If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of fall with a tangy twist, this Cranberry Apple Pie is your new go-to. Combining the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweet crispness of Granny Smith apples, this pie is an absolute celebration of texture and taste. The buttery crumb topping adds a delightful crunch on top, making every bite a comforting hug of holiday spirit and homemade goodness. Whether for a family gathering or a simple weeknight treat, this Cranberry Apple Pie brings warmth, color, and an irresistible aroma right to your kitchen.

Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started with this pie is a joy because the ingredients are simple, yet each plays a crucial role in creating the signature flavor and texture that make this dish so special. From the tartness of the fruit to the buttery richness of the topping, every component enhances the final masterpiece.

Pie crust: Use a 9” unbaked pie crust to create a flaky, buttery base that holds all the delicious filling.

Granny Smith apples: Four cups of peeled and diced apples bring a crisp texture and tangy sweet flavor that’s essential for balance.
Fresh cranberries: Two cups of coarsely chopped cranberries add vibrant color and tartness.

All-purpose flour: Quarter cup to coat the fruit and half a cup for the crumb topping, giving the filling a perfectly thickened texture.
Ground cinnamon: One and a half teaspoons for that warm, inviting spice note.

Brown sugar: Three quarters of a cup packed in the filling plus a quarter cup in the topping, lending deep sweetness and moisture.
Granulated sugar: Quarter cup to add brightness and balance the tartness of the berries.
Butter: Two tablespoons melted in the filling for richness plus four tablespoons cold and cubed for a crumbly, golden topping.

How to Make Cranberry Apple Pie

Step 1: Prepare Your Crust

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F and rolling out your unbaked pie crust into your 9” pie dish. This creates the sturdy, flaky foundation that will hold all the luscious filling, so be gentle and avoid tearing. Set it aside while you prepare your filling.

Step 2: Mix the Fruit Filling

In a medium bowl, toss together the peeled, diced Granny Smith apples, chopped cranberries, flour, and cinnamon. Coating the fruit in flour helps thicken the juices released during baking, ensuring your filling doesn’t become watery. This mixture sets the stage for a rich, well-balanced pie filling.

Step 3: Cook the Filling

In a skillet or Dutch oven, gently melt the butter over low heat before adding your sugars. As the sugars dissolve and mingle with the butter, they form a luscious syrup. Add your fruit mixture and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often. This softens the fruit and helps the flavors meld wonderfully, creating a juicy, thick base for your Cranberry Apple Pie.

Step 4: Make the Crumb Topping

While your filling is cooking, combine the flour and brown sugar in a small bowl. Cut in the cold, cubed butter until the topping becomes coarse and crumbly. This topping will bake into a golden, slightly crunchy blanket that contrasts beautifully with the tender fruit beneath.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Pour the cooked filling into your prepared pie crust and sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the surface. Pop your pie into the oven on the middle rack at 425°F for 15 minutes to set the crust and start browning the topping. Then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden and the filling bubbles invitingly. If the topping or crust begins to get too dark, a light tent of aluminum foil will keep things perfectly golden.

How to Serve Cranberry Apple Pie

Garnishes

Serve your Cranberry Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh cranberries on top makes for a charming presentation that’s just as tasty as it looks.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad or a simple cheese plate to balance its sweetness. For a cozy touch, a hot cup of spiced tea or coffee makes the perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive occasion, try serving individual slices with a drizzle of caramel or maple syrup. You can also turn leftover Cranberry Apple Pie into delicious parfaits layered with yogurt or mascarpone cheese for a fun twist on dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Cranberry Apple Pie will keep beautifully when covered tightly and stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delightful as the first slice.

Freezing

Want to save some pie for later? Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to two months without losing its charm. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth. You’ll enjoy the crumb topping crispiness and the filling bubbling just like straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use a homemade pie crust for Cranberry Apple Pie?

Absolutely! A homemade crust adds an extra personal touch and can make your pie even flakier and more buttery. Just be sure to chill it well before rolling out.

Are fresh cranberries necessary?

Fresh cranberries provide the best tartness and texture, but frozen cranberries can also work well if fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make the crumb topping ahead of time?

Yes, preparing the crumb topping ahead saves time on baking day. Keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to bake to maintain the cold butter that creates the perfect crumbly texture.

How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?

Coating the fruit in flour and cooking the filling before adding it to the crust helps prevent sogginess by reducing excess liquid. Also, baking at a higher temperature initially helps the crust set quickly.

Can I substitute other apples for Granny Smith?

You can, but Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firm texture. If you choose a sweeter or softer apple, consider reducing any added sugar slightly and watch the baking time carefully.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Apple Pie is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. Its perfect balance of tart and sweet, the buttery crumbly topping, and that inviting aroma coming from the oven make it a memorable dessert anyone would cherish. I can’t wait for you to bake it and share it with your loved ones—trust me, this pie will quickly become a treasured favorite in your dessert lineup!

Cranberry Apple Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

5.1 from 9 reviews

This Cranberry Apple Pie combines tart cranberries with crisp Granny Smith apples, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Topped with a buttery crumb topping, this classic dessert is ideal for holiday gatherings or cozy evenings. The pie features a flaky crust filled with a luscious fruit mixture cooked to perfection, offering a delightful texture and rich taste in every bite.

Author: luca

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking

Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Prepare Pie Crust: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out the unbaked pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Set aside while you prepare the filling.
Mix Fruit Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the peeled and diced apples, coarsely chopped cranberries, 1/4 cup flour, and ground cinnamon. Stir well to evenly coat the fruit with the flour and spices.

Cook Fruit Mixture: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add both the brown sugar and granulated sugar, stirring until the butter is fully melted and sugars are combined. Add the fruit mixture to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently for 10 to 15 minutes, until the apples and cranberries soften and a light syrup forms. Remove from heat.
Fill Pie Crust: Transfer the cooked fruit filling evenly into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out smoothly.
Make Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup flour and 1/4 cup brown sugar. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold, cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add Topping to Pie: Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the filled pie.
Bake the Pie: Place the pie on the middle rack of the oven and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for an additional 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust or topping starts to brown too much, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving to let the filling set and flavors meld.

Notes

For a crisper topping, chill the crumb mixture before applying it to the pie.
Use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor which balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
This pie can be served warm or at room temperature, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

To prevent a soggy crust, ensure the pie filling is cooked down to reduce excess liquid before filling.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)

Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 150mg

Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 4g

Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg

Keywords: cranberry apple pie, holiday pie, fruit pie, crumb topping pie, fall dessert