If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both comforting and a little whimsical, look no further than Cranberry Custard Pie Delight. This delightful blend of tart cranberry sauce and creamy custard creates a pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Having baked this pie numerous times for family gatherings and holiday celebrations, I assure you it will have your guests asking for seconds!
Why Make This Recipe
- Taste Sensation: The tartness of the cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the custard, creating a dessert that’s more than just a treat—it’s an experience.
- Seasonal Appeal: This pie shines during the holiday season, making it a beautiful and festive centerpiece for your table.
- Nutritional Boost: Cranberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, adding a nutritional punch to your dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: With accessible pantry staples like eggs, sugar, and milk, this pie is easy to whip up without special shopping trips.
- Family Favorite: Personally, I adore making this pie because it’s a delightful way to incorporate seasonal berries into a traditional custard base.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Baking
This deceptively simple recipe combines a pre-baked pie crust with a luscious cranberry custard filling, resulting in a dessert that looks as impressive as it tastes.
My Experience Making This Recipe
When I first attempted this pie, I underestimated how much work involved preparing the cranberry sauce. I learned quickly that allowing the sauce to cool before adding it to the custard prevents curdling. Each subsequent pie I’ve made has turned out smoother, proving that it’s worth taking the time to prep properly!
How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie Delight
Start by pre-baking your pie crust until it’s golden brown—this helps prevent a soggy bottom. Next, prepare your cranberry filling by cooking fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar until they pop and release their juices. Blend this down to a sauce, cool it, and fold it into a rich custard mixture made with eggs, sugar, and cream. Pour everything into the crust and bake until it sets and turns lightly golden. The result will be a creamy, tart delight that’s sure to please!
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best, but if they’re not available, frozen cranberries work just as well—just don’t thaw them before cooking.
- Crust Perfection: For a flaky crust, avoid overworking the dough. You want to mix just until it comes together.
- Cool Your Filling: Always allow your cranberry sauce to cool before mixing it with the custard. This prevents the eggs from cooking prematurely.
- Test for Doneness: The pie is ready when the center has a slight jiggle, like a custard but is not overly wobbly.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Rich cream and farm-fresh eggs significantly enhance the flavor of your custard filling.
How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie Delight
Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream complements it beautifully. For added flair, garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves. This pie is perfect for Thanksgiving dessert tables or as a cozy winter evening treat.
Storage and Reheating Guide
To store your Cranberry Custard Pie Delight, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it—just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn. To reheat, simply place individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm the entire pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Dietary Adaptation: Substitute a gluten-free pie crust to make this pie gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use almond or coconut milk in place of regular milk and cream for a dairy-free version.
- Flavor Twist: Add a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry filling for a citrusy kick.
- Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract into the custard mixture for added depth of flavor.
Nutritional Highlights
Cranberries are a low-calorie fruit packed with antioxidants, making this pie not only a treat but a healthful snack as well. Each slice offers vitamin C and dietary fiber, enriching your dessert experience. It’s always good to keep portion sizes in mind, especially with rich desserts—one slice is plenty!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Soggy Bottom: Ensure your pie crust is fully baked before adding the filling. Weigh it down while baking to keep it from bubbling.
- Curdled Custard: If your custard separates, it’s likely due to high heat. Make sure to bake at the recommended temperature and monitor closely.
- Filling Not Setting: If your custard never sets, it may need more time in the oven—don’t be afraid to give it a few extra minutes if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A store-bought crust is a convenient time-saver, and many options are available that taste great. -
What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cranberries?
Frozen cranberries are a perfect substitute—just remember to cook them directly from frozen without thawing. -
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is finished when the edges are firm and the center has a slight jiggle, similar to a custard. It will continue to set as it cools. -
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this pie can be made up to a day ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
The Cranberry Custard Pie Delight is a wonderful twist on traditional desserts and a joy to share with friends and family—take the time to try it, and you won’t be disappointed!
Cranberry Custard Pie Delight
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful blend of tart cranberry sauce and creamy custard, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Pre-bake the pie crust until golden brown.
- Cook cranberries with sugar until they pop and release juices, then blend into a sauce.
- Allow the cranberry sauce to cool.
- Fold the cooled cranberry sauce into a mixture of eggs, cream, and vanilla.
- Pour the custard mixture into the pre-baked crust.
- Bake until set and lightly golden.
Notes
Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Garnish with fresh cranberries or mint leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 85mg