I remember the first time I made Cranberry Custard Pie. It was a chilly fall afternoon, and the scent of baked goods floated through our cozy home. My grandmother stood beside me, her wise eyes sparkling as she guided my hands. She always told me that cooking is a way to show love, and as I whisked those bright red cranberries into the creamy filling, I could feel that love woven into the very fabric of the dish. This recipe has become a family favorite, a sweet reminder of those warm moments together. Now, I often make it for gatherings, and it brings everyone together, just as it did with my grandmother.

Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Custard Pie stands out not just for its rich flavor but also for its unique balance between sweet and tart. The bright cranberries burst with flavor, while the custard filling offers a creamy backdrop that delights the palate. Every bite provides a moment of joy, making it perfect for any occasion. When you prepare this dessert, you engage not only in cooking but also in creating memories that will linger long after the last slice is gone.

Moreover, this pie is incredibly versatile. You can serve it during the holiday season or make it any time of year to liven up your family meals. The preparation is simple, yet it feels special and indulgent. Cranberry Custard Pie provides a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal fruits, and its beautiful colors make your table sparkle. Your loved ones will look forward to enjoying each bite, and you’ll feel proud to have brought this delightful dish to life.

How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
6 large egg yolks
1 cup orange juice
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp orange zest
Refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-in pie shell

Directions:

To start making your Cranberry Custard Pie, preheat your oven according to the pie crust instructions. If you’re using fresh cranberries, wash and drain them well. After that, take a large mixing bowl and whisk together the egg yolks, orange juice, sweetened condensed milk, and orange zest. Make sure everything combines nicely; this will become the creamy base of your pie.

Now, it’s time to gently fold the cranberries into your mixture. This adds that wonderful tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the custard. Once everything is mixed, pour this lovely mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Next, bake your pie according to the pie crust directions, which usually takes around 45-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set and the top has turned a pleasing golden color. After baking, allow your pie to cool before serving. This cooling step helps the flavors to settle together, creating a delightful experience for every bite.

How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie

Serving your Cranberry Custard Pie brings joy to both you and your guests. It is best enjoyed slightly chilled or at room temperature. This pie makes a perfect dessert after a hearty meal, especially during gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas.

Consider topping each slice with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that extra special touch. You might also sprinkle some orange zest on top to enhance its brightness visually and flavor-wise. For an elegant presentation, serve it alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or hot tea. The warm beverage complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully and adds to the cozy atmosphere surrounding your meal.

When sharing this delightful treat, encourage your loved ones to take their time enjoying it. This pie isn’t just food; it’s a heartfelt gesture, an experience to cherish, and a way to celebrate moments together.

How to Store Cranberry Custard Pie

Storing your Cranberry Custard Pie is easy and can help maintain its wonderful flavors. To keep it fresh, always cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. This will prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge, keeping its taste pure and delightful.

Your pie will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. To do this, wrap the pie tightly in plastic and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When stored this way, it can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. This method will help retain its texture and flavor, ensuring that every bite tastes just as good as the day you baked it.

Tips to Make Cranberry Custard Pie

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, ensure that your eggs and sweetened condensed milk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly, leading to a creamier texture in your custard.
Don’t Overmix: When folding the cranberries into the custard mixture, do so gently. Overmixing can break the cranberries apart and change the texture of your pie, leading to a less pleasing experience.
Check the Doneness: While baking, stick a toothpick into the center of the pie when it nears the end of the baking time. If it comes out clean, the pie is done! If it has a few wet crumbs, give it another 5-10 minutes.
Zest for Zing: Adding orange zest is essential. It elevates the whole flavor profile of the pie, making it bright and fresh. Always use freshly grated zest to achieve the most potent flavor.
Experiment with Spice: For another layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard mixture. This adds a warm, spiced note that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Oven Thermometer: If you often have trouble with baking times, an oven thermometer can help. It ensures that your oven is at the correct temperature, resulting in more consistent baking and perfect custard every time.
Cool Properly: Allow the pie to cool in the pan on a wire rack. This prevents moisture from building up at the bottom, ensuring a crisp pie crust.
Mind the Pie Crust: If you make your own pie crust or prefer a store-bought one, ensure it’s thawed properly. A cold pie crust can lead to a soggy bottom, so bake it according to the instructions for optimal results.

Variation of Cranberry Custard Pie

Chocolate Swirl Variation: For a decadent twist, insert swirls of chocolate ganache into the custard before baking. This adds a rich, chocolatey layer that melts beautifully with each slice.
Nutty Pie Crust: Instead of a regular pie crust, consider making a nut-based crust using ground almonds or walnuts. This will introduce a pleasant crunch and a slightly different flavor that pairs nicely with the custard.
Spiced Pumpkin Addition: For a festive flair, add ½ cup of pure pumpkin puree and a teaspoon of pumpkin spice to the custard mixture. This variation creates a creamy pumpkin and cranberry combination that is perfect for fall.
Cranberry-Apple Delight: Mix equal parts of cranberries and diced apples for a fruity twist. The sweetness of the apples balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly, creating a delightful flavor profile.
Lemon Zest Twist: Swap out the orange zest for lemon zest for a zesty, bright take on this pie. The citrusy flavor will add a refreshing note that complements the cranberries wonderfully.
Holiday Eggnog Variation: Incorporate eggnog into the custard mixture for a holiday touch. Replace half of the milk with eggnog and sprinkle a bit of nutmeg on top before baking, creating a festive, rich dessert.

FAQs Of Cranberry Custard Pie

How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The best way to check is to insert a toothpick in the center of the pie. If it comes out clean, or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as every oven can vary slightly in temperature.

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. There’s no need to thaw them; just toss them straight into the custard mixture. They’ll cook down beautifully, retaining their flavor and tartness.

How do I store leftovers?
Cover the pie with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For longer storage, freeze it. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic and aluminum foil.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just allow it to cool properly before covering. This can save you time on special occasions.

Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
Yes, you can use homemade evaporated milk or regular heavy cream mixed with sugar if you prefer. Just adjust the sweetness according to your taste.

What can I serve with Cranberry Custard Pie?
This pie pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a scoop of frozen yogurt. For added flavor, serve with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea, complementing the deliciousness of the pie remarkably well.

Cranberry Custard Pie

Author: imrane
Total Time: 75 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful pie balancing sweet and tart flavors, perfect for gatherings and special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
6 large egg yolks
1 cup orange juice
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp orange zest
Refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-in pie shell

Instructions

Preheat the oven according to pie crust instructions.
Wash and drain fresh cranberries if using.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together egg yolks, orange juice, sweetened condensed milk, and orange zest until combined.
Gently fold cranberries into the mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
Bake according to pie crust directions (typically 45-60 minutes) until custard is set and top is golden.
Allow the pie to cool before serving to enhance flavors.

Notes

Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra touch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 54g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 200mg

Keywords: pie, dessert, cranberry, custard, Thanksgiving, holiday, sweet, tart