Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

If you are looking for a delightful dessert that captures the essence of the holidays, the Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe is a must-try! This beautiful pie combines the tartness of cranberries with a creamy custard base, making it a standout choice for any festive occasion. With its vibrant color and rich flavors, this pie is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Festive Flavors: The combination of cranberries and orange juice creates a perfect balance of sweet and tart.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create this stunning dessert with ease.
• Versatile Serving Options: This cranberry custard pie is perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or as a cozy family treat.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it an eye-catching centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Make Ahead: It can be prepared in advance, allowing you to enjoy your time with guests without last-minute stress.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your cranberry custard pie, gather your tools. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish (9-inch deep-dish)
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Immersion blender or regular blender
• Fine-mesh sieve
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good quality deep-dish pie pan ensures even baking and prevents overflow while cooking.
• Rolling pin: Essential for achieving the perfect crust thickness without tearing or sticking.
• Immersion blender: Makes pureeing cranberries easy, creating a smooth filling without transferring hot ingredients.

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious cranberry custard pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Crust

• Refrigerated pie crust or a deep 9-in pie shell (store-bought or homemade)

For the Filling

• 4 cups / 480 g / 17 oz cranberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
• 1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• 1 tbsp orange zest (from approx. 2 oranges)

How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F / 180°C / gas mark 4.

Step 2: Roll Out Pie Crust

Roll the refrigerated pie dough into a 12-inch / 30 cm circle on a lightly floured work surface. Turn the dough about a quarter after every few rolls and add more flour as needed to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Line Pie Dish

Carefully transfer the rolled-out dough into a 9-inch / 23 cm deep-dish pie pan. Tuck it in with your fingers, ensuring it’s smooth. Trim the extra overhang with a small, sharp knife. Flute the edges with your fingers or crimp with a fork if desired.

Step 4: Par-Bake Pie Crust

Line the pie crust with parchment paper and tin foil. Fill with pie weights or dried beans, distributing them evenly around the dish. Pre-bake for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove weights, foil, and parchment; bake for another 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Cranberries

Combine cranberries and orange juice in a medium saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Continue cooking until most berries have burst, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Step 6: Strain Cranberries

Use an immersion blender to puree cranberries. Press through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or pot; measure out 2 cups of strained cranberry mixture.

Step 7: Mix Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry mixture, and orange zest. Whisk until well combined and thick.

Step 8: Bake Pie

Pour cranberry custard filling into pre-baked crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is almost set; it should be slightly wobbly in the center. Cover edges with aluminum foil if they darken too quickly. Start checking doneness at minute 25.

Step 9: Cool

Once cooked, place pie on wire rack to cool for about two hours.

Step 10: Refrigerate

Transfer pie to refrigerator to cool completely for at least four hours or overnight if possible.

Step 11: Decorate

Garnish your cranberry custard pie with sweetened whipped cream, cranberries, red currants, sugared rosemary, or snowflake sprinkles if desired.

Step 12: Store

Cover leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to four days.

Enjoy this delightful Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe, perfect for holiday celebrations or any special gathering!

How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Cranberry custard pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet evening at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your dessert experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened whipped cream: A classic pairing, this adds a light and creamy texture that balances the tartness of the cranberries.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Cranberries and red currants: Scatter fresh cranberries and red currants on top for a burst of color and flavor.

Sugared Rosemary

• Sugared rosemary sprigs: This unique garnish adds an aromatic touch and looks stunning atop your pie.

Ice Cream or Sorbet

• Vanilla ice cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream complements the pie’s creamy filling and provides a cool contrast.
• Citrus sorbet: For a refreshing twist, serve with citrus sorbet, which enhances the orange notes in the pie.

Festive Sprinkles

• Snowflake sprinkles: Sprinkle edible snowflakes over the top for a whimsical holiday touch.

How to Perfect Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Achieving the ideal cranberry custard pie involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for best results.

• Use room temperature eggs: This helps create a smoother custard mixture, promoting even baking.
• Par-bake the crust properly: Ensure your crust is golden brown before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
• Strain the cranberry mixture: Straining ensures a silky custard texture by removing any solids from the cooked cranberries.
• Check doneness carefully: Start checking the pie for doneness at 25 minutes to prevent overbaking; it should be set but still slightly wobbly in the center.
• Cool thoroughly before serving: Allow ample cooling time to let flavors develop and ensure easier slicing.

Best Side Dishes for Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your cranberry custard pie can enhance your meal’s overall experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts adds savory depth to balance the sweetness of the pie.
2. Green Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness and crunch, contrasting beautifully with the rich custard.
3. Cheese Platter: Offer an assortment of cheeses such as brie and sharp cheddar for guests who enjoy savory bites alongside dessert.
4. Spiced Nuts: Serve warm spiced nuts to provide an enticing crunch that complements the smooth texture of the pie.
5. Fruit Compote: A side of fruit compote can add extra sweetness and tang, enhancing each bite of pie.
6. Herbed Bread Rolls: Soft rolls infused with herbs make for a comforting addition, perfect for mopping up any leftover filling on plates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the cranberry custard pie, even small errors can lead to big disappointments. Here are some common mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the par-baking step: This can result in a soggy crust. Always par-bake your pie crust to ensure it’s crisp and holds the filling well.
• Using unmeasured ingredients: Not measuring can alter the texture and flavor. Use proper measurements for accurate results, especially for liquid ingredients like orange juice.
• Overmixing the filling: This can lead to a dense custard. Mix just until combined to keep it light and creamy.
• Neglecting to cool properly: Cutting into a warm pie can ruin its structure. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature before refrigerating for best results.
• Not checking for doneness: Every oven is different, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Start checking a few minutes before the suggested baking time.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cranberry custard pie in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 4 days when refrigerated.

Freezing Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds, checking to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a non-stick skillet over low heat, covering it. Heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the cranberry custard pie recipe:

Can I use frozen cranberries in this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.

How do I know when my pie is done?

The center of the pie should be set but still slightly wobbly when you gently shake it.

Can I customize this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor or try different citrus juices.

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The total time is about 5 hours and 15 minutes, including cooling time, but active prep takes around 45 minutes.

What should I serve with cranberry custard pie?

Pair it with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Final Thoughts

This cranberry custard pie recipe is not only visually stunning but also packed with festive flavors that make it perfect for any holiday gathering. Its creamy texture and tart notes are sure to impress your guests. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite spices or toppings, making it your own!