Apple Cranberry Pie

There’s something truly special about a homemade dessert like Apple Cranberry Pie. I can still remember the first time I made it for my family during a chilly fall evening. The air was crisp, and the scent of apples and spices filled the kitchen, drawing everyone in. As I pulled the pie out of the oven, golden brown and bubbling, my heart swelled with anticipation. It wasn’t just about satisfying a sweet tooth; it was about creating memories together. Every slice of Apple Cranberry Pie brought joy, laughter, and the warmth of family. This pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of everything I love about the fall season.

Main Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Pie

The ingredients in Apple Cranberry Pie are a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that complement each other beautifully. Let’s dive into what makes each ingredient essential for this delightful dessert.

• Old Fashioned Rolled Oats – The hearty oats form the base of the crust, adding a chewy texture that’s both satisfying and delicious.
• All-Purpose Flour – Essential for the crust and the filling, helping to bind everything together while giving it structure.
• Butter – Adds richness and flavor to the crust, making it buttery and crispy.
• Light Brown Sugar – Offers a hint of caramel flavor that perfectly complements the apples and spices.
• Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
• Cinnamon – A classic spice that brings warmth and a delightful aroma to the filling.
• Vanilla Extract – Adds depth to the overall taste, making the pie even more inviting.
• Apples – The star of the show! Sweet, tart, and juicy, they create the filling that everyone loves.
• Cranberries – Provide a tart contrast to the sweetness of the apples, enhancing the pie’s flavor complexity.
• Lemon Juice – Brightens the filling and helps preserve the apples’ color.
• Ground Allspice – Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the other spices beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg – A pinch of nutmeg rounds out the spice profile, giving that cozy, holiday feel.
• Lemon Zest – Offers a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the pie.
• Sour Cream – Adds creaminess to the filling, making it rich and flavorful.

Step by Step Guide for Apple Cranberry Pie

Baking Apple Cranberry Pie is a joyous process that fills your kitchen with delightful aromas. Let’s walk through the steps together and create something magical.

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 375°F. This is important as it ensures your pie cooks evenly.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the old fashioned rolled oats, all-purpose flour, butter, light brown sugar, and salt. Mix well until combined.
3. Reserve about a cup of this mixture for later use as a topping. Press the remaining crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9 or 10-inch pie pan, forming a thick crust.
4. In a large bowl, place the sliced apples and cranberries. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with 1 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, ground allspice, and ground nutmeg. Toss until well coated.
5. Add the lemon zest to the fruit mixture and sprinkle in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Mix again to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
6. Gradually add the light brown sugar and sour cream, mixing until combined. Don’t worry if some apple slices break while you toss them; it adds to the texture!
7. Distribute the filling evenly into the unbaked crust, ensuring it’s spread out nicely.
8. Sprinkle the reserved crust crumbs over the top of the filling. Pat them gently into place.
9. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the crust is golden brown on the edges.
10. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil after about 30 minutes to prevent burning.
11. Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it hot, warm, or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Customization Ideas

Personalizing your Apple Cranberry Pie is part of the fun! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Nuts: Consider mixing in some chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
• Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like pears or cherries along with the apples for a unique twist.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger to the filling for an unexpected kick!
• Serve with Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Try whipped cream, caramel sauce, or even a drizzle of chocolate for a luxurious touch.
• Make it Mini: For individual servings, use a muffin tin to create mini pies. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
• Change the Crust: Swap the oatmeal crust for a traditional pie crust or experiment with a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
• Seasonal Variations: For a holiday twist, add some dried cranberries or raisins to the filling during winter celebrations.

Serving Options for Apple Cranberry Pie

When it comes to serving Apple Cranberry Pie, the options are endless! Here’s how to make your pie the star of the table:

• With Ice Cream: Serving warm Apple Cranberry Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is an absolute crowd-pleaser.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce adds a beautiful finishing touch.
• Pair with Coffee: This pie is a delightful companion to a warm cup of coffee or tea, making it perfect for brunch or dessert.
• For Holidays: During Thanksgiving or Christmas, serve slices of pie alongside a cheese platter for a delightful contrast of flavors.
• Storage: Leftover pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
• Freezing: You can freeze slices of the pie for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!

FAQ

Conclusion

What makes Apple Cranberry Pie so special is its perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, combined with a delightful oatmeal cookie crust. Each bite tells a story of fall gatherings and warm family moments. I encourage you to try making this pie for your next occasion. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings people together. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and create something memorable!

Apple Cranberry Pie

The ultimate comfort food, Apple Cranberry Pie features a delicious oatmeal cookie crust filled with sweet apples and tart cranberries. This easy recipe is perfect for fall gatherings and family celebrations. Make it tonight for a dessert everyone will love!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 50 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Desserts

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 1 cup Butter melted
• 6 tablespoons Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 7 cups Peeled and Thinly Sliced Apples
• 1 cup Cranberries fresh or frozen
• 3 tablespoons Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Finely Grated Lemon Zest
• 3 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
• 1/4 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar
• 1/2 cup Sour Cream

Equipment

• Grater
• Oven
• Baking Sheet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Combine all of the crust ingredients in a medium-sized bowl, and mix well. Reserve about a cup of the crust mix for the topping and set aside. Press the rest of the crust mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and sides of a 9 or 10-inch pie pan, forming a thick crust.
2. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
3. Place the sliced apples and cranberries in a large bowl. Drizzle with lemon juice and sprinkle with spices; toss until well coated. Add the lemon zest. Sprinkle in the flour and mix again.
4. Gradually add the brown sugar and sour cream as you mix. Don't worry if the apple slices break a little while being mixed and tossed. Distribute the filling into the unbaked crust.
5. Sprinkle the reserved crust crumbs over the top and pat neatly into place.
6. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until the apples are soft and the crust is nicely browned on the edges. Note: If the top appears to be browning too quickly during baking, cover loosely with foil (check after about 30 minutes).
7. Serve hot, warm or at room temperature.

Notes

• Tip 1: It's best to use a mixture of apple varieties for apple pie, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for optimal flavor.
• Tip 2: If you use a smaller pie pan, 7 cups of apples might be slightly too many; use your judgment.
• Tip 3: Depending on how thick you'd like the crust, you may have some crust mix left over. Use remaining crust crumbs in little ramekins to make additional "apple crisps!".
• Tip 4: This pie is doubly good with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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Meet Simone Patel

Food is the ultimate connector, and I approach every recipe with the host in mind. I focus on creating meals that scale well for crowds and make entertaining effortless. I cooked and tested this meal to ensure it holds up beautifully from the stove to the serving platter, ready for your guests.