Magic Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe for Beginners

Sweet, tart Nantucket cranberry pie captures the essence of coastal New England’s beloved culinary tradition.

Rustic and unpretentious, this dessert enhances simple ingredients into a remarkable flavor experience.

Its vibrant crimson hues and complex taste profile make it more than just another pie.

Seasonal cranberries provide a zesty counterpoint to the buttery, rich base that cradles their bright essence.

Home bakers adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together, requiring minimal technique but delivering maximum deliciousness.

The pie homespun charm reflects generations of maritime cooking wisdom passed down through coastal kitchens.

Each slice promises a delightful balance between sweet and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

Why Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie Deserves a Try

• Burst of Festive Flavor: This Nantucket Cranberry Pie delivers a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet batter, creating a delightful holiday-inspired dessert that dances on your taste buds.
• Super Simple Preparation: With just a few basic ingredients and easy mixing steps, home bakers of all skill levels can whip up this impressive pie in under an hour, making it a stress-free crowd-pleaser.
• Versatile Serving Magic: Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served at room temperature the next day, this pie offers incredible flexibility for last-minute gatherings or make-ahead entertaining.
• Textural Wonderland: The combination of crunchy nuts, juicy cranberries, and soft, golden cake-like topping provides a delightful contrast of textures that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

What You’ll Need for Cranberry Pie

Main Ingredients:

• Cranberries: Tart, bright red berries that provide a tangy flavor and beautiful color contrast in the pie.
• Pecans or Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that add rich texture and nutty depth to the dessert.

• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in the pie.
• Butter: Provides moisture, flavor, and helps create a tender, golden crust.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet aromatic flavor to enhance overall taste.
• Almond Extract: Brings a delicate, nutty undertone that complements the cranberries.

• Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and adds sweetness to the pie.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps thicken the batter for a perfect texture.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.

Simple Steps to Make Nantucket Cranberry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Lightly butter a 10-inch pie plate

Step 2: Create Cranberry Base

• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped nuts
• Sugar

Step 3: Spread Cranberry Mixture

Evenly distribute the cranberry mixture across the bottom of the prepared pie plate

Step 4: Mix Pie Batter

• Eggs
• Melted butter
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Step 5: Layer Batter Over Cranberries

• Use an ice cream scooper to place batter dollops over cranberry mixture
• Spread batter evenly using a flat spatula
• Ensure complete coverage of cranberry layer, reaching pie plate edges

Step 6: Bake the Pie

• Bake for 40-50 minutes
• Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into center
• Look for golden topping and clean toothpick

Step 7: Rest and Serve

• Remove from oven and let pie rest
• Serve warm or at room temperature
• Optional: Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream

Tricks for a Perfect Pie Finish

• Prep Cranberries Perfectly: Chop cranberries into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution and balanced flavor throughout the pie.
• Create Smooth Batter: Whisk wet ingredients thoroughly to eliminate lumps, resulting in a silky, consistent texture that spreads easily.
• Master Topping Technique: Use an ice cream scoop for precise, evenly sized batter dollops, then gently spread with a spatula to cover the entire cranberry layer.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick near the center to test for complete baking; golden-brown top indicates a perfectly cooked pie.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Let the pie rest after baking to allow flavors to meld and intensify, making it even more delicious when served slightly cooled.

How to Save and Reheat Pie Slices

• Refrigerate: Store covered pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Preserve pie slices by wrapping individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality and taste.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain the pie's delicate texture and prevent burning the cranberry topping.

Best Drinks and Toppings to Pair

• Boost Flavor with Sweet Sippers: Pair this cranberry pie with a glass of sweet Riesling or a cozy mulled wine, which will complement the tart cranberry notes and warm spices in the dessert.
• Creamy Companions: Top the pie with vanilla bean ice cream or freshly whipped cream to balance the pie's slightly tangy cranberry filling and add a luxurious, silky texture.
• Perfect Afternoon Tea Match: Serve alongside a robust Earl Grey tea or a cinnamon-spiced herbal tea, which will enhance the pie's nutty undertones and bring out its warm, comforting flavors.
• Decadent Dessert Wine Pairing: Choose a late-harvest dessert wine like Sauternes or a port, whose rich sweetness will beautifully echo the pie's fruity and nutty profile while providing a sophisticated finish.

Fun Flavor Variations to Try

• Citrus Cranberry Delight: Add orange or lemon zest to the cranberry mixture for a bright, tangy flavor profile. Enhance the batter with a splash of citrus extract to complement the cranberries.
• Spiced Cranberry Comfort: Incorporate ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom into the cranberry mixture. Sprinkle additional warm spices over the batter before baking for a cozy, aromatic experience.
• Nutty Cranberry Crunch: Mix in toasted pecans or almonds with the cranberries. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top of the batter before baking to create a crispy, textured surface that adds extra crunch and depth.
• Boozy Cranberry Treat: Soak the cranberries in orange liqueur or rum for 30 minutes before mixing. Add a tablespoon of the liqueur to the batter for an adult-friendly version with a subtle complex flavor.

Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Nantucket cranberry pie brings rustic charm from coastal Massachusetts kitchens. Tart cranberries nestled in buttery dough create a simple dessert that welcomes you to savor summer’s sweetest memories.

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Ingredients

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Fruits and Nuts:

• 2 ½ cups cranberries, fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped
• ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup white sugar (for the cake topping)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt (use about half if using salted butter)

Liquid and Flavor Ingredients:

• ½ cup white sugar (for the filling)
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ¾ cup (12 tablespoons or 340 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 10-inch pie plate with a light butter coating.
2. Create a vibrant base by mixing chopped cranberries, nuts, and sugar until thoroughly combined.
3. Distribute the cranberry mixture evenly across the bottom of the prepared pie plate, ensuring a uniform layer.
4. Whisk eggs, melted butter, sugar, flour, salt, vanilla, and almond extracts in a separate bowl until a dense, rich batter forms.
5. Carefully deposit dollops of the thick batter over the cranberry layer, then gently spread with a spatula to completely cover the filling and reach the plate’s edges.
6. Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean and the surface turns a golden, inviting hue.
7. After removing from the oven, allow the pie to rest and settle, enabling the flavors to meld and intensify – perfect for preparing in advance.
8. Serve the pie at a warm or room temperature, optionally adorned with a luxurious scoop of whipped cream or a classic vanilla ice cream accompaniment.

Notes

• Quickly transforms simple ingredients into a rustic, crowd-pleasing dessert with minimal prep time.
• Offers flexibility for make-ahead preparation, tasting even better when rested overnight.
• Creates a delightful contrast between tart cranberries and sweet, buttery cake-like topping.
• Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual weekend baking with an impressive homemade feel.
• Works beautifully with seasonal variations like adding orange zest or substituting nuts with different types.
• Best enjoyed warm with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for ultimate comfort.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 435
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg