Easy Cranberry Pie Recipe – Sweet and Tart Homemade Cranberry Pie for the Holidays
This Cranberry Pie is a beautiful dessert that combines bright, tart cranberries with a sweet buttery filling baked inside a flaky pie crust. The filling becomes soft and rich as it bakes, while the cranberries add a delicious burst of flavor in every bite.
Unlike many traditional fruit pies, this homemade cranberry pie has a unique texture. The sweet filling surrounds the cranberries and creates a soft, cake-like layer on top while the berries become tender and juicy underneath. It is simple to make but looks impressive enough for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
If you love this recipe, check out my full collection of cranberry recipes for even more delicious ideas!
Why You Will Love This Cranberry Pie Recipe
- Full of sweet and tart cranberry flavor
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for Thanksgiving and Christmas desserts
- Beautiful presentation for holiday tables
- Uses fresh or frozen cranberries
- Make-ahead friendly for entertaining
- Great alternative to pumpkin or apple pie
- Delicious served warm, room temperature, or chilled
- Buttery filling pairs perfectly with tart cranberries
- Beginner-friendly recipe with simple steps
Ingredients for Cranberry Pie
Pie Crust
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Cranberry Filling
- 4 c fresh cranberries
- 1 1/2 c granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 c unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 c all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Fresh Cranberries
Fresh cranberries provide the best texture and flavor for this pie. Their tart taste balances the sweetness of the filling. Frozen cranberries can also be used. There is no need to thaw them before baking.
Granulated Sugar
The sugar helps sweeten the filling and balances the natural tartness of the cranberries. For a deeper flavor, replace up to 1/2 cup of the sugar with light brown sugar.
Eggs
Eggs help bind the filling together and create the soft, cake-like texture that makes this pie unique. Room-temperature eggs mix more easily into the batter.
Butter
Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the filling. Unsalted butter is recommended so the sweetness and cranberry flavor remain balanced.
Almond Extract
Almond extract adds a subtle bakery-style flavor that pairs beautifully with cranberries. If preferred, replace it with additional vanilla extract.
Pie Crust
Both homemade and store-bought pie crusts work well. A buttery pie crust complements the sweet-tart filling perfectly.
How to Make Cranberry Pie
Prepare the Pie Dish and Crust
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the crust into the bottom and sides of the dish. Fold or crimp the edges as desired. If the crust becomes soft while working with it, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before continuing.
Set the prepared crust aside while you make the filling.
Add the Cranberries to the Crust
Rinse the cranberries thoroughly under cool water and remove any soft or damaged berries. Pat them dry with paper towels.
Spread the cranberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust. Try to create an even layer so every slice contains plenty of berries. The crust should be completely covered with cranberries.
Mix the Sweet Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.
Whisk until the ingredients are fully combined and the mixture becomes smooth. Make sure no dry flour remains at the bottom of the bowl. The batter will be thick but pourable.
Avoid overmixing. Once everything is combined, stop mixing to help keep the filling tender.
Pour the Filling Over the Cranberries
Slowly pour the prepared filling mixture over the cranberries.
Use a spatula to gently spread the batter if needed. The filling should settle around the berries and cover them evenly. Some cranberries may remain slightly visible through the batter, which is completely normal.
Check that the filling reaches all edges of the pie crust for even baking.
Bake Until Golden and Set
Place the pie dish onto a baking sheet to catch any drips during baking.
Transfer the pie to the center rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top is lightly golden brown and the center appears mostly set.
The edges should be firm while the center may have a very slight jiggle when gently shaken. Avoid overbaking, as the filling will continue to set while cooling.
Cool Completely Before Slicing
Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire cooling rack.
Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 2 to 3 hours. This cooling time is important because it allows the filling to finish setting properly.
For the cleanest slices, refrigerate the pie for 1 hour after it has cooled to room temperature.
Slice and Serve
Once cooled, slice the pie using a sharp knife. Wipe the knife clean between cuts for neat slices.
Serve as is or top each slice with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for the Best Cranberry Pie
- Use fresh, firm cranberries whenever possible.
- Measure flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.
- Allow melted butter to cool slightly before mixing with the eggs.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to prevent spills.
- Do not overmix the batter after combining the ingredients.
- Cool the pie completely before cutting.
- Refrigerate before serving for the neatest slices.
- Use room-temperature eggs for a smoother filling.
- Check the pie at the 45-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator.
Cranberry Pie Variations and Add-Ins
- Add 1/2 c chopped pecans for a crunchy texture.
- Stir in 1/2 c chopped walnuts for extra richness.
- Add 1 tsp orange zest for bright citrus flavor.
- Mix in 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon for warmth.
- Add 1/4 tsp nutmeg for a holiday-inspired flavor.
- Fold in 1/2 c white chocolate chips.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before baking.
- Add a handful of dried cranberries for extra texture.
- Mix in finely chopped apples for additional fruit flavor.
- Add a small amount of orange extract for a citrus twist.
What to Serve With Cranberry Pie
- Fresh whipped cream
- Vanilla ice cream
- Cinnamon whipped cream
- Caramel sauce
- Vanilla custard
- Hot coffee
- Hot tea
- Spiced apple cider
- Holiday punch
- Fresh orange slices
- White chocolate drizzle
- Toasted pecans
Cranberry Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Crimp the edges if desired.
- Rinse and dry the cranberries. Spread them evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie crust, making sure the berries are distributed in an even layer.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, melted butter, flour, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt until a smooth batter forms and no dry flour remains.
- Slowly pour the filling mixture over the cranberries. Use a spatula to gently spread the batter so it reaches all areas of the pie.
- Place the pie dish on a baking sheet and transfer it to the oven. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is mostly set.
- Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool completely for at least 2 to 3 hours so the filling can fully set.
- Slice and serve plain or topped with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture.
- Frozen cranberries may be used without thawing.
- Allow the pie to cool fully before slicing.
- Refrigerating the pie before serving helps create cleaner slices.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
This Cranberry Pie Recipe is the perfect combination of sweet, buttery filling and bright tart cranberries. It is easy enough for beginner bakers yet beautiful enough for holiday celebrations. The contrast of flavors and textures makes every bite memorable, while the simple ingredient list keeps preparation stress-free.
Whether you are making a festive holiday cranberry pie, searching for a unique Thanksgiving dessert, or looking for one of the best cranberry pie recipes to add to your collection, this pie is sure to become a family favorite year after year.
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