Name: Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 7 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Homemade pie crust (recipe makes 2 crusts; 1 for bottom and 1 for top); 3 large apples, cored, peeled, and sliced into 1/4-inch slices (about 6–7 cups of slices, or 750–875g); 1 and 1/2 cups (187g) fresh or frozen cranberries; 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons (14g) cornstarch; 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest; 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

I am absolutely in love with this Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe because it brings together the perfect harmony of tart cranberries and sweet, tender apples tucked inside a flaky homemade crust. Every bite is bursting with cozy spices and a hint of citrus zest, making it one of my all-time favorite desserts to bake and share with friends and family. This pie isn’t just a treat; it’s a little celebration in every slice that’s well worth the time and care it takes to make.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe

What makes this Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe stand out to me is the way the fresh cranberries balance the sweetness of the apples with a lovely, bright tartness. The combination with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and fresh orange zest creates a warm, aromatic flavor profile that is absolutely irresistible. I love that the filling has lively texture contrasts—from the soft cooked apples to the burst of fruitiness from the cranberries—making every forkful exciting and comforting at once.

Beyond the amazing taste, I find this pie surprisingly straightforward to prepare, especially since the filling comes together quickly and the detailed lattice crust is totally customizable. Whether I’m baking for a holiday feast, an intimate dinner party, or just a weekend treat, this pie always steals the show. It’s a wonderful way to show you care with something homemade that feels elevated but is very approachable in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round pie with a golden brown lattice crust on top, showing dark purple filling beneath. The crust edges are braided thickly around the pie, with three small flower-shaped crust decorations scattered on top. The pie sits on a dark red doily, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this pie are simple yet essential—each one playing a key role in delivering the classic flavors, vibrant colors, and perfect textures I expect in a fruit pie.

Homemade pie crust: My favorite flaky crust recipe that creates a buttery, tender base and top for the filling.
3 large apples: Peeled and sliced thin for even cooking and a soft, tender texture inside the pie.

1 and 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: Providing beautiful color and a punch of tartness that brightens the whole pie.
3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetening the filling just enough without overpowering the fruit.
2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickening the juice released by the apples and cranberries to keep the filling perfect and not runny.

1 teaspoon fresh orange zest: Adding a delightful citrus note that livens up the spices.
1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: The warm spice foundation that feels like a hug in every bite.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Introducing a subtle depth and complexity to the spice mix.

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Rounding out the spices with its gentle, nutty flavor.
2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter: Dotting on top of the filling for richness and flaky crust pockets.
Egg wash (1 large egg + 1 tablespoon milk): Brushing the crust to achieve that gorgeous golden shine.

Directions

Step 1: Start by preparing my homemade pie crust dough through step 5 (chilling included), so it’s ready for rolling out. Remember to keep one disk chilled until you’re ready to work on the lattice top.

Step 2: In a large bowl, stir together the sliced apples, cranberries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, fresh orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. This mixture makes the luscious filling that will fill the pie with flavor.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) so it’s ready to bake the pie immediately after assembly.

Step 4: Lightly flour your work surface and roll out one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Transfer it gently to a 9-inch pie dish, smoothing it with your fingers. Spoon the filling into the crust, leaving behind any excess liquid in the bowl to avoid soggy filling. Dot the top of the fruit filling with the cold cubed butter, and then refrigerate the pie dish until you’re ready for the lattice top.

Step 5: Roll out the second chilled dough disc to a 12-inch circle. Cut strips about 1 to 2 inches wide using a knife, pastry cutter, or pizza cutter. Carefully weave the strips over and under one another onto the chilled pie, creating a beautiful lattice pattern. Press the edges of the strips firmly into the bottom crust and trim any excess dough. Then crimp or flute the edges to finish the look.

Step 6: Lightly brush the egg wash over the lattice crust for that perfect golden color once baked.

Step 7: Place the pie on a large baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. After that, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C), place a pie edge shield on the crust to protect it from over-browning, and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the filling bubbles and the crust turns golden.

Step 8: Once baked, remove the pie and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 3 hours. This resting time is crucial because it lets the filling set beautifully for clean, perfect slices.

