This Cranberry Apple Pie is a lovely mix of sweet apples and tangy cranberries, all wrapped in a buttery crust. It’s perfect for holidays or any day you want a treat!
Honestly, who can resist a warm slice with a scoop of ice cream? I may or may not have had seconds… or thirds! 🍏🍒
I enjoy making this pie because it’s simple to prepare, and everyone loves the unexpected tartness from the cranberries. It’s a real crowd-pleaser!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I love using Granny Smith for their tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well for sweetness. However, if you prefer a mellow flavor, go for softer apples like Golden Delicious.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries make the pie zesty. If you can’t find them, frozen cranberries are a great alternative. Just remember to thaw them and drain any excess moisture.
Pie Crust: I often use store-bought crust for ease, but homemade is definitely special. If you’re gluten-free, try almond flour crust or a store-bought gluten-free pastry. Use what works best for you!
Sweeteners: Adjust the sugar to your liking. If you’re watching sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Keep in mind, this might alter the flavor slightly.
How Can I Make a Perfect Lattice Top?
Making a lattice crust may seem tricky, but it’s simpler than it appears! Here’s how to achieve that beautiful top:
- Cut your second pie crust into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Lay half of the strips across the pie in one direction. Leave space between them.
- Fold back alternate strips to create a space for the next strip.
- Place a new strip perpendicular to the first strips and unfold the folded strips over it.
- Repeat until the pie is covered!
- Trim any extra dough hanging off the edges and crimp to seal.
It takes some practice, but the lattice gives a lovely look and allows the filling to show through! Enjoy this fun technique and the delicious results!
Cranberry Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade, enough for top and bottom)
- 4 cups peeled and thinly sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 to 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare and approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to bake, plus cooling time. So, plan for about 2 hours total to make, bake, and cool your delicious pie!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your pie bakes evenly and gets that nice golden crust.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the sliced apples and cranberries. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently toss until all the fruit is coated in the sweet mixture. This will create a beautifully tasty filling!
3. Assemble the Pie:
Take one portion of your pie crust and roll it out on a floured surface. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to trim any excess dough from the edges. Pour the prepared fruit filling into the crust, spreading it out evenly.
4. Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out the second portion of the pie crust. Cut it into strips about 1 inch wide. To form a lattice top, lay half of the strips across the pie going one direction and then weave the remaining strips over and under the first set. This creates a lovely crisscross pattern!
5. Final Touches:
Trim off any excess dough hanging over the edges and crimp to seal the crust. Brush the lattice top with the beaten egg for a nice glaze, and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for some sparkle.
6. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in the middle of your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for about 40-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack completely. This helps the filling set. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream!
Your delicious homemade Cranberry Apple Pie is ready to be enjoyed! 🍏🍒
Can I Use Frozen Fruit Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly; just remember to thaw and drain them before mixing with the apples. This will help avoid excess moisture in your pie filling.
How Can I Make This Pie Gluten-Free?
If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For the crust, you can use a gluten-free pre-made crust or make your own using gluten-free flour blends.
What Should I Do If the Pie Crust Burns During Baking?
If the crust is getting too brown before the filling is cooked, cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield during the last 20 minutes of baking. This will protect the crust while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly.
How Should I Store Leftover Pie?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
