Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

If you’re craving a pie that hits that perfect balance of tart and sweet with a cozy, buttery crust, this Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the fresh cranberries bring a bright zing that plays so nicely against the natural sweetness of Granny Smith apples. It’s the kind of pie that feels like fall comfort food wrapped in a crisp, golden lattice.

When I first tried this recipe, it quickly became a family favorite — the kind of dessert that pops up at holidays, dinner parties, or just when you want to treat yourself. You’ll find that it’s not just delicious but also versatile enough to make ahead, freeze, and enjoy whenever that cozy pie craving strikes. Trust me, once you master this Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe, you’ll want to make it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredients in this Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe come together to create that perfect balance of flavors and textures. A mix of spices amps up the warmth, while the fresh produce shines through—just make sure to pick crisp apples and fresh cranberries for the best results.

• All-purpose flour: Essential for the crust and thickening the filling; use good quality for better texture.
• Baking powder: Just a touch to help lighten the crust.
• Kosher salt: To enhance all those sweet and tart flavors.
• Shortening: Provides a wonderfully flaky crust; you can substitute part with butter for richer flavor.
• White or apple cider vinegar: This little addition helps tenderize the crust and balance the flavors.
• Ice water: Keeps the dough cool to avoid melting the fat and too much gluten development.
• Egg whites: Used for brushing to create a beautiful golden crust without adding too much moisture.
• Butter: Adds richness to the filling and helps meld the flavors.
• White and brown sugar: A combo that sweetens the filling while adding depth and caramel notes.
• Water: Combines with butter and flour to make a smooth sauce for the filling.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice: Warm spices that make the filling sing with seasonal goodness.
• Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm apples that hold up perfectly when baked.
• Fresh cranberries: That bright pop of tartness that turns this pie into a showstopper.
• Coarse sugar (optional): For sprinkling on top to add crunch and sparkle.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re tweaking spices or trying gluten-free crusts, there’s room to play and still get amazing results.

• Added nuts: I like sprinkling chopped pecans or walnuts on the filling for extra crunch and nuttiness—my family loves the texture contrast!
• Spice swaps: If you’d rather something warmer, add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for a different aroma.
• Crust tweaks: You can substitute half the shortening with cold butter or use a gluten-free flour blend to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Sweetener alternatives: For a less sweet pie, reduce the sugars or swap them with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey, but adjust water levels accordingly.
• Fruit additions: Toss in a handful of fresh blueberries or chopped pears to mix up the filling and boost the fruit flavor.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Crust

Start by whisking together your flour, baking powder, and kosher salt—this ensures even distribution of the leavening and seasoning, which is key for consistency. Then, work in the shortening with a pastry cutter until it looks like coarse meal; this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. It’s tempting to rush, but taking your time here sets the stage for a flaky crust.

Step 2: Bringing the Dough Together

Add the vinegar and 4 tablespoons of ice water, tossing gently to incorporate, then sprinkle more water a tablespoon at a time until the dough just starts to come together. The trick I learned is to avoid overworking it—stop when you can press the dough into a ball that holds, but isn’t sticky or dry. Divide and flatten into two disks for easy rolling, then chill in the fridge or freezer until ready.

Step 3: Preparing Your Filling

While the dough chills, melt the butter in a saucepan and stir in flour to make a smooth paste. Add water, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, then bring it to a boil and let it simmer gently. This mixture is the magic that thickens up when combined with the fruit, giving you a luscious filling that’s not too runny.

Step 4: Assembling Your Pie

Preheat your oven to 350°F and roll out one disc of dough for the bottom crust, pressing it into your pie dish. Brush with egg white to help create a barrier against sogginess, then pop it in the freezer while you get your filling ready. Toss sliced apples and cranberries with the warm sugar mixture to coat, then mound it in the crust and add your lattice or top crust. Brush the top with egg white and sprinkle with coarse sugar for that perfect shimmer.

Step 5: Baking to Golden Perfection

Bake your pie for about an hour, until the apples are tender and the crust has a deep golden color. Keep an eye towards the end—if the crust starts browning too fast, tent it with foil. When you pull it out, let it cool a bit; the filling sets as it rests, so don’t be too eager to dig in.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping slices of this pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to balance the tartness. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon on top adds that extra special touch I always reach for when serving guests.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of spiced chai or hot apple cider—perfect to cozy up with on chilly evenings. Pair it with simple roasted nuts or a cheese platter if you’re serving it at a gathering for a lovely savory contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make mini versions of this pie in ramekins with decorative lattice tops—everyone gets their own personal pie and it feels extra festive. You can also cut shaped pie crust pieces (like leaves or hearts) to decorate the top and impress your guests with flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge; it stays delicious for up to 4 days. Anytime I’ve reheated a slice, it still tastes as fresh as the first day.

Freezing

This Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe freezes wonderfully. I freeze whole unbaked pies or leftover slices wrapped well in foil and plastic wrap. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating

I warm leftover pie in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes to refresh the crust’s crispiness and warm the filling without drying it out—microwaving tends to make the crust soggy, so I usually avoid it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe has become my go-to when I want to impress without stress. The way the tart cranberries complement the crunchy apples, wrapped in that flaky crust, always earns compliments and smiles. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) it as much as my family and I do—after all, a great pie is the best kind of homemade happiness shared.

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