Cranberry Custard Pie: A Festive Delight

This Cranberry Custard Pie recipe is a delightful twist on classic custard pie, offering a vibrant tartness from cranberries that perfectly complements the creamy, rich custard filling. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any time you crave a festive and satisfying treat. This recipe isn’t just about the taste; it’s about the experience of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The aroma of baking pie crust and the comforting warmth of the custard filling will transform your kitchen into a haven of holiday cheer. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is designed to guide you every step of the way, resulting in a pie that’s sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds singing! Imagine the perfect balance of sweet and tart, the smooth, creamy custard, and the buttery, flaky crust. This Cranberry Custard Pie is the culmination of all those desires and more.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

This Cranberry Custard Pie isn’t just another dessert; it’s an experience. Imagine sinking your spoon into a slice of this magnificent pie, the flaky crust giving way to the smooth, velvety custard, the burst of tart cranberry flavor dancing on your tongue. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. But it’s more than just the incredible flavor. This recipe is designed for simplicity and success. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you’ll find the steps easy to follow, with helpful tips and tricks along the way to ensure a perfectly baked pie every time.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion, yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. It’s adaptable too; you can easily customize it to your preferences, perhaps adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling, or using a different type of crust. And let’s not forget the stunning presentation! The vibrant crimson color of the cranberry sauce peeking through the golden crust makes this pie a true centerpiece for any dessert table. It’s a showstopper that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. It’s a recipe that will become a treasured addition to your baking repertoire, one you’ll want to make again and again. Beyond the delicious taste, the act of making this pie is a rewarding experience, a chance to connect with the joy of baking and create something special.

Why You Should Try This Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

In a world of pre-made desserts, there’s something truly special about creating something from scratch. This Cranberry Custard Pie recipe offers you that opportunity, empowering you to bake a delicious and impressive dessert with your own two hands. It’s a chance to impress your family and friends with your baking prowess, creating a homemade treat that tastes far superior to anything store-bought. More than that, the experience of baking is therapeutic and enjoyable. The process of measuring, mixing, and baking is a calming and rewarding activity. And the aroma of a freshly baked pie filling your kitchen is simply irresistible.

This recipe prioritizes ease and clarity. The step-by-step instructions are detailed and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice bakers can achieve stunning results. We provide helpful tips and tricks to avoid common mistakes, guaranteeing a perfectly baked and delicious pie every time. The recipe also offers the flexibility to adapt it to your dietary needs and preferences. Looking for a gluten-free version? We’ve got you covered. Want to experiment with different spices? Go right ahead! This Cranberry Custard Pie recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity, allowing you to personalize it to your liking. Beyond the delicious outcome, making this pie is a journey of satisfaction and accomplishment. The feeling of creating something beautiful and delicious, the pride in sharing your creation with loved ones – that’s the true reward of baking this stunning Cranberry Custard Pie.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils for Your Cranberry Custard Pie

Gathering the right ingredients and tools is crucial for baking a perfect Cranberry Custard Pie. Let’s dive into the specifics:

Ingredients:

• For the Crust:
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for a gluten-free alternative)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cut into cubes (cold butter is key for a flaky crust)
• 1/4 cup ice water (ice-cold water helps prevent gluten development)
• For the Filling:
• 1 (14 ounce) can whole berry cranberry sauce (look for a sauce with minimal added sugar)
• 1 (12 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (softened cream cheese blends smoothly into the filling)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (this helps thicken the custard)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large eggs (ensure they are at room temperature for even baking)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure vanilla extract adds depth of flavor)

Utensils:

• Large bowl (for mixing the crust and filling)
• Pastry blender or your fingers (for cutting the butter into the flour)
• Measuring cups and spoons (for accurate ingredient measurements)
• 9-inch pie plate (for baking the pie)
• Rolling pin (for rolling out the dough)
• Parchment paper (to prevent the crust from burning and for easy removal of weights)
• Pie weights or dried beans (to prevent the crust from shrinking during baking)
• Fork (for pricking the pie crust)
• Whisk (for mixing the filling ingredients)
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for a smoother filling)
• Wire rack (for cooling the pie)
• Plastic wrap (for chilling the dough)

Detailed Recipe Steps for Your Cranberry Custard Pie

Making the Crust:

1. Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. This ensures even distribution of salt throughout the crust.
2. Cut in the cold butter: Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing, as this will make the crust tough. The goal is to have pea-sized pieces of butter distributed throughout the flour.
3. Gradually add ice water: Slowly add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix the dough. Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in a tough crust.
4. Chill the dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the dough allows the gluten to relax and prevents shrinkage during baking.
5. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour, but use sparingly.
6. Transfer to the pie plate: Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate. Gently press the dough into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim and crimp the edges to create a decorative finish. Making a beautiful pie crust is an art, and practice makes perfect!
7. Prick the bottom: Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork several times to allow steam to escape during baking and prevent bubbling.
8. Blind bake the crust: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. This prevents the crust from shrinking and puffing up during baking. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
9. Remove weights and bake further: Remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for another 5-7 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely.

