The Most Scrumptious Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe Ever

Cranberry custard pie combines tart fruit with silky smooth filling in a dessert that reimagines ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Sweet and tangy flavors dance across your palate with each delightful bite.

The classic pie offers a sophisticated twist on traditional holiday desserts, blending rustic charm with elegant culinary technique.

Creamy custard provides a luxurious foundation that perfectly complements the bright, bold cranberry notes.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a harmonious symphony of textures and tastes that feel both comforting and innovative.

Rich, velvety filling nestled inside a perfectly flaky crust creates a sensory experience that elevates simple baking into an art form.

This recipe promises a stunning centerpiece guaranteed to impress family and friends.

Keeping Cranberry Custard Pie Fresh for Days

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place the pie on a flat surface to maintain its shape and prevent potential damage.
• Freeze: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the custard's smooth texture.
• Reheat: Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on low power. Alternatively, warm slices in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain the pie's delicate custard consistency and prevent overcooking.

What to Serve with Cranberry Custard Pie

• Pair with Sparkling Cranberry Cocktail: Create a zesty drink mixing cranberry juice, prosecco, and a hint of orange liqueur to complement the pie's tangy custard and brighten its rich flavors.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy, smooth vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie to balance the tartness and provide a cool, silky contrast to the warm custard.
• Serve with Spiced Chai Latte: Brew a warming chai latte with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger to echo the pie's warm undertones and add depth to the dessert experience.
• Complement with Toasted Almond Brittle: Sprinkle crunchy, caramelized almond brittle on top or beside the pie to introduce a nutty texture that enhances the creamy custard and adds complexity to each bite.

Creative Additions for Cranberry Custard Pie

• Zesty Berry Blend: Swap cranberries with a mix of raspberries and blueberries for a vibrant, tangy custard pie that bursts with summer flavors.
• Maple Pecan Infusion: Add chopped pecans to the custard and drizzle with warm maple syrup for a rich, nutty dimension that complements the creamy filling.
• Spiced Citrus Fusion: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of Grand Marnier to elevate the orange notes and create a warm, sophisticated dessert.
• Chocolate Cranberry Dream: Fold in dark chocolate chips and top with chocolate shavings for a decadent twist that balances the tart cranberry essence.

Cranberry Custard Pie Combines Tang and Cream

• Burst with Seasonal Cranberry Delight: Experience the vibrant, tangy flavor of fresh cranberries transformed into a luxurious, silky custard pie that captures the essence of winter holidays.
• Master an Elegant Baking Technique: Elevate your baking skills by learning professional methods like par-baking the crust, straining purees, and creating a perfectly wobbly custard with restaurant-quality precision.
• Craft a Make-Ahead Showstopper: Prepare this stunning dessert in advance, allowing it to chill overnight, which not only intensifies the flavors but also reduces day-of stress and provides a stress-free entertaining solution for gatherings.
• Enjoy a Versatile Festive Dessert: Dress up this cranberry custard pie with various elegant garnishes like whipped cream, fresh berries, or sugared rosemary, making it adaptable for multiple holiday celebrations and special occasions.

What Goes into Cranberry Custard Pie Filling

• Refrigerated Pie Crust, Pie Shell: Tender foundation for the custard, store-bought options save time and ensure consistent results.

• Cranberries: Tart and vibrant berries that provide sharp flavor and beautiful color to the custard.
• Orange Juice: Fresh citrus liquid that adds brightness and complements cranberry's tartness.
• Orange Zest: Fragrant citrus essence that enhances overall flavor complexity.

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy, rich base that helps thicken and sweeten the custard.
• Egg Yolks: Essential for creating smooth, rich custard texture and providing structural support.

How to Bake a Beautiful Cranberry Custard Pie

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Turn your oven to 350°F (180°C). Make sure the rack is in the center position for even baking.

