Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

If you’re looking for the perfect dessert to brighten your holiday gatherings, look no further than this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie! This pie combines juicy cranberries with crunchy pecans and a delightful cake layer on top. It’s a family favorite that never fails to impress. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to whip together, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights or festive celebrations.

Imagine serving this warm, fragrant pie fresh from the oven, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. Each slice is a delicious balance of tart and sweet that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this pie in the oven and start dreaming about those sweet aromas wafting through your kitchen!
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet cranberry filling mixed with crunchy pecans, making it a hit at any family gathering.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or a festive holiday dinner, this pie fits right in and steals the show.
• Make-Ahead Potential: You can bake this pie a day ahead and simply reheat it when ready to serve—easy peasy!
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The tartness of cranberries paired with the buttery cake layer creates a flavor explosion that is truly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. Trust me; you probably have most of these on hand already!

For the Pie

• Cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Sugar
• Butter
• Eggs
• Almond extract or vanilla
• Flour
• Salt

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some fun variations you can try to make it your own:

• Add spices: Sprinkle in some cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth and flavor.
• Try different nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch.
• Mix in fruits: Toss in some chopped apples or pears along with the cranberries for added sweetness and texture.
• Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to suit your dietary needs.

How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Plate

Preheat your oven to 350 F (176 C). While that’s heating up, butter a 9-inch pie plate. This step helps create that lovely golden crust we all adore while preventing sticking—an essential part of pie-making!

Step 2: Layer the Filling

Place fresh cranberries into your prepared pie plate. Then sprinkle them with chopped pecans and half a cup of sugar. This combination sets the foundation for our juicy filling while balancing out the tartness of the cranberries.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, beat softened butter with one cup of sugar until smooth. This creaming process incorporates air into the batter, ensuring our cake layer comes out fluffy and tender.

Step 4: Add Flavors and Eggs

Continue beating as you add almond extract (or vanilla) along with eggs one at a time. Each egg adds moisture and richness. Once all is combined, reduce your mixer speed and gradually add flour and salt to keep everything well-mixed without overworking it.

Step 5: Spread the Batter

Your batter should be sticky but manageable. Using a spatula, carefully spread it over the cranberry mixture in your pie plate—this ensures every bite has that delightful cake layer!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pie for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it during baking; you want that beautiful golden color without burning!

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Don’t forget that scoop of ice cream! Serving this warm Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie with ice cream takes it from delightful to downright heavenly. Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

This delightful pie is simple to prepare but can be elevated with a few insider tips!

• Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Feel free to modify the amount of sugar based on your preference or the tartness of your cranberries. This ensures you get the perfect balance that suits your palate.

• Check for Doneness: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, indicating it’s perfectly baked without being dry.

• Let it Cool Slightly: Allowing the pie to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing helps it set properly, making it easier to serve while maintaining that lovely, juicy filling.

• Experiment with Extracts: While almond extract adds a nutty flavor, feel free to experiment with different extracts like orange or lemon for a refreshing twist!

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Presenting your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can transform it from a simple dessert into a stunning centerpiece for your table!

Garnishes

• Whipped Coconut Cream: A light and fluffy topping that enhances the pie’s flavors while keeping it dairy-free.
• Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle some toasted pecans on top for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Zest of Orange or Lemon: A sprinkle of citrus zest not only adds color but also brightens up the overall taste of the pie.

Side Dishes

• Cinnamon-Spiced Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with tart cranberries, creating a delightful contrast on your plate.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts complements the sweetness of cranberry pie, providing a balanced meal.
• Mixed Green Salad with Vinaigrette: A fresh salad dressed in vinaigrette adds a refreshing element that cuts through the richness of the pie.
• Maple-Glazed Carrots: These sweet and savory carrots enhance the holiday spirit and make for a colorful side dish that everyone will love.

Enjoy making this delicious Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, and don’t forget to share it with family and friends for those cozy gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is not only a delightful treat but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, saving you stress on busy holiday days. Here’s how to store and preserve your delicious creation:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pie to cool completely before storing.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
• For optimal flavor, consider freezing slices individually.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C).
• Remove any wrapping from the pie or slices.
• Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through.
• Serve with a scoop of ice cream for that fresh-out-of-the-oven experience!

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this wonderful recipe:

Can I use frozen cranberries for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before using them.

How long does Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie will last up to 4 days. If you decide to freeze it, it can stay fresh for up to 2 months!

What can I serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. You’ll love how the creamy texture complements the tart cranberries!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie becomes a beloved addition to your holiday gatherings! With its sweet and tart flavor profile, combined with crunchy pecans, it’s truly a slice of happiness on a plate. Enjoy making this dish and sharing it with loved ones – every bite is a reminder of the joy of togetherness during the holidays. Happy baking!