If you are looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holidays, this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe is a must-try! It combines the tartness of cranberries with a creamy custard, creating a stunning pie that is perfect for any festive occasion. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday party, this pie will impress your guests and leave them wanting more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavor: This cranberry custard pie is bursting with seasonal flavors, making it the perfect holiday treat.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream or fresh fruit.
• Stunning Presentation: The vibrant color of cranberries makes this pie visually appealing on any dessert table.
• Leftover Friendly: This pie stores well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy it for days after baking.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this cranberry custard pie, having the right tools is essential. Here are some key items you’ll need to make this recipe a breeze.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie pan
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Immersion blender
• Fine-mesh sieve

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie pan: A deep-dish pie pan ensures your filling has enough space to set properly.
• Immersion blender: This tool makes pureeing the cranberries easy and ensures a smooth texture for your filling.

this recipe

Ingredients

For this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe, gather the following ingredients:

• refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-in pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 cups / 480 g / 17 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from approx. 2 oranges)

How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4. This step ensures that your pie cooks evenly and thoroughly.

Step 2: Roll Out Pie Crust

Roll the refrigerated pie dough into a 12 in / 30 cm circle on a lightly floured work surface. Turn the dough about a quarter after every few rolls and add more flour as needed to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Line Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-in / 23 cm deep-dish pie pan. Tuck it in with your fingers, ensuring it’s smooth. Trim the extra overhang with a small, sharp knife. Flute the edges with your fingers or crimp with a fork if desired.

Step 4: Par-bake Pie Crust

Line the pie crust with parchment paper and tin foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, evenly distributing them around the dish. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove weights, foil, and parchment paper and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Cranberries

Combine cranberries and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Continue cooking until most berries have burst, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Strain Cranberries

Use an immersion blender to puree the cranberries. Press through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pot to catch the strained mixture. Measure out 2 cups of cranberry puree.

Step 7: Mix Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry mixture, and orange zest. Whisk until everything is well combined and thick.

Step 8: Bake Pie

Pour cranberry custard filling into pre-baked crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the center is nearly set. If needed, cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Start checking at minute 25.

Step 9: Cool

Once cooked, place on a wire rack to cool for about 2 hours.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, for best results.

Step 11: Decorate

Garnish your cranberry custard pie with sweetened whipped cream, fresh cranberries, red currants, sugared rosemary, or snowflake sprinkles as desired.

Step 12: Store

Cover leftovers and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Cranberry custard pie is a delightful dessert that shines at any gathering. Whether for the holidays or a family dinner, serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate its deliciousness.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened whipped cream: A dollop of sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture that complements the tartness of the cranberries.
• Flavored whipped cream: Try adding vanilla or orange zest to your whipped cream for an extra layer of flavor.

With Fresh Fruits

• Cranberries: Scatter fresh cranberries on top for decoration and a burst of freshness.
• Red currants: Their tangy taste pairs well with the sweetness of the pie, adding vibrant color.

With Ice Cream

• Vanilla ice cream: The classic choice that balances the pie’s tartness with its creamy sweetness.
• Coconut milk ice cream: A dairy-free option that offers a tropical touch to this traditional dessert.

With Fruit Sauces

• Orange sauce: A drizzle of orange sauce enhances the citrus notes in the pie, making each bite more refreshing.
• Berry coulis: A mixed berry coulis adds a tart contrast, enriching the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

To achieve the ultimate cranberry custard pie, consider these helpful tips that ensure great results every time.

• Use fresh cranberries: Fresh berries yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones, enhancing the overall quality.
• Room temperature eggs: Using egg yolks at room temperature helps create a smoother filling, ensuring even baking.
• Pre-bake crust properly: Par-baking your crust prevents sogginess and ensures it holds up against the custard filling.
• Check doneness carefully: Keep an eye on your pie during baking. A small wobble in the center is a sign it’s perfectly set without overcooking.
• Cool completely before refrigerating: This step avoids condensation forming on your pie, which could affect its texture.
• Garnish just before serving: Adding toppings right before serving keeps them fresh and visually appealing, making your dessert even more enticing.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Pairing side dishes with cranberry custard pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some suggestions that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Spiced Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup offers comforting flavors that match well with the festive notes of cranberry pie.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances out the sweetness of the pie, providing a nice contrast in taste.
3. Apple Salad with Walnuts: A refreshing salad with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts brings added texture and freshness to your meal.
4. Caramelized Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes roasted with caramelization provide a rich and sweet side that echoes the flavors in your dessert.
5. Honey-glazed Carrots: These tender carrots add a touch of sweetness while their vibrant color brightens up your table setting.
6. Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can provide savory notes and textures that beautifully offset the sweetness of cranberry custard pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a cranberry custard pie can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly.

• Skipping the par-baking step: Failing to par-bake your crust can lead to a soggy bottom. Always pre-bake to give it structure before adding the filling.
• Not measuring cranberries accurately: Using too many or too few cranberries can affect the pie’s flavor and consistency. Measure carefully for the best results.
• Overmixing the filling: Whisking too much can incorporate air, leading to cracks in your custard. Mix just until combined for a smooth texture.
• Ignoring cooling times: Cutting into the pie too soon may cause it to fall apart. Let it cool completely before serving for best texture.
• Using low-quality juice: The flavor of orange juice is crucial in this recipe. Use fresh-squeezed juice for a vibrant taste that enhances the filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and then foil for best protection against freezer burn.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the cranberry custard pie recipe.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before cooking.

What can I substitute for sweetened condensed milk?

You could use evaporated milk mixed with sugar as an alternative if you want a different sweetness level.

How do I know when my cranberry custard pie is done?

The center should be almost set but slightly wobbly when you take it out of the oven. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I customize my cranberry custard pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spices like nutmeg or cinnamon or substitute lemon juice for orange juice for a different flavor twist.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry custard pie recipe is not only festive but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various fruits or spices to suit your taste. Try making this delightful dessert at your next gathering; it’s bound to impress!

Print

Cranberry Custard Pie

---

• Author: Adeline
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that embodies the spirit of the holidays, this Cranberry Custard Pie is an essential addition to your festive table. Combining the tartness of cranberries with a creamy custard, this stunning pie is sure to impress your guests at any gathering. Whether served warm or chilled, garnished with whipped cream or fresh fruit, this pie makes for a visually appealing and delicious treat that everyone will love. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors for days after baking.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 refrigerated pie crust or deep 9-inch pie shell
• 4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon orange zest

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Par-bake for 20 minutes.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cranberries and orange juice until simmering; cook until cranberries burst.
4. Puree cranberries using an immersion blender and strain to measure out 2 cups of puree.
5. In a bowl, mix sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry puree, and orange zest until combined.
6. Pour filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until nearly set.
7. Cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 112g)
• Calories: 295
• Sugar: 37g
• Sodium: 85mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like nutmeg or cinnamon into the filling. Garnish with fresh fruits or flavored whipped cream just before serving for a stunning presentation.