Cranberries are a delightful mix of tart and sweet, making them a favorite during the holiday season. One of my favorite ways to celebrate this flavor is with a rich and creamy Cranberry Custard Pie. This dish combines the unique brightness of fresh cranberries with a smooth custard, nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for Thanksgiving or just a cozy family dinner, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that will warm your heart and your home.
Cranberry Custard Pie
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cranberries Feel free to use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable, but they should be thawed and drained well before use.
- 1 piece pie crust Store-bought or homemade.
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Arrange the cranberries evenly in the pie crust.
- Pour the custard mixture over the arranged cranberries.
Baking
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and the edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy your pie!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Cranberry Custard Pie is all about balance. The sharpness of the cranberries cuts through the luxurious custard, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Not only is this pie delicious, but it’s also straightforward to make. It’s a wonderful way to impress guests without spending all day in the kitchen.
“This pie is the perfect dessert for the holidays! The cranberries add a lovely tartness that complements the creamy custard wonderfully.”
Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or just indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this pie elevates any occasion. Plus, it’s an opportunity to utilize fresh seasonal ingredients.
The Cooking Process Explained
Making Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful journey. It begins with mixing the custard base, followed by arranging fresh cranberries in the pie crust. The simplicity of this recipe allows for a focus on technique, ensuring your custard sets beautifully. It’s perfect for all skill levels, from novice bakers to seasoned pros.
What You’ll Need
To create this wonderful dessert, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Feel free to use frozen cranberries if fresh ones are unavailable, but they should be thawed and drained well before use.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until well combined.
- Arrange the cranberries evenly in the pie crust.
- Pour the custard mixture over the arranged cranberries.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the custard is set and the edges are golden.
- Let cool before serving. Enjoy your pie!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cranberry Custard Pie can be served warm or chilled, making it versatile for any season. A dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar makes for an elegant touch. For a festive look, add some fresh cranberries on top. This pie also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy this delightful pie later, consider freezing it. Wrap the baked pie tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in a preheated oven until heated through.
Practical Cooking Tips
- Make sure to whisk your eggs and sugar thoroughly for a smooth custard.
- For extra cranberries flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the custard.
- To avoid a soggy crust, pre-bake the pie crust for 8-10 minutes before adding the filling.
- If the edges of the pie crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil during baking.
Creative Twists
Try swapping out fresh cranberries for other fruits, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different flavor profile. For a slightly tangy twist, you can also stir in some lemon zest to the custard mixture. Experimenting with spices can also lead to exciting variations; consider using nutmeg instead of cinnamon.
FAQs
Q: How long does it take to prepare this pie?
A: Preparation and baking time is roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, including cooling time.
Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just ensure they are thawed and drained properly.
Q: What dietary restrictions does this recipe accommodate?
A: This recipe contains dairy and eggs. To make it dairy-free, use coconut milk or a non-dairy cream substitute and flax eggs.
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