Cranberry Custard Pie

By:

Sarah

Published:

November 20, 2025

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Cranberry Custard Pie is a showstopper dessert that encapsulates the flavors of the holiday season. Just picture it: a golden-brown crust giving way to a creamy, luscious filling bursting with the tangy sweetness of fresh cranberries and the zesty kick of orange juice. Whether you’re looking to impress your family or simply indulge in a sweet treat, this pie is perfect for any occasion.

Every bite of this pie not only delivers a fantastic flavor experience but also carries a sentimental weight, connecting us to family traditions and joyous gatherings around the table. As you slice into this dessert, the cheerful colors will light up the room, and before you know it, everyone will be talking about how delicious it is. So grab your apron, gather the ingredients, and let’s create a Cranberry Custard Pie that will spark conversations and create memories.

Why This Recipe Works

This Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful balance of tart and sweet, encapsulating the essence of the holiday season in a single slice. The creamy custard filling is perfectly complemented by the bright, zesty flavor of fresh cranberries and orange juice. With each bite, you experience a burst of flavor that not only looks beautiful on the table but also sings with seasonal cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Custard Pie

This recipe is not just about taste; it’s about creating memories. Imagine serving this stunning pie at your holiday gatherings — friends and family will be charmed by its vibrant color and rich flavor. It’s a conversation starter, an emotional connection to tradition, and a perfect way to cap off a festive meal. The combination of flavors and textures creates a treat that will linger in hearts and minds long after the last slice is devoured.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to get started on your Cranberry Custard Pie:

1 refrigerated pie crust or a 9-in deep pie shell (store-bought or homemade)
4 cups (480 g) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
1 can (14 oz / 400 g) sweetened condensed milk
6 large egg yolks, at room temperature
1 tbsp orange zest (from approximately 2 oranges)

The Recipe Process

Preheat Your Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C or gas mark 4). This is an important step to prepare for baking this delicious pie.

Roll Out the Pie Crust

Next, lay out your pie crust. On a lightly floured surface, roll it out into a 12-in (30 cm) circle. Remember to turn the dough a quarter turn every few rolls so it doesn’t stick, adding flour as needed.

Line the Pie Dish

Now, carefully transfer that beautifully rolled-out dough into a 9-in (23 cm) deep-dish pie pan. Tuck in the edges gently using your fingers and smooth it out. Trim any overhanging dough with a sharp knife. For a decorative touch, flute the edges with your fingers or crimp them with a fork.

Par-Bake the Pie Crust

To ensure your crust is nice and flaky, line it with parchment paper and a piece of foil. Fill it with pie weights or dried beans, distributing them evenly across the bottom. Pre-bake the crust for 10 minutes, then carefully remove the weights, foil, and parchment before baking for an additional 10 minutes.

Cook the Cranberries

While the crust is baking, it’s time to cook the cranberries. In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and orange juice. Heat over medium, cooking until the mixture simmers. Keep going until most cranberries have burst, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes.

Strain the Cranberries

For the next step, grab your immersion blender and puree the cranberries. Strain this puree through a fine-mesh sieve, catching all the juice in a bowl. You’ll want to measure out 2 cups of this cranberry mixture for your filling.

Mix the Filling Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, that lovely cranberry puree, and the orange zest. Whisk until well combined and the mixture thickens a bit.

Bake the Pie

Now, pour that delicious cranberry custard filling into your pre-baked crust. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You want the center to be almost set and slightly wobbly. If the edges start to brown too much, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield. Make sure to check for doneness starting at the 25-minute mark.

Cool the Pie

After your pie has baked, place it on a wire rack and let it cool for around 2 hours. This cooling step is vital for letting the filling set.

Refrigerate

For the best texture, put your pie in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Decorate Before Serving

When you’re ready to serve, consider garnishing your Cranberry Custard Pie with sweetened whipped cream, fresh cranberries, red currants, sugared rosemary, or festive sprinkles. This adds that extra touch of artistry to a splendid dessert.

Store Leftovers Properly

If there are any leftovers, cover them well and store in the fridge for up to 4 days to keep your pie fresh and tasty.

Serving Suggestions

Serve slices of cranberry custard pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pair it with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine for a delightful and cozy treat. The combination of flavors and warmth creates an inviting atmosphere that enhances any gathering.

Tips for Success

Make sure your egg yolks are at room temperature for better mixing.
If using frozen cranberries, leave them frozen before cooking to preserve the pie’s texture.
Every oven is different, so keep an eye on the pie while baking, adjusting accordingly to prevent overcooking.

Variations

For a bit more flavor, you can add a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the filling.
Consider substituting almond extract for the orange zest to give it a unique twist.
If you want something a little different, try using a graham cracker crust instead of a traditional pie crust for a fun variation.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! Just remember not to thaw them before cooking, which helps maintain the pie’s delightful texture.

2. How long can I store the pie?
The pie can stay covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days without losing its deliciousness.

3. Can I make this pie a day ahead?
Yes! In fact, it tastes even better when made a day in advance as the flavors have more time to meld together.

4. What can I serve with this pie?
This pie goes wonderfully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or even some spiced hot drinks.

5. How do I prevent the crust from burning?
If you notice the edges darkening too much, cover those areas with foil while the pie continues to bake.

Serving this vibrant Cranberry Custard Pie not only enhances your holiday spread; it also creates joyful memories with your loved ones. The combination of tart cranberries and creamy custard encased in a flaky crust is sure to impress and satisfy every palate. Don’t hesitate to share this exquisite recipe at your next gathering; it might just become a cherished tradition!