Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

If you are looking for the perfect holiday dessert, this cranberry custard pie recipe is it! It looks exquisite and has all the festive flavors you want to serve your guests throughout the season. Creamy and delicious, it’s the ultimate Christmas pie, and you won’t be able to stop at one slice!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tart cranberries and sweet custard creates a delightful contrast that will please every palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Thanksgiving or Christmas, this pie fits right in with holiday celebrations and family gatherings.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert.
• Versatile Presentation: You can garnish your pie in various ways to match your event’s theme, making it visually appealing as well as tasty.
• Make Ahead Option: This pie can be made a day ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cranberry custard pie recipe, having the right tools will make your baking experience smoother. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Rolling pin
• Medium saucepan
• Immersion blender or traditional blender
• Whisk
• Fine-mesh sieve

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A deep-dish pie pan ensures there’s enough room for your delicious filling without spilling over.
• Immersion blender: This tool helps create a smooth cranberry mixture quickly, saving time on cleanup compared to using a traditional blender.

Ingredients

• refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-in pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
• 4 cups / 480 g / 17 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from approx. 2 oranges)

How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4.

Step 2: Roll Out Pie Crust

Roll the refrigerated pie dough into a 12-inch / 30 cm circle on a lightly floured work surface. Turn the dough about a quarter after every few rolls, adding more flour as needed to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Line Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch / 23 cm deep-dish pie pan. Tuck it in with your fingers to ensure it’s smooth. Trim any extra overhang with a small, sharp knife. Flute the edges with your fingers or crimp with a fork if desired.

Step 4: Par-Bake Pie Crust

Line the pie crust with parchment paper and tin foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, evenly distributing them around the dish. Pre-bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Cranberries

Combine cranberries and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat until simmering. Continue cooking until most berries have burst, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Strain Cranberries

Use an immersion blender to puree the cranberries. Press the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pot, measuring out two cups of strained cranberry mixture.

Step 7: Mix Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry mixture, and orange zest. Whisk until well combined and thick.

Step 8: Bake Pie

Pour the cranberry custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is almost set; some wobbliness is okay. If edges darken too much, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield. Check doneness starting at minute 25 every five minutes thereafter.

Step 9: Cool

Once cooked, place on a wire rack and let cool for about two hours.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Put the cooled pie in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight for best results.

Step 11: Decorate

If desired, garnish your cranberry custard pie with sweetened whipped cream, fresh cranberries, red currants, sugared rosemary, and snowflake sprinkles.

Step 12: Store

Cover leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to four days.

How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

This cranberry custard pie is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or enjoying a family dinner, here are some creative serving suggestions.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Add a generous dollop of sweetened whipped cream on top for a classic touch. The creaminess complements the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.

Garnished with Fresh Berries

• Scatter fresh cranberries or red currants around the pie for a pop of color. This not only decorates the pie but also adds freshness to each bite.

Accompanied by Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The cold ice cream melts slightly into the warm custard, creating a delicious contrast.

Drizzled with Orange Sauce

• Create an orange reduction sauce by simmering orange juice and sugar until thickened. Drizzle it over each slice for an extra citrusy kick.

Topped with Sugared Rosemary

• Garnish your pie with sugared rosemary sprigs for an elegant look. This unique topping adds a hint of flavor and makes for stunning presentation.

Served in Individual Portions

• For a more refined approach, bake the pie in smaller tart pans. Serve each individual tart with its own garnish, making it perfect for parties.

How to Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

To achieve the best results with your cranberry custard pie, keep these handy tips in mind as you prepare this festive dessert.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the flavors significantly compared to canned or frozen options.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure that your egg yolks are at room temperature before mixing. This helps them blend smoothly into the custard filling.
• Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking time towards the end. A slightly wobbly center indicates it’s perfectly baked, so check frequently to avoid overbaking.
• Chill Before Serving: Allowing the pie to chill in the refrigerator overnight increases its flavor and helps set the custard properly.
• Experiment with Spices: Consider adding spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the custard mixture for added depth and warmth.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your cranberry custard pie can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized provides a savory balance to the sweet pie.
2. Cheese Platter: Offer a selection of cheeses like brie and sharp cheddar alongside fruit preserves for a savory contrast.
3. Autumn Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, apples, walnuts, and feta cheese complements the richness of the pie beautifully.
4. Pumpkin Soup: A warm bowl of creamy pumpkin soup serves as an excellent starter that fits well within fall flavors.
5. Dinner Rolls: Soft buttered rolls make for a comforting addition to your meal, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauces.
6. Hot Chocolate or Mulled Wine: Pair your dessert with warm beverages like hot chocolate or spiced mulled wine to enhance your cozy gathering atmosphere.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cranberry custard pie can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the final outcome. Here’s how to avoid them:

• Using frozen cranberries without thawing: Frozen cranberries should be thawed before use. This helps them cook evenly and burst properly during preparation.
• Not pre-baking the crust: Skipping the par-baking step can lead to a soggy crust. Always pre-bake your pie crust before adding the filling for a crisp texture.
• Overmixing the filling: Overmixing can create air bubbles, resulting in cracks during baking. Mix just until combined for a smooth custard.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Check at 25 minutes and every 5 minutes thereafter to avoid overcooking.
• Not allowing enough cooling time: Cooling too quickly can ruin the texture of your pie. Let it cool at room temperature for a couple of hours before refrigerating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover cranberry custard pie in an airtight container.
• item It will last in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• item Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• item Frozen pie can be stored for up to 2 months; however, texture may change upon thawing.

Reheating Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Use medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat individual slices in a skillet over low heat until warmed, about 5 minutes per slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about the cranberry custard pie recipe:

Can I use other fruits in this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other tart fruits like cherries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.

How do I know when my Cranberry Custard Pie is done?

The pie is done when the edges are set but the center remains slightly wobbly. It will firm up as it cools.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your cranberry custard pie a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight for best results.

What should I serve with Cranberry Custard Pie?

Whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even fresh fruit compote make excellent accompaniments to enhance flavors.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry custard pie recipe is not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it an ideal centerpiece for holiday gatherings. The creamy filling combined with tart cranberries creates a perfect balance of flavors. Feel free to customize by adding spices like nutmeg or variations of citrus zest. Give this recipe a try, and delight your guests with this festive treat!