Ah, the holidays! A time rich with tradition, laughter, and, let’s not forget, the delightful aromas wafting from the kitchen. As the leaves start to turn and the air grows crisp, no dessert embodies the season quite like the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. I remember the first time I tasted this pie at a family gathering, nestled among other festive treats. It was one of those moments when you take a bite and your eyes widen in surprise—a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. This pie just feels like a warm hug after a day filled with holiday chaos, and I knew right then that I had to recreate it at home. Now, every year, it graces our table, reminding us of the joy of sharing plates piled high with love and nostalgia. Let’s dive into this recipe, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine crunching through a buttery crust and tasting the burst of tart cranberries that dance happily on your tongue—it’s pure bliss! This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors, and believe me, it’s worth every morsel. Aside from its luscious taste, it’s pretty simple to whip up. You can spend more time enjoying your family and less time in the kitchen, which, let’s be real, is a win-win during the busy holiday season. Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you’re hosting a party or just sneaking a slice for yourself (no judgment here!), this pie is the perfect companion. Trust me, it’s like bringing a little piece of Nantucket home, minus the ferry ride.
What It Tastes Like
Picture this: you grab a slice of this golden pie, and as your fork cuts through the flaky crust, you catch the aroma of baked cranberries mingling with hints of cinnamon—like the warm embrace of a cozy sweater on a chilly day. The flavor is a beautiful duet, with the tart cranberries providing a refreshing zing that’s softened just right by the sweet notes of sugar. The texture is a symphony as well: a light and flaky crust gives way to a luscious, slightly gooey filling, dotted with those vibrant cranberry jewels. It’s the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, recalling memories of laughter around the table and the smell of pine and cinnamon filling the air.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought): This will cradle all those delicious fillings. A homemade crust is my preference, but I recognize the beauty of a shortcut when it calls!
- 3 cups fresh cranberries: They provide the tartness! Fresh is best, but frozen cranberries can work in a pinch—just thaw them first.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the deal while balancing the tartness of the cranberries.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your filling isn’t too runny.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice—it’s like a gentle whisper of holiday cheer.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the whole pie and enhances all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Because every dessert deserves a hint of sweet aroma!
- Pinch of salt: Just a tiny amount to bring all the flavors to life.
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a delightful crunch.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds a warm, earthy depth to the flavor.
Special Garnishes
- Whipped cream: Because, let’s be honest, it’s a classic for a reason!
- Cranberry sauce: A dollop on the side can take it to another level.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have all our ingredients prepped and lined up like eager little soldiers, let’s get to baking!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give it a few minutes to warm up, just like your favorite sweater does when you slip it on.
- Prepare the crust: If using store-bought crust, simply fit it into a pie plate. If homemade, roll it out to about 1/8-inch thickness and place it in a pie plate. Don’t forget to crimp the edges with your fingers or a fork for that charming touch!
- Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Fold everything together gently until the cranberries are well coated with the sweet, sticky goodness.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly. Doesn’t it look tempting already?
- Bake the pie: Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust to ensure it doesn’t over-brown; if it gets too dark, cover the edges with foil.
- Cool it down: Once done, remove the pie from the oven and cool it on a wire rack. This step is crucial; as much as your tastebuds might be screaming, give it at least 2 hours to set properly!
- Garnish and serve: Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and watch as your guests’ eyes light up!
And there you go! A dish that not only tastes extraordinary but is also sure to spark joyful conversations around the table. Feel free to add your own flair in the way of garnishes or make it even more special by serving it with a warm cup of cocoa or mulled wine.
Recipe Variations
This pie is like a canvas waiting for your creative touches! Want to change up the flavor? Try blending in some chopped apples or pears with the cranberries for a fruity twist. You can also experiment with different spices; a touch of cardamom or a hint of allspice will transport your taste buds to a different flavor realm! For a decorative touch, consider a lattice crust on top—your pie will go from delicious to downright stunning!
Serving & Storage Tips
To keep your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie fresh, store it covered in the refrigerator. It should last about 3 to 4 days—if it lasts that long! Leftovers make for the perfect breakfast treat, perhaps paired with your morning coffee. Pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, and you’re ready for a delightful start to your day. You can also enjoy it cold—grabbing a slice from the fridge while contemplating your holiday shopping list sounds pretty good to me!
Helpful Tips
Here are a few friendly reminders to ensure your baking experience goes smoothly:
- Don’t rush the cooling: This allows the filling to firm up, making it easier to slice.
- Use fresh cranberries: If you can, fresh is always best, but don’t be shy about those frozen ones; just remember to thaw!
- Watch the baking time: Each oven is a tiny universe of its own, so keep an eye on your pie in the last ten minutes.
Special Equipment
- Pie Plate: While you can use glass or metal, a ceramic pie plate retains heat well and looks beautiful on your table.
- Mixing bowls: Get a few sizes, as they become handy when juggling ingredients. Glass bowls are great because you can see your colorful mixture.
- Wire rack: Perfect for cooling down your pie evenly (or for just creating a little drama during the cooling process!).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake it one day in advance. Just let it cool completely before wrapping it in foil and refrigerating. Bring to room temperature before serving.
Can I substitute the cranberries?
Yes, you can try substituting half of the cranberries with other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Just keep the sugar level in mind, as some berries are sweeter or more tart than cranberries.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Not a problem! You can substitute with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but the texture might differ slightly.
Is it okay to freeze the pie?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to three months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
Conclusion
The Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie has become a cherished tradition in my home, and I hope it finds a place in yours too. I love serving it during family gatherings, where it sparks laughter and stories shared over the years. The joy it brings—which is usually accompanied by a chorus of “Yum!”—is the perfect bow on top of winter festivities. So, whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just treating yourself on a quiet evening, I encourage you to give this pie a try. And if you do, please share your version in the comments! Happy baking, and may your holidays be filled with heat from the oven, love around the table, and a slice of this delicious pie in your hand!
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Irresistible Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe Awaits You
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
Delight in a festive Nantucket Cranberry Pie that bursts with flavor This easy recipe will be the star of your holiday dessert table Perfectly homemade
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful holiday dessert featuring a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet flavors, nestled in a flaky crust.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: 250 calories
- Sugar: 20 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