Servings and Timing

This Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe generously serves 8 people, making it a wonderful dessert choice for a crowd or family gathering. The prep time, including pie crust making and filling prep, is about 45 minutes. Bake time totals around 50 to 55 minutes, plus the all-important 3-hour cooling period. Altogether, you’re looking at about 4 hours and 45 minutes from start to perfectly ready pie—but trust me, every minute is worth it!

How to Serve This Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe

A slice of cherry pie with a golden brown lattice crust sits on a white decorative plate, showing bright red cherry filling beneath the crisscrossed pastry layers. A small round pastry decoration rests near the center of the lattice top. Three fresh red cherries lay near the pie slice on the plate, and a silver fork with a white handle rests beside the slice. In the background, a whole red apple and a larger piece of pie on a matching white plate are visible, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this pie, I personally love it a little warm, right out of its resting time, so the filling is soft and fragrant but stable enough to slice nicely. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add that smooth contrast to the fruity filling. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a cup of hot chai or cinnamon-spiced tea, which complements those warm spices perfectly.

If I’m serving this pie at a party or holiday meal, I like to garnish each slice with a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra layer of indulgence and texture. For presentation, I find serving it on simple white plates helps the rich colors of the crust and filling pop, making it look as impressive as it tastes.

For drink pairings, a crisp Riesling or a light Pinot Noir works wonderfully, enhancing the tartness of the cranberries and the sweetness of the apples without overpowering the dessert. Non-alcoholic options I love include sparkling apple cider or a fresh orange spritzer—both bright and refreshing companions to this classic pie. It’s an ideal dessert for Thanksgiving, cozy fall dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress with a homemade treat that feels truly special.

Variations

I love switching things up with this pie, depending on what I have on hand and the occasion. For a gluten-free version, I swap the classic pie crust with a sturdy gluten-free dough I trust or even make a crumbly oat-based crust that pairs surprisingly well with the filling. For those who prefer vegan options, replacing the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine works nicely; just be sure to use a plant-based milk for the egg wash or opt for a simple maple syrup glaze to get that beautiful golden finish.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add chopped pecans or walnuts into the filling to introduce a delightful crunch, or replace the orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus twist. If I’m short on time, I even opt to cover the filling with a full crust and add a few slits for steam vents instead of weaving a lattice, or sprinkle a crumble topping made of oats, cinnamon, and brown sugar for a more rustic feel.

For another fun twist, I occasionally bake mini hand pies using this filling, perfect for individual servings or portable treats. The filling can also be simmered gently on the stovetop for a few minutes before filling the crust if you like your apples a bit softer inside. No matter how I adjust it, this Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe always shines through as a favorite in my kitchen.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When storing leftover pie, I always tightly cover it with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps preserve the freshness of the crust and keeps the filling from drying out. Properly stored, the pie will stay delicious for up to 5 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those extra slices.

Freezing

This pie freezes really well if you want to prepare ahead or save leftovers long-term. Before freezing, wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil, or freeze individual slices in airtight containers or freezer bags. It’s best to consume frozen pie within 2 to 3 months for optimal taste and texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat leftover pie, I find the oven is the best method to restore that flaky crust and warm filling. Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C), place the pie or slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crust crisp, as it tends to get soggy. If the crust isn’t as golden afterward, you can finish under the broiler for a minute or two—just watch it carefully to prevent burning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly in this Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before mixing into the filling to prevent the pie from becoming too watery.

What type of apples are best for this pie?

I recommend using firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These varieties hold their shape well during baking and provide the right balance of tartness and sweetness to complement the cranberries.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie and keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and bake it straight from the fridge. This makes the Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe great for planning ahead during busy holidays.

What can I do if I don’t want to make a lattice crust?

If weaving a lattice feels intimidating or time-consuming, you can simply cover the filling with the second pie crust disk and cut a few slits for steam to escape. Alternatively, try a crumble or streusel topping for a different texture and look that’s equally delicious.

How do I prevent the edges of the crust from burning?

Once the pie has baked at the higher temperature for 20 minutes, I place a pie crust shield or strips of aluminum foil around the edges before lowering the temperature. This protects the crust edges from becoming too dark while the filling finishes baking perfectly.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Apple Cranberry Pie Recipe enough if you want a pie that feels classic and comforting but has a fresh twist with cranberries and orange zest. It’s truly one of those recipes that fills your kitchen with warmth and has everyone asking for seconds. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and make some wonderful memories sharing it with the people you love.

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