As the first snowflakes drift softly to the ground, the cozy warmth of the kitchen calls to me, blending the scents of spices and sweetness that fill the air. That’s when I whip up my favorite holiday treat: Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. This delightful dessert not only brings a burst of festive color to the table, but with its juicy cranberry filling and crunchy pecans nestled beneath a tender cake layer, it’s sure to spark joy in every bite. It’s the perfect quick prep for your Christmas gatherings and a true crowd-pleaser that will have friends and family asking for seconds. Are you ready to create a holiday masterpiece that celebrates the spirit of the season? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
What Makes This Pie So Special?
Festive Flavors: The tartness of fresh cranberries dances perfectly with the sweet, buttery cake, delivering a mouthwatering experience.
Party-Ready: This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a showstopper, ensuring your holiday table shines bright and inviting.
Quick Prep: With just a few straightforward steps, this pie can be whipped up in no time, leaving you more moments to enjoy with loved ones.
Versatile Treat: Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or at room temperature on a buffet, it adapts to any occasion beautifully. Consider pairing it with Cheddar Bay Pie for a delightful variety!
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Each bite is sure to elicit compliments, making it a perfect recipe to impress your guests this holiday season.
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Ingredients
For the Filling
• Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Provides tartness and flavor; frozen cranberries can be used directly without thawing for convenience.
• Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the cranberry filling; adjust the quantity based on your desired sweetness level.
• Pecans or Almonds – Adds delightful crunch and flavor; to enhance flavor, toast the pecans before use for a richer taste.
For the Cake Layer
• Unsalted Butter – Binds ingredients together and contributes richness to the pie.
• Eggs – Provides structure and moisture to the batter, essential for a tender texture.
• Almond or Vanilla Extract – Enhances the overall flavor depth, making the dessert more aromatic.
• All-Purpose Flour – Forms the cake layer; crucial for creating a lovely base that holds everything together.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile of the pie.
Add this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie to your Christmas recipes collection, and watch it become a festive favorite for years to come!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (176°C). While the oven warms up, butter a 9-inch pie plate generously, ensuring it’s well-coated to prevent sticking. Next, pour in the fresh or frozen cranberries and sprinkle them evenly with half a cup of granulated sugar, followed by the chopped pecans; this mixture will create a delightful filling for your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Step 2: Create the Batter
In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together the softened butter and one cup of sugar on medium speed until the mixture is creamy and smooth, which should take about 2 minutes. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to incorporate all the ingredients evenly, ensuring a luscious base for your pie.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Flavor
Next, gradually add in the eggs, along with your choice of almond or vanilla extract. Continue beating the mixture on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which will take about 3 minutes. This step is crucial for infusing the batter with rich flavor while adding necessary structure to your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Now, reduce the mixer speed to low and gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overwork the batter; it should appear sticky yet cohesive. This step prepares the foundation of your pie that will beautifully complement the tart cranberries beneath it.
Step 5: Combine Filling and Batter
Once your batter is ready, carefully spread it over the cranberry and pecan mixture in the prepared pie plate. Use a spatula for an even layer, ensuring all the cranberries are covered. This will seal in the flavors during baking, allowing the sweet cake layer to meld with the tart fruit, creating a perfectly balanced Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Step 6: Bake the Pie
Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, and when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, you’ll know it’s perfectly done. The delightful aroma will fill your kitchen, heralding the holiday cheer.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra special touch. This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is sure to be the star of your festive gatherings, inviting smiles at every slice!
How to Store and Freeze Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Room Temperature: Allow the pie to cool completely and store it covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, preserving its delightful texture and flavors.
Fridge: For longer freshness, refrigerate the pie for up to 5 days in an airtight container. This keeps the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie moist while maintaining its delicious taste.
Freezer: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing to avoid freezer burn; it can be stored for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To serve, thaw the frozen pie overnight in the fridge, then reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven until warmed through, enhancing its delightful taste.
