This Cranberry Apple Pie is a warm and fruity delight that combines tart cranberries with sweet apples. The golden crust just adds to the charm!
Just imagine enjoying a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. Trust me, it’ll make you feel all cozy inside! 🍏🍰
I love how the mix of tart and sweet flavors makes this pie special. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare—perfect for both beginners and pie lovers alike!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp is my go-to. The tartness of Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the Honeycrisp beautifully. If you can’t find these, feel free to use any apples you enjoy, just stick to a mix of sweet and tart!
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries add a lovely tartness, but frozen ones work just as well—no need to thaw them first! If cranberries aren’t available, consider using cherries or blueberries for a different twist.
Sugars: Granulated and brown sugar combo gives great depth. You can swap brown sugar for coconut sugar if you’re looking for a more natural sweetener, though it will alter the flavor slightly.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth to the pie. For a different flavor, try using allspice or ginger. Just be careful with quantities to not overpower the other flavors!
How Do I Get a Beautiful Lattice Crust?
Creating a lattice crust can be tricky but it’s worth it for the stunning look! Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into 1-inch wide strips. A pizza cutter or sharp knife works perfectly.
- Start by laying out four strips parallel across your filled pie—these will be your base.
- Lift the second strip of dough, place a new strip underneath, then lay it back down. Repeat with the others, alternating where you lift and where you lay down.
- If you’re unsure about doing it right, you can always make it simpler by placing the strips in a crisscross pattern instead of weaving!
Don’t stress about making it perfect. The rustic look adds character to your pie!
Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pie Crust:
- 1 package (14 oz) refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust for top and bottom)
For The Filling:
- 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For Topping:
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for topping)
Estimated Time to Make:
This delicious Cranberry Apple Pie will take you about 30 minutes for preparation, and then you’ll need around 1 hour to bake. Plus, don’t forget to let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving. Total time: approximately 3 hours including cooling. Perfect for a cozy evening or gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pie Crust:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, roll out one pie crust and fit it gently into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the crust in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling—this will help keep it flaky!
2. Make the Fruit Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples and cranberries. In a separate small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This mixture will give your fruit a lovely flavor and help thicken the juices. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the fruit, then drizzle the lemon juice and vanilla extract over the top. Toss everything gently until the fruit is well coated.
3. Assemble the Pie:
Pour the fruit mixture into the chilled pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter—this adds richness! Next, roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. Create a beautiful lattice top by weaving the strips over and under one another across the pie.
4. Finish Before Baking:
Trim any excess dough from the edges and seal the pie crust by pressing the edges together. You can flute them for a decorative touch. Beat the egg and brush it over the lattice crust to give it a lovely golden color as it bakes. Don’t forget to sprinkle some coarse sugar on top if you want that extra sparkle!
5. Baking Your Pie:
Place the pie in the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil to protect them.
6. Cooling and Serving:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the filling set up nicely so it slices beautifully when you serve it!
Now, slice a piece, serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’d like, and enjoy your delicious homemade Cranberry Apple Pie! It’s sure to be a hit! 😊
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! A mix of tart and sweet apples works best. Try using Granny Smith for tartness combined with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a balanced flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Cranberry Apple Pie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results, or in the microwave for a quick warm-up!
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie up to a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just allow it to come to room temperature before baking for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Cranberries?
If fresh cranberries aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries without thawing them first. Alternatively, cherries or blueberries can be great substitutes for a fruity twist!