Tangy Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe: Sweet Holiday Joy

Sweet and tangy flavors dance together in this irresistible cranberry orange custard pie that promises to brighten any dessert table.

Bursting with vibrant citrus notes and tart cranberry undertones, this recipe blends creamy custard with zesty orange essence.

The delicate balance of smooth filling and buttery crust creates a dessert that sings with seasonal charm.

Fresh cranberries provide a stunning crimson contrast against the silky golden custard base.

Warm spices gently complement the bright citrus, making each slice a delightful sensory experience.

orange zest and juice infuse the custard with an aromatic depth that elevates this classic pie from ordinary to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every luxurious bite of this show-stopping dessert that perfectly captures winter’s most delicious flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients in Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

• Unbaked Pie Shell: Provides the crisp, buttery foundation for the delightful filling, opt for a homemade or high-quality store-bought version for best results.

• Cranberries: Adds vibrant tartness and jewel-like color, choose plump, firm berries with a deep red hue for maximum flavor intensity.

• Sugar: Balances the cranberries' sharpness and adds sweetness to the creamy filling.
• Eggs: Creates the silky, rich texture of the custard, select fresh, large eggs for optimal consistency.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Delivers luxurious smoothness and depth to the custard, look for high-fat content cream.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the custard, ensuring a perfect set.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Orange Zest: Brings bright, citrusy notes that complement the cranberries, use fresh oranges for maximum aromatic impact.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and depth to the custard, choose pure vanilla for the most authentic flavor.

Equipment for Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

• Pie dish: 9-inch deep-dish for perfect cranberry and custard layers.
• Mixing bowl: Large, sturdy bowl for whisking custard ingredients smoothly.
• Whisk: Essential for blending sugar, eggs, cream, and other filling components.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure recipe success.
• Zester or grater: Needed to create fresh orange zest for bright flavor.
• Pie crust shield or tin foil: Protects delicate pie crust from burning.
• Oven mitts: Safe handling of hot pie dish during baking.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

• Cranberry Foundation

Scatter vibrant ruby-red berries across the delicate pie crust, creating a beautiful mosaic of color and texture.

• Silky Custard Blend

Whirl together creamy ingredients in a mixing bowl, transforming them into a smooth, luxurious liquid with hints of citrusy brightness and warm vanilla undertones.

• Layering Magic

Gently cascade the golden custard over the crimson berries, allowing them to peek through the luscious surface like hidden jewels.

• Oven Transformation

Start with a blazing hot 400°F embrace, then soften to a gentle 350°F warmth, carefully shielding the pie’s delicate edges from excessive browning.

• Cooling Serenity

Allow the pie to rest and settle, letting its flavors meld and intensify, transforming from a bubbling masterpiece to a picture-perfect dessert ready to delight eager taste buds.

Tips for Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Perfection

• Swap fresh cranberries with frozen ones for a year-round treat, ensuring you drain excess moisture before adding to the pie shell.
• Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the custard mixture for a warm, aromatic twist that complements the tangy cranberries and bright orange zest.
• Replace regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising the pie's rich, creamy texture.
• Garnish the cooled pie with candied orange peel, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the presentation and add extra layers of flavor.
• Prepare the pie crust and custard mixture a day ahead, storing them separately in the refrigerator to streamline your baking process and reduce day-of kitchen stress.

Serving Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Ideas

• Holiday Dessert Centerpiece: Showcase this stunning cranberry orange custard pie as the crowning glory of your festive table, surrounded by winter greenery and twinkling candles.
• Brunch Elegant Companion: Slice this pie into delicate wedges and serve alongside a mimosa or fresh coffee for a sophisticated weekend morning treat that will impress your guests.
• Whipped Cream Topping Delight: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream with a sprinkle of orange zest on each slice to enhance the pie's citrusy and creamy flavor profile, creating a visually appealing and delicious presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Pairing: Serve chilled slices with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea, allowing the bright cranberry and orange notes to complement the tea's bergamot undertones for a refined afternoon indulgence.

Storage Guide for Custard Pie Leftovers

• Fridge Freshness Strategy: Keep your cranberry orange custard pie chilled in an airtight container to maintain its delightful texture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this pie up to 2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious dessert experience.
• Slice and Freeze Technique: Individually wrap single pie slices in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 weeks, perfect for quick sweet treat cravings or unexpected guests.
• Room Temperature Window: Allow the pie to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the custard and enhance its creamy, smooth consistency.

Silky Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry orange custard pie blends zesty citrus with tart berries in a smooth, silky filling. Rich pastry and tangy fruit create a perfect holiday dessert you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 10-inch unbaked pie shell
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh cranberries
• 3 eggs
• 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
• ¼ cup (30 g) flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Cranberry Layering: Distribute fresh cranberries evenly across the bottom of the unbaked pie crust, creating a vibrant, tart foundation.
2. Custard Preparation: Whisk eggs, sugar, heavy cream, flour, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract into a smooth, velvety mixture that promises rich, creamy decadence.
3. Custard Infusion: Pour the silky custard over the cranberry base, ensuring uniform coverage and seamless integration within the pie shell.
4. Initial Baking Phase: Commence baking at 400°F for 10 minutes to jumpstart the pie’s structural development and activate key flavor components.
5. Temperature Adjustment: Reduce oven temperature to 350°F, protecting pie crust edges with a crust shield or aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while maintaining delicate texture.
6. Final Baking Stage: Continue baking 40-45 minutes until custard sets with a subtle, gentle jiggle when lightly nudged, indicating perfect consistency.
7. Cooling and Stabilization: Rest the pie at room temperature, allowing the custard to solidify and flavors to meld, creating a harmonious dessert experience.

Notes

• Cranberry Placement Technique: Spread berries evenly across the pie crust bottom to create a beautiful, uniform layer that ensures each slice contains a balanced cranberry distribution.
• Custard Mixing Mastery: Blend ingredients thoroughly until achieving a silky, lump-free mixture, whisking consistently to incorporate air and create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Temperature Transition Strategy: Start with high heat to set the pie’s structure, then lower temperature to prevent burning while allowing gentle, even custard setting.
• Cooling Precision: Let pie cool completely at room temperature to stabilize custard texture, avoiding premature refrigeration that might compromise the delicate consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg