This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a tasty treat for the holidays! With a bright and tangy cranberry filling and a flaky crust, it’s a festive delight for your table.
Pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, and you’ll see smiles all around! I can’t resist a second slice, especially when it’s still warm. 🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor, but frozen ones work just as well. If cranberries are hard to find, you can use cherries or blueberries for a different twist.
Orange Juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness. If you don’t have oranges, use lemon juice, but start with less sugar, as lemons are more tart.
Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg complement the cranberry flavor. If you’re not a fan of nutmeg, just skip it or substitute with allspice for a warm spice note.
Pie Crust: A homemade crust is lovely, but store-bought crusts save time! For a gluten-free option, look for a gluten-free pie crust or simply use a crumble topping instead of a crust.
Butter: I recommend unsalted butter for baking. If you want a dairy-free option, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute works well too.
Why is Thickening the Filling Important?
Thickening the cranberry filling is crucial to avoid a soggy bottom crust. When adding flour, it absorbs excess moisture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Cook the filling until the cranberries burst, which helps create natural pectin for thickening.
- Adding flour helps stabilize the filling’s texture as it bakes, allowing it to hold its shape when sliced.
- Letting the filling cool slightly before adding it to the crust also helps prevent it from becoming too runny.
With these tips and insights, you’ll create a delicious Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie that will be a hit at any gathering!
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Filling:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour (to thicken the filling)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Crust:
- 1 pie crust (enough for top crust only, or lattice crust)
- 1 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces
For Topping:
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh rosemary sprig, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and with baking time, it’ll be ready in about 55-60 minutes. Don’t forget to let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s nice and hot for baking your pie!
2. Prepare the Cranberry Filling:
In a medium saucepan, mix the cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, and orange zest. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring gently. You’ll want to do this until the cranberries start to burst and the mixture thickens, which should take about 10 minutes.
3. Add All the Flavorings:
Now, stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, flour, and vanilla extract. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the filling is thick. Once done, remove it from heat and let it cool a bit.
4. Pour into Pie Dish:
Grab a greased 9-inch pie dish and pour the cranberry filling into it. Make sure it’s spread evenly for great taste in every slice!
5. Prepare the Pie Crust:
If you’re making a lattice top, roll out the pie crust and cut it into strips. If you prefer, you can simply cover the filling with the full crust and cut some slits in it to let steam escape. Either way, it’s going to be delicious!
6. Assemble the Pie:
Place the crust over the filling, tucking in the edges and pinching them to seal. Don’t forget to dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to add extra flavor.
7. Bake the Pie:
Now it’s time for baking! Put your pie in the oven and bake it for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through any openings.
8. Cool Down:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time is crucial for the filling to set up nicely.
9. Serve with a Sweet Touch:
Before serving, dust the pie with powdered sugar for a lovely finish. If you’d like, garnish it with a fresh rosemary sprig for a touch of color and flavor.
10. Enjoy!
Slice up your pie to serve warm or at room temperature. Consider pairing it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is perfectly tart, spicy, and a beautiful addition to any holiday feast! Enjoy the celebration.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries are a great substitute and will yield a delicious pie. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking, or if using them frozen, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly until they’re soft and bursting.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it briefly in the oven before serving for the best results!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To enjoy it warm, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave for a quick warm-up.
Can I Substitute the Orange Juice?
Yes! If you don’t have orange juice, lemon juice can be used, though it will add a different tartness to the pie. Just keep in mind to balance the sugars, as lemon juice is more acidic than orange juice.