This Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and creamy custard, elevated by a hint of citrusy orange zest. The vibrant ruby-red filling sits atop a flaky, buttery pie crust, making it a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday dessert table.
Not only does it taste heavenly, but it’s also stunning to present. Garnish with sugared cranberries, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Whether for Christmas dinner or Thanksgiving, this pie will be the highlight of your festive celebrations!
Full Recipe:
- 1 refrigerated pie crust or 9-inch deep-dish pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
- 4 cups (480 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
- 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
- 1 tablespoon orange zest (from approximately 2 oranges)
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 350°F (180°C / gas mark 4).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll the pie dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Place the dough into a 9-inch pie pan, trim excess, and crimp edges if desired. Par-bake by lining the crust with parchment paper, adding pie weights, and baking for 10 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Cook the Cranberries: In a saucepan, combine cranberries and orange juice. Cook over medium heat until the cranberries burst (4–5 minutes). Blend until smooth and strain through a fine-mesh sieve. Measure out 2 cups of the strained cranberry puree.
- Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry puree, and orange zest until thick and smooth.
- Bake the Pie: Pour the filling into the pre-baked crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until the center is mostly set with a slight wobble. Use foil or a pie shield to prevent the crust from over-browning.
- Cool and Chill: Let the pie cool on a wire rack for 2 hours, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 5 hours (including cooling)
Kcal: 183 kcal | Servings: 12 servings
Cranberry Custard Pie: A Festive Dessert Perfect for the Holidays
Cranberry Custard Pie is a beautiful and delicious dessert that blends the tartness of cranberries with the creamy richness of custard. Perfect for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, this pie not only tastes exquisite but also looks stunning on a holiday table. Its vibrant red color and luscious texture make it a standout dessert that captures the festive spirit. Let’s dive into why this pie deserves a spot in your holiday menu.
Why Cranberry Custard Pie is a Must-Have Holiday Dessert
This pie is a delightful balance of tangy and sweet. Cranberries bring their signature tartness, which is mellowed by the smooth, sweet custard. The addition of orange zest and juice enhances the flavor with a bright, citrusy note, making it incredibly refreshing and festive. It’s a dessert that appeals to both cranberry lovers and those who enjoy creamy, rich treats. The pie crust is another star element. Whether you opt for a homemade all-butter crust or a store-bought one, its flaky texture provides the perfect contrast to the creamy filling. Par-baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy, which is essential for achieving a well-structured dessert.
A Versatile Holiday Dessert
Cranberry Custard Pie isn’t just limited to Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its flavors and presentation make it suitable for a variety of occasions, from dinner parties to winter gatherings. You can also customize it with additional garnishes like sugared cranberries, rosemary sprigs, or whipped cream to suit your aesthetic preferences. Its adaptability makes it a great dessert to have in your repertoire.
The Beauty of Cranberries in Baking
Cranberries are a quintessential holiday ingredient, and their use in this pie highlights their versatility. When cooked and pureed, cranberries develop a rich, ruby-red hue that gives the pie a visually striking appearance. Their natural pectin content helps thicken the filling, ensuring the custard sets perfectly without being overly dense. The cranberries also provide a unique tartness that balances the sweetness of the custard. Unlike many overly sweet desserts, this pie offers a more sophisticated flavor profile, making it a hit with those who prefer balanced sweetness.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie
Creating a flawless Cranberry Custard Pie may seem intimidating, but with a few tips, you can achieve perfection: 1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and color. If you can’t find fresh cranberries, frozen ones are a great alternative. Similarly, freshly squeezed orange juice adds a brighter flavor compared to bottled options. 2. Puree and Strain the Cranberries: For a smooth filling, pureeing and straining the cooked cranberries is crucial. This step eliminates any gritty texture caused by cranberry skins and ensures a velvety custard. 3. Pre-Bake the Crust: Par-baking the crust is a step you shouldn’t skip. It prevents a soggy bottom and keeps the crust crisp and flaky. 4. Monitor Baking Time: Overbaking can cause the custard to curdle or crack. Bake the pie until the center is just slightly wobbly; it will firm up as it cools. 5. Allow Proper Cooling: This pie needs adequate time to cool and set. Refrigerate it for at least four hours, or better yet, overnight, for clean slices and enhanced flavors.
Garnishing Ideas to Elevate Your Presentation
The presentation of a Cranberry Custard Pie is almost as important as its taste. Here are a few garnishing ideas to make your pie look as stunning as it tastes: – Sugared Cranberries and Rosemary: These elements add a frosted, festive look. The cranberries glisten like jewels, while the rosemary sprigs resemble snow-dusted pine branches. – Whipped Cream Swirls: Piping whipped cream around the edges adds elegance and balances the tartness of the cranberries. – Fresh Fruits: Pomegranate seeds, raspberries, or red currants complement the cranberries and add visual appeal. – Sprinkles or Powdered Sugar: Holiday-themed sprinkles or a dusting of powdered sugar create a whimsical touch.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Cranberry Custard Pie is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tart cranberries, creamy custard, and buttery crust work together to create a dessert that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The addition of citrus elevates the dish, making it feel fresh and festive. This pie is also highly forgiving. Even if you’re new to baking custard pies, the recipe is straightforward, and with a bit of practice, you can master it. The key lies in following the baking and cooling steps carefully, ensuring the custard sets properly and the crust remains crisp.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert
One of the best aspects of Cranberry Custard Pie is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes better when it has had time to chill and set in the refrigerator. Preparing it a day or two in advance not only saves you time on busy holiday mornings but also enhances the flavors as they meld together. When ready to serve, simply add your garnishes and let the compliments roll in. This make-ahead feature makes it ideal for holiday gatherings where every moment counts.
Storage and Freezing Tips
If you have leftovers (though that’s rare!), the pie stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days. Cover it loosely with foil or plastic wrap to keep it fresh. For longer storage, the pie can be frozen. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap, and store them in an airtight container. Frozen pie slices can be thawed in the refrigerator overnight, retaining their flavor and texture.
A Dessert That Brings People Together
There’s something magical about a dessert that brings people together, and Cranberry Custard Pie does just that. Its bold flavors and beautiful presentation make it a conversation starter at any gathering. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Conclusion: A Recipe Worth Trying
Cranberry Custard Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of holiday flavors and the joy of baking. Its tart cranberries, creamy custard, and flaky crust come together to create a harmonious and unforgettable treat. Easy to prepare and versatile to present, this pie is a must-have for any holiday occasion. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let this festive pie become a tradition in your home.