Sitting down at my kitchen table, the aroma of orange and cranberries mingling in the air transports me to festive gatherings filled with laughter and warmth. This Cranberry Custard Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season, marrying a creamy custard filling with the zesty, tart flavor of fresh cranberries. Not only is it a showstopper perfect for your Thanksgiving or Christmas feast, but it’s also surprisingly easy to whip up, allowing you to savor the joy of homemade food without spending all day in the kitchen. Plus, this delightful pie balances tangy and sweet, ensuring your guests will be coming back for seconds! Ready to impress? Let’s dive into how to create this festive delight that will brighten your holiday table!

Why is this pie the holiday favorite?

Creamy, Dreamy Texture: The smooth custard filling is a silky delight, perfectly complemented by the tartness of cranberries.

Festive Flavors: The bright touch of orange juice and zest elevates each bite, making it a vibrant centerpiece for any holiday gathering.

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen—perfect for busy chefs!

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: This pie is sure to impress your guests, leaving them raving about your baking skills and asking for the recipe! Don’t forget to check out our Rhubarb Custard Bars for another delicious dessert!

Versatile Options: Feel free to swap in different berries or spices to make it your own. You could even serve it alongside a scoop of ice cream for an extra treat!

Cranberry Custard Pie Ingredients

• Looking to create the perfect holiday dessert?

For the Crust

Refrigerated pie crust – Use store-bought for convenience or make your own for a personal touch.

For the Filling

Cranberries (4 cups) – Fresh or frozen, they provide that iconic tartness essential to a cranberry custard pie.
Orange juice (1 cup) – Freshly squeezed adds brightness; bottled juice won’t do the pie justice!
Sweetened condensed milk (1 can/14 oz) – This creamy addition sweetens the custard beautifully; substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option.
Egg yolks (6 large) – These enrich the custard; ensure they’re at room temperature for easier mixing.
Orange zest (1 tbsp) – Adds a fragrant note that complements the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Custard Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C). This ensures that your Cranberry Custard Pie will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden hue. While the oven heats up, gather your ingredients and equipment, including a pie pan, mixing bowl, and saucepan, to streamline your cooking process.

Step 2: Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out your pie crust to a 12-inch circle and gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie pan. Be sure to press the crust into the corners without stretching it too much. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges, and create a decorative edge if desired. This crust will serve as the delicious base for your custard filling.

Step 3: Par-Bake the Crust
To prevent a soggy bottom crust, par-bake it by covering it with parchment paper and filling it with pie weights. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After this initial time, carefully remove the parchment and weights, then return the crust to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, until it’s lightly golden.

Step 4: Cook the Cranberries
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries with the cup of orange juice. Stir occasionally, cooking for about 5 minutes until the cranberries burst and release their juices. This step allows the cranberries to soften and infuse the filling with their tart flavor, creating a delightful base for your pie.

Step 5: Make the Cranberry Puree
Once the cranberries are cooked, remove the saucepan from heat and strain them through a fine-mesh sieve. This will help you collect about 2 cups of smooth cranberry puree, ensuring a rich tartness in your custard filling. Allow the puree to cool slightly before moving on to the next step.

Step 6: Prepare the Custard Filling
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, egg yolks, cranberry puree, and orange zest until fully combined and smooth. The custard should have a vibrant pink-orange color and a creamy texture. This mixture will be lavishly poured into the par-baked crust, infusing the whole pie with its festive flavors.

Step 7: Bake the Pie
Pour the custard filling into the prepared crust and place it back in the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is only slightly wobbly when shaken. The top should appear just set and slightly puffed, signaling that your Cranberry Custard Pie is nearly done.

Step 8: Cool the Pie
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature for 2 hours. This cooling time is crucial for the custard to set fully, enhancing the creamy texture. After cooling, transfer the pie to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor and firmness.

Step 9: Serve with Style
Before serving your Cranberry Custard Pie, consider decorating it with whipped cream, fresh cranberries, or festive garnishes for a touch of elegance. Slice and enjoy this creamy, tangy dessert with family and friends, and watch it become a favorite at your holiday gatherings!

Cranberry Custard Pie Variations

Let your creativity shine and personalize your cranberry custard pie with these delightful twists!

