Fall Favorite: Easy Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe 🍎🍂 Perfect for Holidays!

Table of Contents: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of a freshly baked Cranberry Apple Pie wafting through the kitchen. This festive dessert combines the sweet juiciness of apples with the bright tang of cranberries, all wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this apple cranberry pie recipe is sure to become a cherished favorite.

For those who love a balance of sweet and tart flavors, this cranberry apple dessert delivers the perfect harmony. The tender apples soften into a luscious filling, while the cranberries add a pop of color and a zesty contrast. Plus, with a foolproof homemade crust and a golden, sugar-dusted top, this pie is as beautiful as it is delicious.

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Introduction: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

Few desserts evoke the warmth of the holiday season like a Cranberry Apple Pie. This classic treat brings together two beloved fruits—apples for sweetness and cranberries for a refreshing tartness—creating a filling that’s both rich and vibrant. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or trying your hand at pie-making for the first time, this apple cranberry pie recipe is straightforward yet impressive, making it a must-try for any occasion.

The beauty of this cranberry apple dessert lies in its versatility. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent finish to a holiday feast, or enjoy a slice with afternoon tea for a comforting treat. The buttery, flaky crust holds up beautifully against the juicy filling, ensuring every bite is a perfect blend of textures.

If you’ve ever wondered about the best apple-cranberry pie filling ratios or whether to pre-cook apples for cranberry pie, this recipe has you covered. We’ll walk you through every step, from making the perfect crust to achieving a filling that’s neither too runny nor too stiff. Plus, we’ll answer all your burning questions, like “Can I freeze cranberry apple pie?” and “What crust works best for fruit pies?”

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Alternate Names & Variations

This pie goes by many names, depending on regional preferences and family traditions. You might also hear it called:
– Apple Cranberry Pie
– Holiday Cranberry Apple Tart
– Spiced Apple & Cranberry Pie

For a twist on the classic, try adding a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra crunch. Some bakers also love adding a splash of bourbon or rum for a deeper flavor profile.

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Ingredients: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

For the Crust:

• – 360 grams (3 cups) all-purpose flour – The base for a flaky, tender crust.
• – 5 grams (1 teaspoon) kosher salt – Enhances flavor.
• – 170 grams (12 tablespoons, 1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cold – Keeps the crust crisp.
• – 60 grams (6 tablespoons) shortening – Adds extra flakiness.
• – 115-168 grams (8-12 tablespoons, 120-180 milliliters) ice water – Binds the dough without making it tough.

For the Filling:

• – 700 grams (1 ½ pounds) sliced apples – Use a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for balance.
• – 200 grams (2 cups) fresh or frozen cranberries – Adds tartness and color.
• – 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar – Sweetens the filling.
• – 30 grams (¼ cup) cornstarch – Thickens the juices.
• – 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Warm spice.
• – ½ teaspoon ground ginger – Adds depth.
• – ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Enhances aroma.
• – 1 Tablespoon orange zest – Brightens the flavor.
• – 30 grams (2 tablespoons) orange juice – Balances sweetness.
• – 2 Tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Dotting the filling adds richness.

To Top the Pie:

• – 1 egg – For a golden egg wash.
• – 1 tablespoon water – Thins the egg wash.
• – 2 tablespoons granulated or turbinado sugar – Adds crunch and shine.

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Step-by-Step Instructions: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

1. Make the Pie Crust

– In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt.
– Cut in cold butter and shortening until pea-sized crumbs form.
– Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough holds together.
– Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Filling

– In a large bowl, toss apples, cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, spices, orange zest, and juice.
– Let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.

3. Assemble the Pie

– Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
– Add filling, dot with butter.
– Roll out the second disc, place on top, and crimp edges.
– Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.

4. Bake to Perfection

– Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
– Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden and bubbly.
– Cool for 2 hours before slicing.

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Recipe Card Block

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 3 hours (includes chilling) | Servings: 8 | Calories: ~450 per slice

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Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

– Perfect Apple-Cranberry Ratio – The 3:1 apple-to-cranberry ratio ensures a balanced flavor.
– No Pre-Cooking Needed – The apples soften perfectly during baking.
– Flaky Crust Secret – Keeping ingredients cold prevents a tough crust.

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Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

– Room Temp: Keeps for 2 days.
– Fridge: Up to 5 days.
– Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

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People Also Ask: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

What are the best apple-cranberry pie filling ratios?

A 3:1 ratio of apples to cranberries works best—sweet apples balance tart cranberries without overpowering them.

Should I pre-cook apples for cranberry pie?

No! Fresh apples soften perfectly during baking, retaining texture without turning mushy.

Can I freeze cranberry apple pie?

Yes! Wrap cooled pie tightly in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.

What crust works best for fruit pies?

A butter-shortening combo creates the flakiest crust—butter for flavor, shortening for structure.

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Conclusion: Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

This Cranberry Apple Pie is a must-try for any dessert lover. Share your baking adventures in the comments—we’d love to hear how it turned out!

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