As I pulled my Cranberry Custard Pie from the oven, a wave of nostalgia washed over me—reminding me of family gatherings filled with laughter and love. This festive dessert is truly a seasonal gem, boasting a creamy custard filling harmoniously paired with tart cranberries and a delightful hint of orange. Not only is it a striking centerpiece for your holiday table, but it’s also incredibly easy to make ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy precious moments with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating Thanksgiving or Christmas, this pie effortlessly elevates your dessert game, sure to impress both family and friends. Curious about how to create this showstopper for your next festive gathering? Let’s dive in!

Why is Cranberry Custard Pie a Must-Try?

Festive Flavors: A perfect blend of tart cranberries and sweet orange juice creates a symphony of tastes that will dance on your palate.
Creamy Texture: With a smooth custard filling nestled in a flaky crust, every slice delivers a delightful mouthfeel that is simply irresistible.
Make-Ahead Convenience: This pie can be prepared days in advance, allowing you to savor stress-free holiday moments.
Showstopper Appeal: Its vibrant color and glossy finish make it the highlight of any festive table, leaving your guests in awe.
Versatile Serving Options: While delicious on its own, consider serving it with whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. For more delightful holiday desserts, check out our Rhubarb Custard Bars and Caramel Cream Pie.

Cranberry Custard Pie Ingredients

For the Pie Crust
• Refrigerated Pie Crust or Deep 9-inch Pie Shell – Use homemade or store-bought for a hassle-free base that holds all the creamy goodness.

For the Filling
• Cranberries (4 cups / 480 g / 17 oz) – Fresh or frozen, they provide the tart flavor that steals the show in this Cranberry Custard Pie.
• Orange Juice (1 cup / 240 ml / 8 fl oz) – Go for freshly squeezed juice to add a refreshing citrus note and sweetness.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk (1 can / 14 oz / 400 g) – This creamy sweetener gives your custard its rich, luscious texture; opt for coconut condensed milk for a delightful dairy-free twist.
• Egg Yolks (6 large) – Room temperature yolks enhance the custard’s smoothness and help it set beautifully.
• Orange Zest (1 tbsp from approximately 2 oranges) – Fresh zest brightens the flavor profile, making your pie pop with citrusy goodness.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Custard Pie

Step 1: Preheat Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C), allowing it to reach the perfect baking temperature. This essential first step ensures that your Cranberry Custard Pie bakes evenly and achieves that desirable golden hue. While the oven heats, gather your ingredients and prepare your pie crust.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust
Roll out your refrigerated pie crust on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle, ensuring it’s even. Gently fit the crust into a deep 9-inch pie shell, taking care to press it against the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough, leaving a little overhang to create a rustic edge for your Cranberry Custard Pie.

Step 3: Par-Bake Crust
To achieve a perfectly flaky crust, line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the weights and parchment. Continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the crust is lightly golden and no longer doughy. This process helps keep the crust crisp when filled with the creamy custard.

Step 4: Cook Cranberries
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the fresh or frozen cranberries with the orange juice. Stir occasionally as the mixture comes to a gentle simmer, and cook until most of the cranberries have burst, which should take about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and creates a luscious base for your filling.

Step 5: Strain Cranberries
Once the cranberries have cooked down, use a fine-mesh strainer to puree the mixture. Press the cranberries gently to extract as much juice as possible, ensuring you measure out 2 cups of cranberry puree. This vibrant, tangy puree is the star flavor of your Cranberry Custard Pie, adding a stunning depth to the filling.

Step 6: Mix Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cranberry puree with the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, and fresh orange zest. Whisk the mixture together until it is thick and well blended; it should be a smooth consistency without any lumps. This rich filling is what gives your custard pie its delightful creaminess and flavor.

Step 7: Bake Pie
Pour the custard filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. Carefully place the pie in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is nearly set and the edges are slightly puffed. The center may still have a slight jiggle, which will firm up as it cools.

Step 8: Cool
Once baked, remove your Cranberry Custard Pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours. This cooling period is crucial for allowing the custard to set properly, creating that gorgeous texture and flavor blend you desire in every slice.

Step 9: Refrigerate
After cooling, cover the pie loosely and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes slicing easier when you’re ready to serve. Your Cranberry Custard Pie will taste even better after resting.

Step 10: Decorate and Serve
Before serving, consider garnishing your beautiful pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Fresh cranberries add a festive flair, making your Cranberry Custard Pie not just delicious but visually stunning on your holiday table.

