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Cranberry Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 140 reviews

This classic Cranberry Pie features a flaky, buttery crust filled with a tangy and sweet cranberry filling made from fresh cranberries, orange juice, and a hint of vanilla. The filling is thickened on the stovetop for a perfectly set pie that’s ideal for holiday tables and cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust

  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour (300 grams)
  • 2 teaspoons granulated sugar (8 grams)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (3 grams)
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (114 grams, cold, cut into small cubes, ½ stick)
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening (92 grams, cold, ¼ stick)
  • ½ cup ice water (114 grams)

Cranberry Filling

  • 20 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries (567 grams, about 6 cups)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (400 grams)
  • ⅓ cup freshly squeezed orange juice (76 grams, from 2 oranges)
  • 7 tablespoons cornstarch (49 grams, ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract (12 grams)

Finishing

  • 1 large egg (50 grams, beaten)
  • Coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt until evenly combined, creating the base for the pie crust.
  2. Combine Fats with Flour: Add the cold unsalted butter and vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, blend the fats into the flour until pieces are about pea-sized or smaller, ensuring a flaky crust texture.
  3. Add Ice Water: Stir in 2 tablespoons of ice water and mix until combined. Gradually add the remaining ice water, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until the dough is crumbly yet begins to form a cohesive mass.
  4. Knead Dough: Gently knead the dough a few times by hand until it comes together smoothly without overworking.
  5. Refrigerate Dough: Divide the dough into two halves, form each into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Roll Out Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out one disc into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it to a pie plate, trim excess dough, then fold and shape the edges with your fingers. Chill the assembled crust in the refrigerator to keep firm.
  7. Prepare Top Crust: Roll out the second disc and cut into decorative shapes using cookie cutters, or prepare a lattice or full top crust if preferred. Place the cutouts on a baking sheet and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
  8. Preheat Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking.
  9. Prepare Filling: In a food processor, pulse the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, cornstarch, and salt until the cranberries are chopped and ingredients are evenly mixed. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure uniform blending.
  10. Cook Filling: Transfer the mixture to a pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens and simmers. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
  11. Assemble Pie: Pour the cooked cranberry filling into the chilled bottom pie crust. Decoratively arrange the chilled pie crust cutouts or lattice on top of the filling.
  12. Egg Wash and Sugar: Brush the top crust with beaten egg to promote browning and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for added texture and sparkle.
  13. Bake Pie: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  14. Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving to allow the filling to set perfectly.

Notes

  • Use cold butter and shortening to achieve a flakier pie crust.
  • Refrigerating the dough is crucial to prevent shrinking during baking.
  • Fresh or frozen cranberries can be used; if frozen, no need to thaw before processing.
  • The crust can be decorated with cutouts or made into a lattice for a classic look.
  • Letting the pie cool fully ensures the filling sets and slices cleanly.

Keywords: Cranberry pie, holiday dessert, flaky pie crust, homemade pie filling, cranberry dessert

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/cranberry-pie-recipe/