Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe
Introduction
Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful combination of tart cranberries and smooth, creamy custard nestled in a flaky pie crust. This simple yet elegant dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy family treat.
Ingredients
- 1 prepared pie crust
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 ½ cups custard (prepared from your favorite recipe or store-bought)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie crust in a pie dish and ensure the edges are crimped neatly.
- Step 2: Evenly spread the cranberries over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Step 3: Pour the custard over the cranberries, making sure it covers them well.
- Step 4: Bake the pie for about 45-50 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and slightly golden on top.
- Step 5: Allow the pie to cool before serving to let the custard firm up.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little orange zest over the cranberries before adding the custard.
- Use a homemade custard for a richer taste and smoother texture.
- If fresh cranberries are too tart, sprinkle them with a tablespoon of sugar before baking.
Storage
Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or enjoy cold. The custard texture is best fresh but holds well when chilled.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for the pie?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well; just thaw and drain any excess liquid before using to avoid a soggy crust.
What kind of custard works best for this pie?
A classic egg-based custard made with milk or cream complements the tart cranberries beautifully. You can use store-bought or homemade custard depending on your preference.
PrintCranberry Custard Pie Recipe
A luscious Cranberry Custard Pie featuring a flaky pie crust filled with tart cranberries and a smooth, creamy custard. This delightful dessert balances the tangy bite of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of custard, baked to perfection for a classic holiday treat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 prepared 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Place the prepared 9-inch pie crust in a pie dish, ensuring it fits snugly with edges trimmed or crimped as desired. No prebaking is necessary for this recipe.
- Add the Cranberries: Evenly spread the fresh or frozen cranberries across the bottom of the pie crust, ensuring a uniform layer to balance flavor throughout the pie.
- Make the Custard: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, half-and-half, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth and fully combined to form the custard filling.
- Fill the Pie: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cranberries in the pie crust, filling until just below the crust edge to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the center rack of a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The custard is set when the edges are firm but the center still slightly jiggles; it will continue to set as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to achieve the best custard texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best texture, but frozen cranberries work well too—no need to thaw before baking.
- For a sweeter custard, increase sugar by 1/4 cup.
- Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil or a pie shield halfway through baking if they brown too quickly.
- Allow the pie to cool fully to ensure the custard sets properly and slices cleanly.
Keywords: cranberry pie, custard pie, holiday dessert, baked custard pie, festive pie recipe
