In my kitchen, this Cranberry Custard Pie is a beloved treat that often makes an appearance during the festive season. With its creamy, rich custard blending beautifully with tart cranberries, it’s a delightful contrast that can brighten any gathering. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for holiday feasts, making it a versatile dessert choice.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why make a Cranberry Custard Pie? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to whip up! The combination of sweet and tart flavors creates a unique dessert that’ll impress your family and friends. It’s not only budget-friendly but also showcases seasonal ingredients beautifully, which lends it an air of creativity and effort.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 8
Step-by-Step Overview
Making a Cranberry Custard Pie is quite straightforward. Start by preheating your oven, mix the cranberries with sugar, prepare the custard, and then bake it all together in a single pie crust. The process is simple and allows you to multitask, making it perfect even for novice bakers!
Ingredients
Gather These Items:
- 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 unbaked pie crust
Feel free to use frozen cranberries if fresh aren’t available, but remember to thaw and drain them well.
Directions to Follow
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the cranberries and sugar, mixing until the cranberries are well-coated.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and cinnamon until smooth.
- Pour the cranberry mixture into the unbaked pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Next, pour the custard mixture over the cranberries, ensuring they are fully covered.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool before slicing and serving.
This pie fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of baked custard and fresh cranberries, making it hard to resist!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cranberry Custard Pie is delicious served warm with a dollop of whipped cream on top. For an extra touch, you could dust it with powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of cinnamon. Pair it with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a cozy dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. You can also freeze it, but be sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Make sure to use fresh cranberries for the best flavor frozen ones can work, but fresh ones give a pop of tartness that’s truly delightful.
- Whisk the custard mixtures thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- If your crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil while baking to prevent burning.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to get creative! You can add nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture, or try adding citrus zest for a bright note. For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream.
