Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe: A Sweet and Tart Delight

In the ever-evolving world of dessert innovation, the classic apple pie holds a special place, cherished for its homely flavor and comforting warmth. Yet, there's always room to enhance and experiment with this timeless treat. Enter the Cranberry Apple Pie, a vibrant twist that introduces a tart, invigorating touch to the sweet apple filling, making it the perfect centerpiece for your Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any seasonal gathering. This recipe for cranberry apple pie blends the robustness of cranberries with the quintessential flavors of apple pie, ensuring a delightful balance of sweet and tart in each bite.

Selecting Your Ingredients

• Apples: Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for a good structure and balance of sweetness.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries are ideal, ensuring that sharp, tangy burst when you bite into a piece.
• Flour: All-purpose flour for the crust and to thicken the filling.
• Sugar: White granulated for the filling and crust, and brown sugar for added depth.
• Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for the classic apple pie warmth.
• Lemon: Zest and juice for a citrusy punch that elevates the flavors.
• Butter: Unsalted for the crust to control the salt level.
• Egg: For egg wash, giving your pie a golden, glossy crust.

The Ultimate Cranberry Apple Pie Crust Recipe

The crust is the foundation of your pie, setting the stage for the delectable filling to shine. Here’s how to make a perfect, buttery, and flaky crust:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¹⁄₂ cups of flour, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar.
2. Cut in 1 cup of cold, unsalted butter, using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add 6-8 tablespoons of ice water, mixing just until the dough begins to come together.
4. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

❗ Note: Overmixing can lead to a tough crust. Keep the mixture as cold as possible for the best texture.

Preparing the Cranberry Apple Filling

Now, let’s delve into the heart of the pie:

1. Peel, core, and thinly slice 6 cups of apples. Toss them with the juice from 1 lemon to prevent browning.
2. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of cranberries with ¹⁄₂ cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of flour, and zest of 1 lemon. Cook until the cranberries start to pop and the mixture thickens slightly.
3. Mix the cranberry mixture with the apples. Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¹⁄₄ teaspoon of allspice. Stir well.

🔔 Note: If using frozen cranberries, they might release more moisture. Consider straining the mixture before combining with apples to prevent a soggy bottom crust.

Assembling Your Pie

With your filling prepared, it’s time to bring it all together:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough for the bottom crust on a floured surface to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish, trimming any excess.
3. Pour the cranberry apple mixture into the crust.
4. Roll out the second disc for the top crust or use to create a lattice.
5. Brush the crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

Once baked, allow the pie to cool for several hours to set the filling properly before slicing. This not only makes for cleaner slices but also enhances the flavor melding process, ensuring that every bite of your cranberry apple pie is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Innovative Pie Presentation Tips

• Lattice Design: Cutting the top crust into strips and weaving them into a lattice can give your pie an elegant, intricate look.
• Leaf Cutouts: Use small cookie cutters to cut out leaf shapes from the dough, then arrange them over the filling for a festive, Fall-inspired design.
• Cranberry Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from confectioners’ sugar and cranberry juice over the pie for an extra touch of flavor and color.

Creating this cranberry apple pie recipe not only showcases the beauty of home baking but also allows you to craft a dessert that is both visually appealing and irresistibly delicious. The tart cranberries complement the sweet apples, making this pie a refreshing departure from traditional recipes, one that's bound to impress at any event.

Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

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Absolutely! You can prepare the crust up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also freeze it for up to a month; just make sure to let it thaw in the fridge before rolling out.

What can I use instead of cranberries?

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If cranberries aren’t available, you can substitute with other tart fruits like raspberries or cherries. Alternatively, increase the amount of apples and add a splash of lemon juice to mimic the tartness.

How long will the pie keep?

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The cranberry apple pie will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Always bring the pie to room temperature or reheat gently before serving for the best texture and flavor.