Name: Delightful Cranberry Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh cranberries; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces); 1 tbsp lemon juice

Intro and Brief Recap

Have you ever experienced a dessert that dances on your palate, blending sweet and tart flavors in perfect harmony? The Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe does just that! Imagine sinking your fork into a flaky crust, followed by layers of juicy cranberries and a hint of warmth from spices. This pie is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal centerpiece for festive occasions or cozy family gatherings.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, as I remember baking it with my grandmother during the chilly holiday season. The aroma of tart cranberries mingling with sugar and spices filled her kitchen, creating an atmosphere of warmth and love. Each bite evokes memories of laughter and joy shared around the table with family. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or simply indulging on a weekend, this delightful pie promises to impress your loved ones with its unique flavors and comforting essence.

Key Ingredients For Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries without blemishes; they provide the tartness that defines this pie.
Granulated Sugar: Use white sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries and enhance sweetness.
Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade crust; ensure it’s chilled for easy handling.
Ground Cinnamon: Choose fresh cinnamon for a warm flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the filling, ensuring your pie isn’t too runny when baked.
Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter in your crust for flakiness; it also adds richness to the filling.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances flavor and brightness in the filling.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Instructions For Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

First Step : Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures an even bake once you place your pie in.

Second Step : Prepare Your Pie Crust

Roll out your chilled pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Third Step : Mix The Filling

In a large bowl, combine fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, flour, and lemon juice. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Fourth Step : Fill The Pie Crust

Pour the cranberry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot with small pieces of cold unsalted butter on top of the filling.

Fifth Step : Bake The Pie

Bake in your preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden brown.

Sixth Step : Cool And Serve

Once baked, remove from oven and let cool for at least an hour before slicing. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful touch!

Expert Tips

Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries as frozen ones may lead to excess moisture in the pie.
Chill The Dough: For flakier crusts, chill your dough before rolling it out; this prevents melting during baking.
Taste Your Filling: Adjust sugar based on personal preference by tasting before pouring into the crust; some like it sweeter!

Presentation Ideas

This Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:

Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a rich texture and complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Ice Cream: Serve slices of the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a comforting dessert experience.
Garnishes: Sprinkling powdered sugar on top or adding fresh cranberries as a garnish can enhance the visual appeal.

Nutritional Information

This Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds, but it also offers some nutritional benefits. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to overall health. The combination of ingredients provides a balance of carbohydrates and fats, making it a delightful treat to enjoy occasionally.

Baking Tips for Success

When making this Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe, consider these baking tips to ensure your pie turns out perfect every time.

For best results, use fresh cranberries, as they have more flavor compared to frozen ones. If using frozen cranberries, ensure they are thoroughly thawed and drained before incorporating them into the filling. Additionally, pre-baking the crust slightly helps prevent it from becoming soggy.

Monitor your pie closely while baking; cover the edges with foil if they brown too quickly. Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing will help maintain its shape and make it easier to serve.

Storage Suggestions

To keep your Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its flavor and texture for up to four days.

If you want to keep the pie longer, consider freezing it. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice on demand without losing quality.

FAQs

What makes this Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe unique?

This Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet filling. The combination creates a flavorful dessert that appeals to many palates. Using fresh ingredients enhances the pie’s taste, making it not just a seasonal favorite but also suitable for year-round enjoyment.

Can I substitute other fruits in this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe highlights cranberries, feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries if you prefer sweeter flavors. You can also blend cranberries with apples for added sweetness while retaining that signature tanginess.

How can I adjust the sweetness in the Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe?

If you find that cranberries are too tart for your taste, consider increasing the sugar content slightly in the filling. Alternatively, adding a touch of honey or maple syrup can give you more control over sweetness without overpowering the natural flavor of the cranberries.

Is this pie suitable for special dietary needs?

Yes! You can easily adapt this Delightful Cranberry Pie Recipe for various dietary preferences. Use gluten-free flour for those avoiding gluten or substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like agave nectar for a healthier option. The recipe is quite flexible while remaining delicious!