced sweetness mean it can be enjoyed beyond the holiday season. It’s a great dessert for winter gatherings, potluck dinners, or any celebration that calls for a dessert that’s both elegant and comforting.

Additionally, the recipe is customizable. You can experiment with different crusts, such as graham cracker or Biscoff cookie crust, to add new dimensions of flavor. You can also incorporate spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm, spiced variation. These tweaks allow you to adapt the pie to your taste preferences or make it a unique signature dessert.

Ease of Preparation

One of the best things about this Cranberry Custard Pie is that it’s relatively easy to make, even for those who might not be seasoned bakers. While it involves a few steps—such as par-baking the crust and preparing the cranberry puree—none of them are overly complicated. With a bit of patience and attention to detail, you can achieve a pie that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

What’s more, this pie is a great make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it a day or two in advance, giving it plenty of time to chill and set. This makes it an excellent choice for busy holiday schedules, where you can focus on other dishes knowing that dessert is already taken care of.

Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and oranges yield the best flavor and vibrant color. While frozen cranberries can be used in a pinch, the tartness and brightness of fresh ones are unmatched.
  • Pre-Bake the Crust: Par-baking the crust ensures it stays flaky and doesn’t get soggy when the custard filling is added. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture.
  • Strain the Cranberry Puree: To achieve the smooth, velvety texture of the custard, strain the cranberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve. This removes any seeds or fibrous bits, leaving you with a silky filling.
  • Chill Before Serving: Allow the pie to chill in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. This helps the custard set properly and makes slicing easier.

A Feast for the Eyes

Cranberry Custard Pie isn’t just delicious; it’s also stunning to look at. The vibrant red of the cranberry layer, the creamy yellow of the custard, and the golden brown crust create a visually striking dessert. To enhance its presentation, you can garnish the pie with whipped cream, sugared cranberries, and sprigs of sugared rosemary. These decorative touches add a festive flair and elevate the pie to showstopper status.

Adding elements like snowflake sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar further enhances the holiday vibe. These little details make the pie not just a treat for your guests’ taste buds but also a highlight of your holiday decor.

Healthier Alternatives and Adjustments

If you’re looking to make the recipe a bit lighter, there are options to adjust the ingredients without compromising flavor. For instance, you can use low-fat sweetened condensed milk or opt for a whole-grain pie crust for added fiber. For those avoiding refined sugar, natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey can be used to sweeten the cranberry puree.

This recipe can also be adapted for dietary preferences. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust. If you want to make it dairy-free, plant-based condensed milk and butter substitutes work well. These adjustments make Cranberry Custard Pie accessible to a broader audience, ensuring everyone at the table can enjoy a slice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Holiday Spirit in Every Bite: The combination of tart cranberries, sweet custard, and zesty citrus captures the essence of the holiday season.
  • Make-Ahead Convenience: Preparing the pie in advance saves you time and reduces stress during holiday gatherings.
  • Customizable: From crust options to flavor additions, this pie can be tailored to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
  • Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and festive garnishes make this pie a centerpiece-worthy dessert.

Conclusion: A Festive Treat to Remember

Cranberry Custard Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. From its bold flavors to its stunning presentation, this pie encapsulates everything that makes the holiday season special. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or colleagues, it’s sure to impress and delight.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance—between tart and sweet, creamy and flaky, simple and elegant. It’s a dessert that embodies the joy and warmth of the season, making it a tradition you’ll look forward to year after year. Add Cranberry Custard Pie to your holiday repertoire, and watch it become a beloved part of your festive celebrations.

Leave a Comment