Oh, the magic of festive desserts! There’s something truly special about gathering around the table during the holidays, and my absolute favorite way to celebrate is with a slice of Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie. The sweet, juicy apples paired with the tart cranberries create a flavor explosion that sings holiday cheer! Growing up, my family always had a pie cooling on the window sill, filling the house with the most delightful aromas. Trust me, there’s no better way to end a holiday meal than with a warm slice of this pie, topped with a scoop of ice cream. It’s pure bliss!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun, so let’s get started on this festive treat!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making the Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a festive dessert that’ll impress everyone.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is super important for getting that perfect golden crust!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and sliced apples with the fresh cranberries. Add in the sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Give it a good stir until everything is well coated—this mixture is where all the magic happens!
- Now, pour that fruity goodness into your pie crust, spreading it out evenly. It’s okay if it mounds a bit; that just means more filling to enjoy!
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter to add extra richness.
- Cover it with the top crust, and don’t forget to seal the edges well to keep all that delicious filling inside. Cutting a few slits in the top will allow steam to escape, so cut away!
- Pop the pie into the oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the crust is beautifully golden brown. Your kitchen will smell incredible!
- Let it cool for a bit before serving—trust me, it’s worth the wait!
There you go! It’s a straightforward process that leads to a slice of pure holiday joy! Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—perfect for busy holiday schedules!
- Deliciously festive flavors that blend sweet apples and tart cranberries.
- A crowd-pleaser at any holiday gathering or family dinner.
- Beautifully homemade appeal with that warm, comforting aroma.
- Pairs perfectly with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie turns out just right, here are a few handy tips! First, when you’re preparing your apples, try to use a mix of sweet and tart varieties for depth of flavor. I love doing half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp! Also, don’t skip chilling your pie crust before rolling it out—it helps keep it flaky. If you want to get fancy, brush the top crust with an egg wash for a beautiful golden finish. Lastly, let the pie cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing; this helps the filling set up nicely. Happy baking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie! For a cozy twist, try adding a pinch of ginger or allspice to the filling for a warm spice kick. You can also swap out some of the apples for pears or even add a handful of chopped nuts for a delightful crunch. Want to add a bit of zing? A splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of zest can really brighten the flavors. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie, you can store the leftovers to savor later! Just cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to enjoy it longer, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to indulge again, simply reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This keeps the crust nice and flaky while revitalizing those delicious flavors. Enjoy every magical bite!
Nutritional Information Section
Keep in mind that the nutritional values for the Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. While I strive to provide accurate estimates, these numbers are just a guideline. For a typical slice, you can expect around 250 calories, with 10g of fat, and 2g of protein. Always feel free to adjust based on your personal preferences or dietary needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. Just toss them in straight from the freezer, and they’ll thaw and cook beautifully in the pie.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Of course! Making a homemade pie crust is a fantastic way to elevate your Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie. Just be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out for a flaky texture!
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You’ll see the juices starting to ooze out from the slits in the top crust—what a sight!
Can I add more sugar if I prefer it sweeter?
Definitely! If you love a sweeter pie, feel free to adjust the sugar to your taste. Just keep in mind that the cranberries add a tartness that balances it out.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie is completely vegetarian-friendly! Enjoy this festive dessert without worry!
Learn more about apple and cranberry desserts for additional inspiration!
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Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie: 7 Magical Flavors to Savor
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive dessert that combines apples and cranberries in a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
- Dot with butter.
- Cover with a top crust and seal the edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: Christmas Apple Cranberry Pie, holiday dessert, apple pie, cranberry pie