Berry Blend: Swap out cranberries for a mix of raspberries and blueberries. This gives a different berry taste while keeping the custard base intact. The combination creates a colorful and festive pie that’s equally delicious!
Graham Cracker Crust: Use a graham cracker crust instead of pie crust for a sweet, crunchy texture that adds an extra layer of flavor. The subtle hint of cinnamon in the crackers perfectly complements the tangy filling.
Spiced Delight: Add a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg to the custard filling. These spices elevate the holiday feeling, making each bite feel warm and cozy, just like your favorite seasonal memories.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a creamy, dairy-free variation. The coconut flavor harmonizes beautifully with cranberries, creating a tropical twist on the classic.
Citrus Burst: Add a splash of lemon juice along with the orange juice. The added tanginess brightens up the custard, enhancing the overall flavor profile for those who enjoy a zesty kick.
Candied Orange Peel: Garnish your pie with candied orange peel for a fancy touch. It adds both visual appeal and a delightful citrus candy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cranberries.
Chocolate Drizzle: For the chocolate lovers, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving. This rich addition indulges your cravings while complementing the tartness of the cranberries beautifully.

Get inspired and remember, you can serve this festive pie alongside a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat! If you’re looking for more sweet ideas, don’t forget to explore our July Rice Krispie treats for another fun dessert creation!

What to Serve with Cranberry Custard Pie

Sitting down to enjoy a slice of this delightful pie opens the door to creating a warm, inviting meal that wraps your loved ones in comfort and cheer.

Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, enhancing the creamy richness of the pie.
Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully against the warm tartness of the cranberries, making every bite divine.
Ginger Snap Cookies: Their spicy crunch complements the custard’s smooth texture while bringing a festive zing to the table.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad balances the richness of the pie, introducing bursts of freshness with every forkful.
Spiced Apple Cider: Warm spiced apple cider elevates the flavor experience, igniting the senses and filling your home with cozy, holiday aromas.
Coffee or Tea: A warm cup of coffee or aromatic tea provides the perfect counterpoint to the sweet tang of the pie, enhancing the overall culinary moment.

Let these delightful options create the ideal spread for sharing memories and laughter around the table during this joyous season!

Tips for the Best Cranberry Custard Pie

Perfectly Par-Baked Crust: Ensure your crust is well par-baked to avoid a soggy bottom. Check for a light golden color for optimal texture.
Room Temperature Yolk: Use room temperature egg yolks for smoother mixing. Cold yolks can result in lumps in your custard filling.
Watch the Baking Time: Keep an eye on the pie as it bakes. If the filling browns too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Chill for Richness: Allow your pie to cool overnight in the refrigerator for enhanced flavors. This chilling time enriches the custard and improves the overall experience.
Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a personal twist. The tangy cranberry custard pie is versatile for various seasonal flavors!

Make Ahead Options

Preparing your Cranberry Custard Pie ahead of time is a fantastic way to save time during the holiday hustle! You can par-bake the crust up to 24 hours in advance—simply cool it completely and store it covered at room temperature. You can also make the cranberry puree and custard filling up to 3 days ahead. Just assemble the puree by cooking the cranberries with orange juice, straining, and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, combine the custard ingredients and pour them into the crust before baking as instructed. This way, your pie will taste just as delicious, and you’ll enjoy a stress-free holiday gathering!

How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Custard Pie

Fridge: Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This helps maintain the creamy custard’s texture and flavor until you’re ready to serve.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. This way, you can enjoy your cranberry custard pie for up to 3 months!
Thawing: To enjoy frozen slices, simply transfer them to the refrigerator overnight before serving. This gentle thawing process keeps the custard smooth and tasty.
Reheating: If you prefer to serve the pie slightly warm, reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, ensuring you don’t overheat the custard.

Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe FAQs

What kind of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! For this pie, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries. Fresh cranberries provide a bright flavor and vibrant color, while frozen cranberries are convenient and still delicious. Just ensure if you’re using frozen ones, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.

How should I store my cranberry custard pie?
One of the best ways to store your cranberry custard pie is to cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 4 days. This keeps the creamy custard fresh and delicious, making it perfect for leftovers after the holidays!

Can I freeze cranberry custard pie?
Yes! You can absolutely freeze your cranberry custard pie for later enjoyment. To do this, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to transfer the slices to the refrigerator to thaw overnight before serving, ensuring they retain their creamy texture.

What should I do if the custard doesn’t set properly?
If you find that your custard hasn’t set after baking, it may need a bit longer in the oven. Simply return it for an additional 5-10 minutes, but keep a close eye on the edges to prevent browning. Additionally, allowing it to cool completely—the longer, the better—can help it firm up nicely in the refrigerator.

Are there any allergens in this recipe?
This cranberry custard pie contains several common allergens, including eggs and dairy due to the sweetened condensed milk. If you have dietary restrictions, you can substitute the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free option. Always check product labels to ensure they meet your specific dietary needs, especially if serving to others.

Can pets eat cranberry custard pie?
It’s best to keep this pie away from pets. While cranberries are generally safe for dogs and cats in small amounts, the sugar from the sweetened condensed milk and the egg yolks can be harmful to them. Always opt for pet-safe treats instead!