As the air turns crisp and the holidays approach, there’s something undeniably nostalgic about the scent of baked goods wafting through the kitchen. One of my favorite ways to embrace this festive spirit is with a slice of Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. This delightful dessert perfectly balances the tartness of cranberries with a crunchy pecan layer and a tender, cake-like crust. Not only is it an easy-to-make treat that’s ideal for Christmas celebrations, but it also serves as a comforting reminder of family gatherings around the table. A scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside brings it to a whole new level of deliciousness. Curious to learn how to whip up this holiday masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why is Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie special?
Unique blend of flavors: The tart cranberries paired with crunchy pecans create a refreshing yet rich dessert.
Perfect for gatherings: Whether it’s Christmas or Thanksgiving, this pie is guaranteed to impress your family and friends.
Quick to make: This easy recipe is simple enough for a beginner and can be whipped up in no time, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones.
Serve warm: Enjoy it fresh from the oven with vanilla ice cream for a delightful treat that warms the soul.
Plus, if you’re looking for more holiday inspiration, check out my delicious Pumpkin Pie Chia or the ever-popular Sweet Potato Pie.
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Use fresh for optimal flavor; frozen can be used directly without thawing.
• Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the tart cranberries; feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Pecans (or Almonds) – Provides a delightful crunch; substitute with walnuts if preferred or enjoy nut-free.
For the Batter
• Unsalted Butter – Ensure it’s softened for easy mixing, adding richness and moisture to the pie.
• Eggs – Essential for binding and structure; add one at a time for the best results.
• Almond Extract (or Vanilla Extract) – Enhances the overall flavor; swapping in vanilla gives a different aromatic profile.
• All-Purpose Flour – Gives structure to the pie; can be replaced with a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
• Salt – A crucial ingredient that balances sweetness and elevates flavors.
This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is truly a festive delight that speaks to the heart of American cuisine during the holiday season!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven heats, generously butter a 9-inch pie plate to ensure easy release of your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. Once ready, place the fresh or frozen cranberries evenly in the bottom of the pie plate. Sprinkle over the chopped pecans and half a cup of sugar to create a sweet and tart base.
Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar
In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, typically about 2-3 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns a light, fluffy texture. This sweetened butter will add richness to your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs and Extract
Add in your choice of almond or vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. Then, incorporate the eggs one at a time into the buttery mixture, beating well after each addition. This step is crucial as it helps create a fluffy batter that binds beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Step 4: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Lower the mixer speed and gradually blend in all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt, combining until just mixed. Be careful not to overbeat at this stage; you want to achieve a smooth batter that retains a bit of thickness. The batter for your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie should be sticky but spreadable.
Step 5: Spread the Batter
Using a spatula, gently spread the thick batter evenly over the cranberry and pecan mixture in the pie plate. Ensure that the batter covers all the cranberries, creating a delightful layer of cake-like crust on top. The pie is now ready to go into the oven for baking.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and check for doneness around the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but not wet batter. This ensures a delightful texture for your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove your cranberry pie from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This cooling time will help the pie set up nicely. Serve warm for the best flavor, especially paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly festive dessert experience!
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Variations
Feel free to put your own twist on this holiday creation and elevate your pie experience!
- Nut-Free: Omit pecans entirely for a simple, nut-free version that still shines with cranberry goodness.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar according to your taste; adding a bit more can balance that tangy cranberries beautifully.
- Citrus Kick: Add a teaspoon of orange zest for a delightful citrusy layer that pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Top the pie with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate for a rich, indulgent finish that’ll surprise your guests.
- Spice It Up: Incorporate a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a cozy flavor that screams holiday spirit.
- Fruit Mix-In: Blend in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for an extra fruity pop that enhances the tart flavor profile.
And if you’re looking for alternative holiday desserts, don’t miss out on my flavorful Toffee Cheesecake Pie. It’s a unique take that might just steal the spotlight at your Christmas table!
What to Serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
As you revel in the flavors of this festive dessert, complementing dishes can elevate your holiday feast to new heights.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery and smooth texture provides a delightful contrast to the tartness of the pie, while making you feel cozy.
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Baked Ham with Honey Glaze: The sweet and savory profile of this dish balances the pie’s acidity, making each bite a festive celebration of flavors.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy, caramelized edges and nutty flavor harmonize beautifully with the pie, adding a fresh element to your meal.
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Apple Cider Sangria: A refreshing drink that combines fruit flavors with spices, enhancing the autumn feeling of your gathering and pairing delightfully with cranberry.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing! The creamy, cold ice cream contrasts with the warm pie, creating a blissful experience with every spoonful.
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Whipped Cream: Light and airy, this topping adds a luscious touch to each slice and helps balance the stronger flavors of cranberries, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Expert Tips for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
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Fresh vs. Frozen: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor; if using frozen, skip the thawing and just increase baking time slightly.
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Don’t Overbake: Your pie should have a bit of moisture when baked—stick to the recommended baking time for a perfect texture.
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Nut Flavor Boost: Toasting pecans before adding them to the recipe enhances their flavor, making your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie even more delicious.
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Egg Incorporation: Add eggs one at a time to ensure a fluffy batter. This step is key to binding the ingredients effectively.
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Sugary Adjustments: Adjust the amount of granulated sugar based on your sweetness preference, especially since cranberries can be quite tart.
How to Store and Freeze Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Room Temperature: Keep the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delicious texture and flavor.
Fridge: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, ensuring it’s tightly covered to prevent drying out while preserving the tasty cranberry filling.
Freezer: Freeze your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie for up to 3 months. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn.
Reheating: To enjoy, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes, or serve cold with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Make Ahead Options
These Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie preparations are ideal for busy cooks looking to save time during the festive season! You can prepare the cranberry filling by mixing the fresh or frozen cranberries with sugar and nuts up to 24 hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. For the batter, you can also mix and refrigerate it for up to 3 days ahead—just be sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain optimal moisture. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the chilled batter over the filling and proceed with baking as usual. This way, you’ll have all the delicious flavors and textures of a freshly made pie, ready to impress your guests without the last-minute rush!
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe FAQs
What kind of cranberries should I use for this pie?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, I recommend using fresh cranberries. If fresh ones aren’t available, you can use frozen cranberries directly without thawing—just keep an eye on baking time as they may require a few extra minutes.
How should I store leftover Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Very! You can store the pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain its delightful texture. For longer freshness, place it in the refrigerator where it will last for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s tightly covered to keep the flavors intact.
Can I freeze Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie? If so, how?
Yes, you can! To freeze your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, wrap it securely in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This will protect it from freezer burn. The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if my pie turns out soggy?
If your pie turns out a bit soggy, it might be due to overbaking or using too many berries without properly balancing them with sugar or flour. If your batter is too wet, check the mixing process; ensure you gradually add dry ingredients and don’t overmix, as this keeps the moisture in check.
Can I substitute any ingredients for dietary needs?
Definitely! For a gluten-free version, simply use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. If you or someone in your household has nut allergies, you can opt not to include pecans or replace them with a seed like pumpkin or sunflower seeds for a similar crunch. Always adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference as well!
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie – A Festive Treat to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and butter a 9-inch pie plate.
- Place the cranberries in the pie plate, sprinkle with pecans and sugar.
- In a bowl, beat softened butter with sugar until creamy.
- Mix in almond or vanilla extract and then add eggs one at a time.
- Blend in flour and salt; mix until just combined.
- Spread the batter over the cranberry and pecan mixture.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving warm with vanilla ice cream.
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