How to Make the Most Delectable Apple Cranberry Pie Ever

Tired of apple pies that turn out soggy or bland? Nothing disappoints quite like cutting into a beautiful pie only to find a lackluster filling and mushy crust. The perfect balance of sweet and tart in an Apple Cranberry Pie can be elusive, but not anymore!

This Apple Cranberry Pie recipe delivers a show-stopping dessert with a flaky, golden crust and a perfectly balanced filling that will have everyone asking for seconds. The vibrant cranberries add just the right amount of tartness to complement the sweet, tender apples.

Hi, I’m Emma, the heart behind GusRecipes! I’ve spent years perfecting this Apple Cranberry Pie recipe, testing countless combinations of apples, spice blends, and baking techniques. What started as a Thanksgiving tradition in my family has evolved into what my friends now call “the pie that ruins all other pies.”

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect apples, preparing a foolproof crust, mixing a delectable filling, and baking your pie to golden perfection. I’ll also share troubleshooting tips, creative variations, and serving suggestions to make your Apple Cranberry Pie truly unforgettable.

Why This Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe Works

• Uses easily accessible seasonal ingredients that highlight fall and winter flavors
• Combines the perfect balance of sweet apples with tart cranberries for complex flavor
• Features a foolproof crust that bakes up flaky and golden every time
• Can be prepared ahead and frozen for convenience during busy holiday seasons
• Versatile enough for casual family dinners or elegant holiday gatherings

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Apple Cranberry Pie

Best Apples for Apple Cranberry Pie

The foundation of any great apple cranberry pie is selecting the right apples. Firm varieties that hold their shape during baking are essential. Here’s what to look for:

• Granny Smith: These tart apples provide structure and balance the sweetness
• Honeycrisp: Offers sweet-tart flavor and maintains firmness when baked
• Braeburn: Provides complex flavor with hints of spice that complement cranberries
• Golden Delicious: Adds sweetness and breaks down slightly for varied texture

Tip: Use a combination of at least two apple varieties for the most complex flavor profile.

Cranberry Selection for Apple Cranberry Pie

When it comes to cranberries, you have options:

• Fresh cranberries: Available seasonally (October-December), provide the brightest flavor and best texture
• Frozen cranberries: Nearly as good as fresh and available year-round (no need to thaw before using)
• Dried cranberries: Use only in a pinch, and rehydrate them in apple juice for 20 minutes first

Crust Considerations

For the most delectable apple cranberry pie, your crust matters tremendously:

• All-butter crust: Provides the richest flavor and flakiest texture
• Shortening + butter combination: Creates stability with good flavor
• Store-bought crust: Acceptable time-saver, but brush with egg wash for better color

Ingredients & Prep for Apple Cranberry Pie

Pie Crust Essentials

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ to ⅓ cup ice water
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tenderness)

Apple Cranberry Filling Ingredients

• 6 cups apples, peeled and sliced (about 6-7 medium apples)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Apple Cranberry Pie Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Apple Cranberry Pie

1. Prepare your pie dough at least 2 hours ahead (or the night before) to allow proper chilling.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples to about ¼-inch thickness for even cooking.
3. Rinse cranberries and remove any soft or discolored berries.
4. Mix filling ingredients in a large bowl and let sit for 15 minutes to release juices.
5. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) with a baking sheet inside.

Assembling Your Apple Cranberry Pie

1. Roll out bottom crust to a 12-inch circle and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Pour filling into the crust, mounding slightly in the center.
3. Roll out top crust and either place whole on top with vents cut in, or create a lattice pattern.
4. Seal and crimp edges decoratively.
5. Brush with egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

Baking Method for Apple Cranberry Pie

1. Place pie on the preheated baking sheet in the oven.
2. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes to set the crust.
3. Reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes.
4. Cover edges with aluminum foil if they begin to darken too quickly.
5. Pie is done when the filling is bubbling in the center and the crust is golden brown.

Cooling Your Apple Cranberry Pie

Allow the pie to cool completely (at least 3 hours) before slicing to let the filling set properly. Cutting too soon will result in a runny filling.

Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Cranberry Pie

Avoiding Common Pie Problems

• For soggy bottom crusts: Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding filling
• For juicy fillings: Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch if your apples are particularly juicy
• For bubbling over: Place a rimmed baking sheet under your pie to catch drips
• For even baking: Rotate pie halfway through baking time for even browning

Tool Recommendations

• Ceramic pie dish: Promotes even heating for perfectly baked crusts
• Pie shield or aluminum foil: Protects crust edges from burning
• Apple peeler/corer/slicer: Saves significant prep time
• Pastry blender: Creates perfect texture for pie dough
• Rolling pin with thickness rings: Ensures even dough thickness

Storage & Reheating

• Store baked pie at room temperature for up to 2 days, covered with a tea towel
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste

Looking for more delicious fall dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for hundreds of seasonal recipes that celebrate the best flavors of autumn!

Flavor Variations for Apple Cranberry Pie

Spice Enhancements

• Chai-Spiced: Add cardamom, ginger, and a pinch of black pepper
• Maple Infused: Replace some sugar with pure maple syrup
• Citrus Boost: Add orange zest and a tablespoon of Grand Marnier extract

Texture Modifications

• Streusel Topped: Replace top crust with a crumbly oat and brown sugar topping
• Dutch Style: Add a crunchy sugar topping instead of a top crust
• Extra Crunch: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling

Dietary Adaptations

• Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the crust
• Reduced Sugar: Use Stevia baking blend in place of some sugar
• Vegan-Friendly: Use plant-based butter and omit egg wash

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cranberry Pie

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream
• Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream flavored with cinnamon
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra decadence
• Pair with sharp cheddar cheese for a traditional New England experience
• Garnish with sugared cranberries and mint leaves for a festive presentation

FAQs About Apple Cranberry Pie

Can I make this apple cranberry pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the entire pie and freeze it unbaked for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?

Brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before adding filling, or blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes at 375°F.

My filling seems too watery. What should I do?

If your apples are very juicy, add an additional 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the filling. Also, be sure to let the pie cool completely before cutting.

Can I use only frozen cranberries?

Absolutely! There’s no need to thaw them first, but you may want to add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to account for their additional moisture.

How do I know when my pie is perfectly done?

Look for bubbling in the center of the pie (not just the edges), and a golden-brown crust. If in doubt, it’s better to bake a few minutes longer than to underbake.

Conclusion

Creating the most delectable Apple Cranberry Pie ever isn’t just about following a recipe it’s about understanding the perfect balance of sweet and tart, creating a flaky, golden crust, and mastering the techniques that elevate a simple dessert to extraordinary heights.

With the tips and techniques shared in this guide, you’re now equipped to bake an Apple Cranberry Pie that will become your signature dessert. The vibrant cranberries nestled among tender apple slices create a symphony of flavors that perfectly captures the essence of fall and winter gatherings.

Don’t keep this deliciousness to yourself! Share your pie creation on social media and tag @GusRecipes I’d love to see your masterpiece. And if you’re looking for more seasonal desserts, try my No-Bake Strawberry Cloud Cake , or Strawberry Goat Cheese Crostini next.

Happy baking!

How to Make the Most Delectable Apple Cranberry Pie Ever

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• Author: Emma Emma
• Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
• Yield: 8 slices 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A cozy, bright, and lightly tart holiday pie made with sweet apples and fresh cranberries in a flaky butter crust.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling:

5 cups thinly sliced apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

3 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 tbsp butter, diced

Crust:

1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

1 egg + 1 tbsp water (egg wash)

1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Mix apples, cranberries, sugars, cornstarch, spices, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice.

3. Place bottom crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

4. Add filling and dot with butter.

5. Add top crust, seal and crimp edges.

6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle coarse sugar.

7. Bake 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce heat to 350°F.

8. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

9. Cool at least 3 hours before slicing.

Notes

Use a mix of apple varieties for best texture.

Cover crust with foil if browning too quickly.

Cooling fully helps the filling set.

Serve with ice cream or whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 55–60 mins
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 360

Keywords: apple cranberry pie, holiday dessert, fruit pie