Apple Cranberry Pie is a delightful twist on the classic apple pie, adding the tartness of cranberries to complement the sweetness of apples. This pie is perfect for the holiday season or any time you’re craving a cozy, comforting dessert. The combination of juicy apples, tart cranberries, and warm spices creates a delicious filling that is sure to impress your family and friends. Follow this recipe to learn how to make Apple Cranberry Pie at home.
Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Pie:
- 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if preferred)
- 5-6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (use a mix of sweet and tart apples)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make Apple Cranberry Pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges.
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until the fruit is evenly coated.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top with pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 1 hour before serving.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Apples: Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture in your pie. Some good options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Fuji.
- Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries add a tart burst of flavor to the pie, balancing out the sweetness of the apples.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, cozy flavors that complement the fruit filling perfectly.
- Pie Crust: You can use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts or make your own homemade crust. Either way, the buttery, flaky crust is the perfect vessel for the delicious filling.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the top crust with beaten egg gives the pie a beautiful golden color and helps the coarse sugar adhere for a sweet, crunchy finish.
Apple Cranberry Pie is a festive and flavorful dessert that is sure to impress your guests. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect holiday treat.