Making the Filling:

1. Beat the cream cheese and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth and creamy. An electric mixer can be helpful here, but you can also use a whisk.
2. Add the dry ingredients: Beat in the flour and salt until well combined.
3. Add the eggs: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps create a smooth and even custard.
4. Stir in the remaining ingredients: Stir in the vanilla extract and cranberry sauce until everything is well combined. Be gentle to avoid overmixing, which can create air bubbles in the filling.
5. Pour into the crust: Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust.
6. Bake the pie: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is set and the edges are lightly golden. The custard is set when it no longer jiggles when you gently shake the pie.
7. Cool completely: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for best results. This allows the custard to fully set and the flavors to meld.

Tips and Variations for Your Cranberry Custard Pie

To elevate your Cranberry Custard Pie, consider these helpful tips and exciting variations:

• For a richer crust: Use a combination of butter and shortening for a flakier, more tender crust.
• Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor.
• Citrus twist: Incorporate a tablespoon or two of orange zest or lemon zest into the filling for a bright, refreshing note.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend specifically designed for pie crusts.
• Vegan adaptation: Use a vegan cream cheese and substitute the eggs with a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan Cranberry Custard Pie. A vegan butter substitute will also be necessary for the crust.
• Make it ahead: This pie can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop further. Store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• Avoid overbaking: Overbaking can result in a dry custard. Start checking for doneness at 45 minutes and use a toothpick or knife to test; if it comes out clean, it’s done.
• Garnish it: Before serving, garnish your pie with fresh cranberries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of elegance. See our Pinterest board for more inspiration.

Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Cranberry Custard Pie

While Cranberry Custard Pie is undeniably a decadent treat, let’s explore the nutritional aspects and potential health benefits of its ingredients:

Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, which help protect against cell damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases. They’re also a good source of vitamin C, supporting immune function. Cream cheese provides calcium and protein, contributing to bone health and satiety. Eggs are excellent sources of protein and essential nutrients like choline, crucial for brain health. However, remember that this pie is high in sugar and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

(Note: Precise nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion size. It is recommended to use a nutrition calculator to determine the exact values for your recipe.)

FAQs about Cranberry Custard Pie

Conclusion: Indulge in the Delight of Cranberry Custard Pie

This Cranberry Custard Pie recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s a journey of culinary creativity and satisfaction. From the flaky, buttery crust to the smooth, tart-sweet custard filling, every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. The detailed instructions ensure a perfect outcome, even for beginner bakers, while the tips and variations allow you to personalize this recipe to your taste. This Cranberry Custard Pie is perfect for special occasions or a simple weeknight indulgence. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your experience in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your beautifully baked Cranberry Custard Pie on social media and tag us. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious moment! For more delicious recipes, check out our other articles like our Crema Catalana recipe or our other delightful recipes.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Custard Pie

A delicious and easy-to-make cranberry custard pie with a buttery crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert, Pie

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Crust Ingredients

• 1.25 cups All-purpose flour
• 0.5 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 cups (1 stick) Unsalted butter chilled and cubed
• 0.25 cups Ice water

Filling Ingredients

• 1 14 ounce can Whole berry cranberry sauce
• 1 12 ounce package Cream cheese softened
• 1 cup Granulated sugar
• 0.25 cup All-purpose flour
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt
• 3 Large eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract

Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate
• Pastry blender or fork
• Mixing Bowls
• Rolling pin
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk

Method

 

Instructions

1. Make the crust: Whisk together flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes.
2. Roll out dough and transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges. Prick bottom with a fork.
3. Line crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
4. Remove weights and parchment paper; bake for 5-7 minutes more, until lightly golden. Cool completely.
5. Make the filling: Beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Beat in flour and salt. Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla.
6. Stir in cranberry sauce until well combined. Pour filling into cooled crust.
7. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until custard is set and edges are golden. Cool completely on a wire rack.
8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use homemade cranberry sauce. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling.