Introduction
Welcome to this delightful recipe for Easy Cranberry Apple Pie! If you’re looking for a delicious dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, you’ve come to the right place. This mouthwatering pie is the perfect treat for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply a cozy evening at home. With a flaky crust and a filling bursting with fruity flavors, this pie is sure to impress your taste buds. So, let’s dive into the world of cranberry apple goodness!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need to make this scrumptious pie:
– 2 cups of fresh cranberries
– 3 cups of peeled and sliced apples
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cubed
– 1 package of ready-made pie crust
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making this Easy Cranberry Apple Pie:
Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Apple Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries, sliced apples, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Mix everything together until the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar and flour mixture.
Step 2: Roll Out the Pie Crust
Next, take the ready-made pie crust out of the package and roll it out onto a lightly floured surface. Make sure to roll it into a circle that is large enough to cover your pie dish. Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust onto the pie dish, gently pressing it down to fit the shape of the dish.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust
Now it’s time to pour the cranberry apple filling into the prepared pie crust. Spread the filling evenly, making sure to fill any gaps. Dot the top of the filling with the cubed unsalted butter, distributing it evenly across the surface.
Step 4: Cover the Pie with a Second Crust
Take another pie crust from the package and roll it out, following the same process as before. Carefully place the rolled-out crust on top of the filling, covering the entire pie. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Before baking, brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a golden finish. Cut a few slits on the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust turns golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the filling to set and make it easier to slice. Serve the Easy Cranberry Apple Pie warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to add a personal touch to your Cranberry Apple Pie, here are a few variations you can try:
1. Streusel Topping
Instead of using a second pie crust to cover the filling, you can make a delicious streusel topping. Mix 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of softened butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the streusel mixture over the filling before baking, and enjoy the added crunch and sweetness.
2. Nutty Twist
To add a nutty flavor and texture to your pie, you can mix in some chopped walnuts or pecans with the cranberry apple filling. The nuts will complement the fruity flavors and add a delightful crunch to every bite.
3. Spiced Whipped Cream
Take your pie to the next level by serving it with a dollop of spiced whipped cream. Simply whip some heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar and ground cinnamon until soft peaks form. The spiced whipped cream will add a creamy and aromatic element to your dessert.
Tips
Here are a few tips to ensure your Easy Cranberry Apple Pie turns out perfectly:
– If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the amount of sugar in the filling according to your taste.
– Make sure to choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking. Popular choices for pies include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples.
– If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries instead. Just make sure to thaw them before adding them to the filling.
– For a decorative touch, you can use cookie cutters to create shapes from the second pie crust and arrange them on top of the filling before baking.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully learned how to make an Easy Cranberry Apple Pie. This delightful dessert is a perfect combination of tartness and sweetness, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it with family and friends or savoring a slice on your own, this pie is sure to impress. So, roll up your sleeves, gather the ingredients, and start baking this scrumptious pie that will surely become a favorite in no time!
FAQs
Q: Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of a ready-made one?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer making your own pie crust from scratch, feel free to do so. Just make sure to follow your favorite pie crust recipe and adjust the quantities accordingly.
Q: Can I freeze the pie for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a preheated oven until warm.
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen ones?
A: While fresh or frozen cranberries provide the best flavor and texture, you can use dried cranberries as a substitute. Keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter and have a chewier texture, so the pie’s taste and consistency may vary slightly.
Easy Cranberry Apple Pie
A delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples, this mouthwatering pie features a flaky crust and a filling bursting with fruity flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 3 cups peeled and sliced apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 package ready-made pie crust
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine cranberries, apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Mix until fruit is coated.
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Roll out the pie crust on a floured surface and place it in a pie dish.
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Fill the pie crust with the cranberry apple filling. Dot the top with cubed butter.
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Cover the pie with another crust, trim excess, and crimp the edges to seal.
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Brush the top crust with beaten egg, make slits, and bake for 45-50 minutes until golden and bubbling.
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Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving warm or at room temperature.