Expert Tips for Cranberry Custard Pie

Shield the Crust: If the edges of your pie crust are turning too dark during baking, cover them with foil to prevent burning while the center cooks through.
Perfect Cranberry Color: To keep the vibrant cranberry color intact, feel free to add a few drops of gel food coloring to the puree if desired—it enhances visual appeal without altering the flavor.
Cool Before Refrigerating: Allowing your pie to cool completely before refrigerating helps maintain the perfect texture of the custard. This way, each slice will be smooth and creamy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure the egg yolks are at room temperature before mixing. This allows for better incorporation into the filling, resulting in a velvety custard.
Serving Suggestions: Consider topping each slice of your Cranberry Custard Pie with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the festive experience for your guests.

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Custard Pie

Fridge: Keep your Cranberry Custard Pie loosely covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain its creamy texture and freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil; freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving for best results.

Reheating: If you prefer a warm slice, gently warm individual pieces in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10 minutes.

Cranberry Custard Pie Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to adjust this recipe to your taste; after all, cooking is an adventure that should delight your senses!

Mixed Berries: Swap out some cranberries for raspberries or blueberries for a delightful twist.
Chocolate Crust: Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of a traditional pie crust for a rich and decadent flavor.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, aromatic flavor boost.
Nutty Texture: Fold in chopped pecans or walnuts before baking for an added crunch and festive flair. Picture the contrast between the creamy custard and the delightful nutty bits!
Orange Twist: Enhance the citrus flavor with a splash of lemon juice or additional orange zest for brightness.
Additional Layers: Consider adding a layer of caramel sauce in the bottom of the crust for an extra sweet surprise.
Frozen Delight: Transform your pie into a frozen dessert by blending the custard filling with ice cream, pouring it into the crust, and freezing.

Embrace these variations to make this recipe uniquely yours, and if you’re on the hunt for more holiday desserts, be sure to look at our scrumptious Rhubarb Custard Bars and creamy Caramel Cream Pie. Happy baking!

What to Serve with Cranberry Custard Pie?

Savoring a slice of this luscious dessert is an experience meant to be paired with delightful accompaniments that enhance its festive charm.

Whipped Cream: The light and airy texture of whipped cream adds a cloud-like silkiness to each bite, beautifully balancing the pie’s richness.
Fresh Berries: A medley of fresh raspberries or strawberries introduces a pop of color and a hint of freshness, elevating the overall presentation and taste.
Cinnamon Ice Cream: Cozy up your dessert experience with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream. The warm spices harmonize wonderfully with cranberry flavors, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
Citrus Salad: A vibrant citrus salad featuring oranges and grapefruits adds brightness to your meal, cutting through the pie’s creaminess and refreshing your palate.
Sparkling Wine: Celebrate the holidays with a glass of bubbly! The effervescence and slight acidity of sparkling wine complement the sweet-tart flavor of the pie perfectly.
Chai Tea: The warm spices in chai tea provide a comforting drink option that creates a cozy dining atmosphere, perfectly pairing with the flavors of the Cranberry Custard Pie.
Cheese Platter: A selection of creamy brie or tangy goat cheese adds a savory touch to your dessert table, striking a delicious contrast to your sweet pie.
Saffron Rice Pudding: For an exotic twist, pair the pie with creamy saffron rice pudding. The delicate floral notes of saffron blend beautifully with the tart cranberries.

Each of these pairings invites a delightful exploration of flavors, making your dessert experience truly unforgettable!

Make Ahead Options

These Cranberry Custard Pies are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the pie up to 3 days in advance by making the filling and baking it ahead of time; simply store it loosely covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. For best results, cool the pie completely before refrigerating to ensure a smooth texture. When you’re ready to serve, just garnish with whipped cream or powdered sugar for an elegant finish. This make-ahead strategy allows you to enjoy stress-free moments with family and friends while still serving a delicious, homemade dessert!

Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones in this Cranberry Custard Pie. Simply toss them directly into the saucepan with the orange juice and cook as directed. They may take a minute longer to burst because they are frozen, but the flavors will remain just as delightful.

How should I store my Cranberry Custard Pie?
To store your pie, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

Can I freeze the Cranberry Custard Pie?
Yes, you can freeze this pie! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie overnight in the fridge before serving for the best taste and texture.

What should I do if my pie comes out too runny?
If your pie ends up runny, it may be due to undercooking or not allowing it to cool properly. Make sure to bake the pie until the filling is nearly set and slightly jiggly in the center. After cooling it on the rack, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours to allow the custard to firm up completely.

Can pets eat Cranberry Custard Pie?
It’s best to avoid giving your pets any part of the Cranberry Custard Pie. Ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and orange zest are not recommended for dogs, and the crust could be greasy for their digestive systems. For pet-friendly treats, consider making a special batch of dog cookies instead!

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! To make a dairy-free version of the Cranberry Custard Pie, simply substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk. You’ll still get that creamy texture while keeping it lactose-free!