Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is a delightful treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Picture this: a buttery pie crust cradling a creamy, dreamy layer of sweetened cream cheese topped with tart, juicy cranberries. Then there’s the crumbly pecan topping, adding a lovely crunch. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures!
Whether you’re hosting a family brunch, bringing a dish to a bake sale, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this pie is a winner. It’s easy to whip up, but it looks and tastes impressive. Plus, its inviting scent fills your kitchen, coaxing everyone to come together. Who wouldn’t want to share a slice of happiness?
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
This recipe is approachable and straightforward. You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to pull it off! Just follow these steps and enjoy the process. You’ll find yourself smiling as you mix and measure, creating something special.
Ingredients
– 1 pre-made pie crust
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
– 1/2 cup sugar (for cranberries)
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1/4 cup butter, melted
Directions
1. **Preheat the oven** to 350°F (175°C). This step warms up your kitchen and gets you ready for the baking magic about to happen.
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Mix the cream cheese layer. In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend until smooth. The result should be creamy and dreamy! Spread this mixture evenly over the pie crust, right up to the edges.
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Prepare the cranberries. In another bowl, toss the cranberries with the additional 1/2 cup of sugar. This sweetens them up beautifully, balancing the tartness. Layer the sugared cranberries on top of the cream cheese layer. Don’t be shy – pile them on!
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Make the crumb topping. In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter. Use your fingers or a fork to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture over the cranberries, covering them generously.
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Bake the pie. Place your masterpiece in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and you can see the cranberries bubbling up. Your kitchen will smell absolutely delicious.
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Cool and serve. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for a little while before slicing. It’s tempting to dig in right away, but waiting will enhance the flavors!
How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
This pie is great served warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level. For a cozy gathering, slice it on a pretty dessert platter and watch as friends and family gather around for a taste.
Consider serving it with a cup of hot cocoa or a spiced cider. The warmth of the drinks enhances the pie’s flavors. It’s all about creating that inviting, homey atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and appreciated.
How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
If you happen to have leftovers (though we can’t promise that), storing them is simple. Cover your pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about three to four days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can eat it cold or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to warm it up.
If you want to save some for later, you can freeze slices, too! Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They should keep well for about three months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to indulge again.
Tips to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
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Don’t skip the vanilla. It may seem like a small ingredient, but vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors. Choose a pure vanilla extract for the best taste.
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Experiment with nuts. While pecans add a lovely flavor and crunch, feel free to switch things up. Walnuts or almonds can also work beautifully in the crumb topping. Just make sure they are chopped finely so they mix well together.
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Be mindful of sweetness. Check the sweetness of your cranberries, especially if using frozen ones. Adjust the sugar accordingly. Some cranberries are tarter than others, and balancing that sweetness is key to a delicious outcome.
Variation
Feel free to get creative! You can swap out cranberries for other berries like blueberries or cherries. Simply adjust the sugar based on how sweet your chosen fruit is. If you’re feeling adventurous, adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cream cheese layer will spice things up a bit.
Pro Tips for Success
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Soften the cream cheese fully. It’s best to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. Cold cream cheese can be tricky to mix and might leave lumps.
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Cover your edges. If you notice the edges of your pie crust browning too much while baking, loosely cover them with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes. This will prevent them from burning.
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Cool completely before slicing. Allowing the pie to cool helps the layers set. This will make for cleaner slices and a prettier presentation. Plus, it gives the flavors some time to meld together beautifully.
Serving Ideas
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Brunch Spread: Slice the pie into small squares for a delightful addition to a brunch buffet. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad and fluffy pancakes for a feast everyone will love.
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Weekend Family Treat: Make it a family baking day! Get the kids involved and turn it into a cherished weekend tradition. Sharing the pie after a fun day together will create lovely memories.
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Dessert with Friends: Host a game night or movie marathon and serve this pie alongside a selection of favorite desserts. It’ll be the star of the show, bringing everyone together in cozy delight.
FAQs
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Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the pie a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
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What if I can’t find fresh cranberries? No worries! Frozen cranberries work just as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.
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Is it okay to use a homemade crust? Definitely! A homemade pie crust will add a personal touch. Just be sure to pre-bake it a bit before adding the cream cheese mixture for the best results.
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How can I make it gluten-free? Use a gluten-free pie crust and substitute the flour in the crumb topping with a gluten-free blend. It will still come out delicious!
Quick Recap
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is a lovely, straightforward recipe perfect for any occasion. It combines sweet and tart flavors in a cozy pie that instantly warms the heart. I encourage you to bake this pie this weekend – you’ll be glad you did! Gather your loved ones, fill your kitchen with its delightful aroma, and create sweet memories that will last long after the pie is gone. Enjoy your baking adventure!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Ingredients
Pie Base
- 1 piece pre-made pie crust Store-bought or homemade
Cream Cheese Layer
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Make sure it's at room temperature for easy mixing
- 1/2 cup sugar For the cream cheese layer
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla extract for best flavor
Cranberry Layer
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries If using frozen, thaw and drain excess moisture
- 1/2 cup sugar For sweetening the cranberries
Crumb Topping
- 1 cup pecans, chopped Can substitute with walnuts or almonds
- 1/2 cup flour Can use a gluten-free blend if necessary
- 1/4 cup butter, melted Use unsalted for a balanced flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- In another bowl, toss the cranberries with 1/2 cup sugar. Layer the cranberries on top of the cream cheese layer.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped pecans, flour, and melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle over the cranberries.
Baking
- Bake the pie for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and cranberries are bubbling.
- Let the pie cool on a wire rack before slicing.