Step 2: Craft The Perfect Pie Crust

On a lightly dusted surface, roll out pie dough into a circular shape. Gently transfer the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan. Press softly to fit and trim excess edges. Create a decorative border by pinching or crimping the sides.

Step 3: Prepare The Crust Foundation

• Parchment paper
• Aluminum foil

Fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove weights and foil. Return to oven for another 10 minutes until golden.

Step 4: Transform Cranberries

• Cranberries
• Orange juice

Cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally until cranberries burst and release their juices, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Create Smooth Cranberry Essence

Blend the cranberry mixture using an immersion blender. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and create a silky puree. You’ll want about 2 cups of smooth cranberry goodness.

Step 6: Whip Up The Custard Magic

• Sweetened condensed milk
• Egg yolks
• Cranberry puree
• Orange zest

Whisk until the mixture becomes completely smooth and uniform.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Pour the cranberry custard into the pre-baked crust. Slide into the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The center should wiggle slightly when gently shaken. If the crust browns too quickly, shield edges with foil.

Step 8: Patient Cooling Process

Let the pie rest at room temperature for 2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for the most incredible texture.

Step 9: Dress Up And Serve

Top with delightful garnishes based on your preference.

Tips for Even Baking and Custard Setting

• Master the Crust: Roll pie dough confidently by turning it a quarter turn after each roll, preventing sticking and ensuring an even, flaky texture.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Par-baking the crust with weights creates a sturdy base that keeps the custard from making the crust mushy.
• Smooth Cranberry Perfection: Use an immersion blender and fine-mesh sieve to create a silky-smooth cranberry puree without lumps or seeds.
• Bake with Precision: Watch the pie carefully after 25 minutes, checking every 5 minutes to achieve the perfect slightly wobbly center without overbaking.
• Chill for Optimal Flavor: Refrigerate the pie overnight to allow the custard to set completely and develop a rich, intense cranberry flavor.

Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Cranberry custard pie delivers a delightful harmony of tart berries and silky custard in a buttery crust. Holiday gatherings sparkle with this elegant dessert that balances sweet and tangy flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Base:

• 4 cups (480 g / 17 ounces) cranberries, fresh or frozen
• 1 cup (240 milliliters / 8 fluid ounces) freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from approximately 2 oranges)

Creamy Filling:

• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature

Crust:

• 1 refrigerated pie crust or deep 9-inch pie shell (store-bought or homemade)

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Instructions

1. Transform the oven into a precise 350°F culinary environment, ensuring an ideal baking atmosphere for the delicate custard pie.
2. Tenderly roll the pie dough on a flour-dusted surface, creating a delicate 12-inch circular canvas. Gently nestle the dough into a 9-inch deep-dish pie pan, carefully molding its edges with artistic precision.
3. Shield the raw crust with parchment and foil, anchoring it with ceramic weights to maintain structural integrity. Partially roast for 10 minutes, then unveil the weights, allowing the crust to golden for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Ignite the cranberries in a simmering dance with orange juice, coaxing them to burst and release their vibrant essence over medium heat. Stir occasionally, watching the transformation unfold.
5. Pulverize the cranberry mixture using an immersion blender, then meticulously strain through a fine-mesh sieve, capturing a silky, jewel-toned puree.
6. Orchestrate the filling by whisking sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry puree, and orange zest into a harmonious, smooth mixture that promises luxurious texture.
7. Cascade the crimson custard into the pre-baked crust, then shepherd it through the oven’s warmth. Monitor closely for 30-35 minutes, seeking a center that trembles slightly when nudged. Drape protective foil over browning crust edges if needed.
8. Permit the pie to rest and cool gracefully on a wire rack for two full hours. Envelop and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and intensify for a minimum of four hours or ideally overnight.
9. Embellish the chilled pie with billowing whipped cream, scattered fresh cranberries, glistening red currants, or delicate sugared rosemary sprigs, transforming it into a visual masterpiece ready to enchant.

Notes

• Balance between tart fruit and silky filling makes this pie a showstopping centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg