Apple Cranberry Pie: 7 Perfectly Delicious Reasons to Bake

Name: Apple Cranberry Pie: 7 Perfectly Delicious Reasons to Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups apples, peeled and sliced; 1 cup cranberries, fresh or frozen; 1 cup sugar; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 pie crust; 1 tablespoon butter, diced

By:

Christina R. Jones

November 30, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert – apple cranberry pie! It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, combining the sweet, comforting flavors of apples with the tart zing of cranberries. Seriously, this pie has it all! The juicy apples melt into a luscious filling, while the cranberries add that delightful pop of tartness that keeps you coming back for more. Every bite is a dance of flavors, making it the perfect treat for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.

Imagine pulling this pie out of the oven, the golden crust bubbling with a fruity aroma that fills your kitchen. I can’t help but smile every time I bake it! The beautiful contrast of colors – from the deep red cranberries to the warm golden apples – makes it not just delicious, but a stunning centerpiece too. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoying it chilled with a cup of coffee, this apple cranberry pie is sure to become a beloved favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

Ingredients List

Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delightful apple cranberry pie. Trust me, having your ingredients prepped and ready makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!

2 cups apples – Make sure to peel and slice them. I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Granny Smith and Fuji, for a balanced flavor.
1 cup cranberries – You can use fresh or frozen cranberries. If you’re using frozen, don’t worry about thawing them first; they’ll work just fine!
1 cup sugar – This will sweeten the pie just enough. You can adjust it based on the tartness of your cranberries and apples.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – This adds a warm, comforting spice that complements the fruit beautifully.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – A little acidity helps brighten up the flavors of the apples and cranberries.
1 tablespoon cornstarch – This will thicken the filling as it bakes, ensuring you get that lovely slice without a soupy mess!
1 pie crust – You can use store-bought or make your own. Either way, it’s going to hold all that delicious filling perfectly!
1 tablespoon butter – Diced, this will melt into the filling as it bakes, adding a little richness.

Once you’ve gathered these ingredients, you’re one step closer to enjoying the best apple cranberry pie ever!

How to Prepare Instructions

Now, let’s dive into the delightful process of making your very own apple cranberry pie! Trust me, once you get started, you’ll be amazed at how easy and rewarding it is. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful pie that’ll make everyone’s mouth water!

Prepping the Ingredients

First things first, we need to prep our star players: the apples and cranberries. I recommend using a mix of apples for the best flavor – think sweet Fuji apples and the tartness of Granny Smith. Peel and slice the apples into even pieces; about ¼ inch thick works well. This way, they cook evenly and become tender without turning mushy. And for the cranberries, if you’re using fresh ones, give them a quick rinse. If you’re going with frozen, no worries! Just toss them straight in without thawing. They’ll add that perfect pop of color and tartness to the filling!

Making the Pie Filling

Once your apples and cranberries are prepped, grab a large mixing bowl and combine them with sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and cornstarch. The sugar helps balance the tartness of the cranberries and brings out the sweetness of the apples. The cinnamon? Oh, it adds that cozy warmth that makes this pie feel like a hug! The lemon juice brightens everything up and keeps the apples from browning. And don’t forget the cornstarch! It’s the secret to a thick and luscious filling, preventing any soupy situation when you cut into that beautiful pie.

Assembling the Pie

Next, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) – we want it hot and ready for all that goodness! Roll out your pie crust and place it gently in a pie dish, making sure it fits snugly against the edges. Pour the apple cranberry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Now, here comes the fun part! If you’re feeling creative, top it with another crust or make a lattice top for that beautiful homemade look. Just remember to cut a few slits in the top crust to let the steam escape. This will keep your filling nice and bubbly without causing any overflow!

Baking the Pie

Now, let’s get this pie in the oven! Bake it for about 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling away. Keep an eye on it – if the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with a little foil to prevent burning. The best part? The delicious aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone gathering around in anticipation! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a bit before slicing. This helps the filling set up perfectly, making each slice a dream come true!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This apple cranberry pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience! Here are a few reasons why you’ll adore making (and sharing) this delicious pie:

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet apples harmonize beautifully with the tart cranberries, creating a delightful contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry. This recipe is all about using what you have to create something magical!
Easy to Customize: Feel free to mix up the types of apples or add in some spices like nutmeg or ginger for a twist. It’s all about making it your own!
Beautiful Presentation: That golden crust with the vibrant filling peeking through makes for a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Comforting Aroma: Baking this pie fills your kitchen with an irresistible scent that will have everyone asking, “What’s cooking?”
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just a cozy night in, this pie is the perfect way to celebrate any moment.

Trust me, once you make this apple cranberry pie, it’ll quickly become a cherished favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!

Tips for Success

Now that you’re ready to bake your apple cranberry pie, let me share some tried-and-true tips that will help you achieve pie perfection! These pointers come from my own baking adventures and will save you from common pitfalls.

