Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit and brings a delightful mix of tart and sweet flavors to your holiday table, this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a cozy, comforting pie that combines the bright zing of fresh cranberries with the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, all wrapped up in a creamy, custard-like filling with a crunchy nut topping. Every bite offers a burst of holiday cheer that’s sure to become a family favorite year after year.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this pie is simpler than you might think. Each one plays a crucial role, balancing flavors and textures that transform simple components into holiday magic.

• Fresh cranberries: Provide that signature tartness and vibrant color essential to the pie’s festive feel.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens and mellows the cranberries, creating a perfect balance.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice that enhances the holiday vibe.
• All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the cranberry mixture for a luscious filling.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the filling with subtle acidity and freshness.
• Pie crust: A buttery, flaky base that supports all the wonderful fillings and toppings.
• Chopped pecans or walnuts: Introduce a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the mix.
• Large eggs: Bind the filling ingredients to achieve a smooth, custardy texture.
• Sour cream: Adds creaminess and a slight tang for richness.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth and a sweet fragrance to the filling.
• Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the pie.
• Nutmeg: Sprinkled on top for subtle spice and warmth.
• Powdered sugar (optional): A pretty snowy dusting that makes this pie extra festive.

How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cranberry Mixture

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your pie is. In a medium bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar, cinnamon, and flour — this combination tempers the tartness and blends spices evenly throughout the filling.

Step 2: Brighten the Filling with Lemon Juice

Add the lemon juice to the cranberry mixture and stir well. This step is key for adding brightness that complements the natural zing of the cranberries, making every bite lively and fresh.

Step 3: Get Your Crust Ready

Roll out your pie crust and carefully press it into a 9-inch pie pan. Taking time to trim and fit the edges neatly ensures a clean look and even baking for your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe.

Step 4: Layer the Cranberry Filling

Spread your cranberry mixture evenly across the pie crust. This helps create a consistent layer that will marry wonderfully with the creamy custard topping.

Step 5: Whisk the Creamy Custard

In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sour cream, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth. This creamy blend will pour nicely over the cranberries and set into that smooth custard texture upon baking.

Step 6: Pour Custard Over Cranberries

Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cranberry layer, encouraging it to seep down and cover the fruit entirely. This step guarantees a luscious, creamy bite with every forkful.

Step 7: Add the Nut Topping and Spice

Sprinkle your chosen chopped nuts evenly on top of the pie, then dust the surface with nutmeg. These final touches add texture and a warm spice aroma that embodies the holiday spirit perfectly.

Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the pie for about 45 to 50 minutes, until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. The kitchen will fill with the most inviting scent, signaling your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe is nearly ready.

Step 9: Cool and Finish

Remove the pie from the oven and cool it for at least one hour; this step helps the filling set firmly, making slicing neat and easy. For an elegant finishing touch, dust the top with powdered sugar if you like.

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

Garnishes

One of the joys of this pie is how beautifully it can be garnished. Fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary add a stunning touch of holiday greenery, while a light dusting of powdered sugar brings snowy charm. These simple garnishes make your pie feel special and festive right from the first glance.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to cool and complement the tart cranberries. For a more luxurious experience, a drizzle of warm caramel or a spoonful of spiced whipped topping can heighten its holiday indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pie on a rustic wooden board with seasonal accents like cinnamon sticks and pine cones for a cozy table centerpiece. You can also slice individual mini pies or tartlets for a charming buffet-style presentation that delights guests and encourages seconds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie can be covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. Keeping it chilled preserves the creamy texture and fresh flavor of the cranberries, so each slice tastes just as good as the first.

Freezing

You can freeze this pie either before or after baking. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results—though the filling may be slightly softer after freezing, the flavor stays fantastic.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your slice in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes. This tightens the filling and revives the flaky crust without drying it out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the crust soggy and the filling unevenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well when fresh aren’t available; just be sure to thaw and drain them beforehand to avoid extra liquid in the filling.

Is the pie crust better homemade or store-bought?

Both work great! A homemade crust adds a personal touch and buttery richness, but a quality store-bought crust saves time without sacrificing much flavor.

Can I make this pie nut-free?

Yes, simply omit the chopped pecans or walnuts from the topping for a lovely nut-free version that still tastes great.

How do I know when the pie is fully baked?

The filling should look set and not overly jiggly in the center, with a light golden color on top. A gentle shake of the pan helps confirm it’s ready.

Can this pie be made vegan?

To make a vegan version, you can substitute eggs with a flaxseed or chia egg and use a plant-based sour cream alternative, though the texture will be a bit different but still delicious.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe as your go-to festive treat. It’s a wonderful blend of tart, sweet, creamy, and crunchy that brings warmth and joy to any holiday table. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite seasonal dessert to share with loved ones year after year.

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