This Cranberry Apple Pie is a yummy mix of sweet apples and tart cranberries, all wrapped up in a flaky crust. It’s the perfect dessert for cozy nights or holiday gatherings!
Every bite is a delightful balance of flavors that just screams comfort. I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—makes it feel like a big hug in dessert form! 🍏🫶
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Granny Smith Apples: These tart apples add a great flavor. If you can’t find them, try using Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples for a sweet-tart balance.
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a delightful tang, but frozen ones work just as well. If you prefer, you can use mixed berries for a different twist.
Baking Sugar: I love the mix of granulated and brown sugar. If you’re looking to reduce sugar, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute designed for baking.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the flavor. You can play around with other spices like allspice or cloves for additional warmth.
Butter: A little unsalted butter adds richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative.
How Do I Create a Perfect Lattice Top?
Creating a lattice top may seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! Here’s how to do it step-by-step:
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips about 1 inch wide.
- Start by laying 4-5 strips of dough horizontally over the filled pie crust.
- Lift every other strip, and place vertical strips of dough in between the lifted ones.
- After weaving the strips together, trim any extra dough and crimp the edges for a beautiful finish!
Taking your time with this step will make your pie impressive and unique!
Cranberry Apple Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 1 double pie crust (store-bought or homemade), chilled
- 4 cups peeled, cored, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cranberry apple pie will take about 20 minutes to prep and about 1 hour to bake. Plus, you’ll want to allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before serving. So, grab a cup of tea and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by placing your oven rack in the middle and preheating it to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the pie gets a nice golden crust.
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine your sliced apples and cranberries. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the mixture.
3. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out one of your pie crusts and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Allow the edges to hang over a bit—no need to trim just yet!
4. Add the Filling:
Dump that delicious fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust. Make sure it’s evenly spread out. Then, dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter for extra flavor.
5. Create the Lattice Top:
Roll out your second pie crust and cut it into strips (about 1 inch wide works well). Lay over the top of your pie using a lattice pattern, or simply cover with the entire crust and cut a few slits in it to allow steam to escape.
6. Seal the Edges:
Go ahead and trim any excess pie crust to about 1/2 inch beyond the pie plate. Fold the overhanging dough under itself and crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork to seal everything nice and tight.
7. Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush the top of the pie crust with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful shine. If you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on for extra sweetness!
8. Bake the Pie:
Place your pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes. This will start to brown the crust nicely.
9. Finish Baking:
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 40-50 minutes. You want the crust to be a lovely golden brown and the fruit filling to be bubbling.
10. Cool Before Serving:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This cooling time helps the filling set up perfectly!
Enjoy your Cranberry Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, and for an extra treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Enjoy! 🍏🫶
Can I Use Frozen Apples for This Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen apples! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess moisture before adding them to the filling. This will help prevent a soggy crust.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the pie and store it, unbaked, in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it straight from the freezer into the oven, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
How Do I Store Leftover Pie?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Substitute Different Fruits?
Definitely! You can mix and match fruits based on your preferences. Pears, blueberries, or peaches make excellent substitutes or additions to the filling for a delicious twist!