Choose the Right Apples

When it comes to apples, variety is key! I love mixing sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. Granny Smith apples bring that lovely tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp add sweetness. Just avoid baking with mealy apples like Red Delicious – they won’t hold their shape and can make your filling mushy!

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch

Seriously, the cornstarch is your best friend here! It’s what thickens the filling and keeps it from being runny. If you accidentally forget it, you might end up with a soupy pie. So, double-check that you’ve added it to the mix!

Watch the Baking Time

Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Start checking it around the 40-minute mark. You want that beautiful golden brown crust and bubbling filling. If the edges brown too quickly, just cover them with a bit of aluminum foil to protect them from burning. It’s a lifesaver!

Let It Cool

Once your pie is out of the oven, resist the urge to slice it right away! Letting it cool for at least 30 minutes helps the filling set up nicely, making each slice more beautiful and easier to serve. Plus, the flavors have a chance to meld together even more. Trust me, the wait is worth it!

Serve with Style

For an extra special touch, serve your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy texture and sweetness complement the tartness of the pie perfectly. And don’t forget a sprinkle of cinnamon on top for that extra flair!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make an amazing apple cranberry pie that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe)! Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve created this gorgeous apple cranberry pie, let’s talk about how to elevate the experience even more! Trust me, the right accompaniments can take your pie from delicious to absolutely divine.

First up, I highly recommend serving it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess and sweetness of the ice cream perfectly balance the tartness of the cranberries and the warmth of the spices. Seriously, the way it melts into the pie is pure magic!

If you prefer something a bit lighter, a dollop of whipped cream is another fantastic option. I like to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or even some grated nutmeg on top for an extra touch of warmth and flavor. It’s like a cloud of happiness sitting right on top of your slice!

For a twist, you could also try a drizzle of caramel sauce. The rich, buttery flavor of the caramel pairs beautifully with the apple and cranberry filling, adding an extra layer of indulgence.

And don’t forget about yogurt! A spoonful of plain Greek yogurt can provide a tangy contrast that complements the pie without being overly sweet. Plus, it adds a lovely creaminess that makes each bite delightful.

Finally, for a fun touch, serve it alongside a warm cup of spiced cider or coffee. The cozy drinks enhance the flavors of the pie and make for a perfect dessert experience, especially during the colder months.

With these serving suggestions, your apple cranberry pie is sure to be the highlight of any gathering. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now that you’ve enjoyed your delicious apple cranberry pie, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to store and reheat them so you can savor every last bite without losing any of that amazing flavor and texture.

First, let’s talk about storage. To keep your pie fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you have a pie dish with a lid, that works great too! Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before covering it, as this prevents condensation from forming, which can make the crust soggy.

If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just slice the pie first and then wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. This way, you can pull out individual slices whenever you’re craving something sweet. Frozen pie can last for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Now, for the reheating part! The best way to reheat your apple cranberry pie is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie (or slices) on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from browning too much. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes for slices or 30-40 minutes for a whole pie, until it’s warmed through and the filling is bubbling again. This method helps keep the crust nice and flaky while bringing back that cozy, just-baked flavor.

If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-45 seconds, but keep in mind that the crust may not be as crispy. I usually prefer the oven method for that perfect texture!

With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your apple cranberry pie for days to come. Happy indulging!

Nutritional Information Section

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the nutritional aspect of this delicious apple cranberry pie! Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. Here’s a quick breakdown per slice:

Calories: 250
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 20g

This pie is a delightful treat that balances flavor and comfort without going overboard on calories. Enjoy it as part of a well-rounded meal or as a special dessert, and don’t forget – moderation is key! Happy baking and indulging!

FAQ Section

Got questions about making the perfect apple cranberry pie? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries I hear, along with my answers to help you out:

Can I use frozen apples for this pie?

While fresh apples are always best for flavor and texture, you can use frozen apples if you’re in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess moisture in your filling. This way, your apple cranberry pie will still have that delicious structure and won’t turn out soggy!

How do I prevent the crust from getting too brown?

If you notice your crust browning too quickly during baking, just cover the edges with a bit of aluminum foil. This shields the crust while allowing the pie to bake evenly, so you get that lovely golden brown finish without burning!

What’s the best way to tell if my pie is done?

Great question! You’ll want to look for a beautifully golden crust and bubbling filling. When you gently shake the pie, the filling should jiggle slightly but not be watery. If it looks firm and the crust is golden, it’s ready to come out of the oven!

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the apple cranberry pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. This way, you can enjoy your delicious pie without the last-minute rush!

What’s a good way to spice up my apple cranberry pie?

If you’re looking to add a little twist to the classic flavor, consider mixing in some spices like nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract or even a bit of orange zest to the filling for a refreshing zing that pairs wonderfully with the apples and cranberries!