Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

If you’re searching for a pie that perfectly captures the spirit of the season with a zesty twist, the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe is your new best friend. This beautiful dessert combines tart fresh cranberries with a sweet, buttery topping that’s laced with the subtle warmth of almond or vanilla extract. It’s rich, textured, and utterly comforting, making it an ideal centerpiece for any holiday gathering or cozy night in. Not only does this pie taste incredible, but it also brings a burst of festive color to your table that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this pie are refreshingly straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and aroma. From the tart cranberries to the crunchy nuts and the tender, buttery topping, every element contributes to the magic of this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe.

• 2 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: The star of the show, their natural tartness keeps the pie bright and lively.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth to the filling layer.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries just enough to balance their acidity.
• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a rich, velvety topping that melts in your mouth.
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for topping): Enhances sweetness and helps achieve that golden crust.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract: Infuses the topping with warm, aromatic notes.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the buttery topping while keeping it tender.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances sweetness.
• 2 eggs: Binds the topping ingredients together for a perfect texture.

How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pie Plate

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). While it heats up, generously butter a 9-inch pie plate to ensure the pie doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. Fresh or frozen cranberries get layered right into this buttered dish, setting the vibrant base of your pie.

Step 2: Layer the Cranberries and Nuts

Pour the cranberries into the prepared pie plate, then sprinkle the chopped pecans or sliced almonds on top. These nuts add texture and depth, so don’t skimp! Next, sprinkle the 1/2 cup of sugar over the berries and nuts to balance the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.

Step 3: Make the Topping Batter

In a medium bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of sugar together on medium speed until the mixture is silky smooth. This creamy base will create the tender crumbly topping that makes this pie special. Then, add your choice of almond extract or vanilla extract along with the eggs one at a time, beating after each addition until the mixture is fluffy and light.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Finish Batter

Reduce your mixer speed to low and gradually add the flour and salt to the wet ingredients, beating just until everything is combined. The batter will be sticky and dense – that’s exactly how it should be for laying over your cranberry mixture later. Resist the urge to overmix to keep the texture perfect.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Using a spatula, scrape the topping batter out of the bowl and gently spread it evenly over the cranberries and nuts in the pie plate. Bake your pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the topping is nicely golden and set. The tangy cranberries bubbling beneath a soft, buttery crust is a sight to behold!

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe

Garnishes

To make every slice even more tempting, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top just before serving. You can also add a few fresh cranberries or a sprig of rosemary for a festive and colorful touch that elevates presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. For a more sophisticated twist, serve alongside a light citrus salad or a warm spiced cider to complement the pie’s vibrant flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual portions in mini tart pans or ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. Or plate the pie slices on festive dinnerware with a drizzle of warm caramel or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for added wow factor at your holiday table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days. Chilling actually helps the flavors meld and develop even more.

Freezing

To freeze your pie, wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight before reheating or serving cold.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in a conventional oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. This will refresh the buttery topping and soften the cranberries, making each bite taste freshly baked. Avoid microwaving, which can make the topping soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones and are a convenient option year-round. Just be sure to use them frozen without thawing to maintain the pie’s texture and to prevent excess liquid.

What if I don’t have almond extract? Can I use vanilla instead?

Yes, you can substitute almond extract with vanilla extract without compromising flavor. Both bring warmth and aroma to the topping, so choose based on your preference or what you have on hand.

Is it possible to make this pie gluten-free?

Definitely. Simply replace the all-purpose flour in the topping with a gluten-free flour blend that’s suitable for baking. This will maintain the topping’s texture while keeping the recipe safe for those avoiding gluten.

How long does the pie take to bake perfectly?

Plan for about 45 to 50 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The topping should be golden brown and firm, and you’ll notice the cranberries bubbling underneath. If it browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Can I prepare the pie filling ahead of time?

You can mix the cranberry filling a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but for best results, assemble the pie right before baking to keep the topping crisp and the cranberries fresh and vibrant.

Final Thoughts

Nothing warms the heart quite like the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe. Its perfect harmony of tart and sweet, with a luscious buttery topping, will quickly become a cherished favorite in your holiday baking tradition. I can’t wait for you to make this pie and watch it create those cozy smiles and satisfied “mmm” moments around your table. Give it a try and make your celebrations even sweeter!

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