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists that will make your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie uniquely yours!
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Nut-Free: Omit all nuts for a kid-friendly version that everyone can enjoy.
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Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of orange or lemon zest for a refreshing brightness.
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Vegan Substitute: Use flax eggs and a plant-based butter to make this pie vegan-friendly.
For a cozy, updated holiday staple, swap in Pumpkin Pie Tacos as a fun alternative that complements seasonal flavors beautifully.
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Spiced Up: Sprinkle in cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch that whispers comfort.
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Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving for a decadent touch.
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Berry Blend: Mix in some blueberries or raspberries with the cranberries for a berry explosion.
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Caramelized Sugar: Create a caramelized topping by sprinkling sugar over the baked pie and broiling it for a few minutes for added texture.
Every bite can be a different adventure with these fun tweaks!
Tips for the Best Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
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Choose Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide unmatched tartness and flavor, enhancing your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. If using frozen, add a few extra minutes of baking time.
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Avoid Overmixing: When combining your ingredients, mix just until combined to ensure a tender cake layer. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
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Test for Doneness: Keep an eye on the baking time, and check for doneness using a toothpick. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
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Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your pie warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. This balance of temperatures elevates each bite.
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Storage Tips: Store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Make Ahead Options
These Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cranberry filling and the batter up to 24 hours in advance. Simply mix the cranberries, sugar, and chopped pecans and store them covered in the refrigerator. Combine the batter separately and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, just spread the chilled batter over the filling and allow it to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before baking. This method will ensure the pie remains just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy precious holiday moments without fussing in the kitchen!
What to Serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
As your kitchen fills with the inviting aroma of this festive dessert, think about pairing it with delightful accompaniments that elevate your gathering to the next level.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: The cold, creamy sweetness contrasts beautifully with the warm pie, creating a comforting harmony of flavors. Don’t skimp on the scoop; this pairing provides the ultimate indulgence.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture, enhancing the pie’s rich flavor while keeping it light and airy.
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Toasted Pecans: Scatter some toasted pecans on top for an extra crunch that mirrors the pie’s nutty filling, enriching each bite with deeper flavor notes.
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Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside the pie, its warming spices harmonizing with the tartness of cranberries for a festive drink that feels like a hug in a mug.
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Gingerbread Cookies: Treat your guests to soft gingerbread cookies for an additional holiday flavor that pairs well with the cranberry dessert, inviting them to savor every moment.
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Mulled Wine: A glass of fragrant mulled wine brings the spirit of the season to your table, offering a cozy drink that wonderfully complements the pie’s sweetness.
By combining these delightful options, your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie becomes just the beginning of a charming holiday feast!
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe cranberries?
Absolutely! When selecting fresh cranberries, look for those that are firm, plump, and bright in color. Avoid any that show signs of wrinkling or dark spots, as these indicators suggest overripeness. If you opt for frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before use; simply toss them into your pie dish!
What is the best way to store leftover Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
To store your pie, allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but in the refrigerator, it’s good for about 5 days. Just be sure to enjoy the deliciousness while it lasts!
Can I freeze Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze your pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect against freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F (176°C) oven until warmed through. This method helps retain its mouthwatering flavors!
How can I prevent my pie from being too dry?
Very, the key to a moist Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is careful monitoring during baking. Be sure to use the toothpick test—when it comes out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your pie is done. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with your oven’s baking times and temperatures can help achieve the perfect texture.
Can I make this pie nut-free?
Definitely! If you prefer a nut-free version of Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, you can simply omit the pecans or almonds without compromising the dish’s overall integrity. The pie will still be delightful with its tart cranberry filling and soft cake layer, allowing everyone to enjoy this festive treat.
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie: A Festive Delight to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C) and butter a 9-inch pie plate. Pour in the cranberries, sprinkle with sugar, and add pecans.
- In a bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Gradually add the eggs and extract, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Reduce speed to low and fold in flour and salt gently until just combined.
- Spread the batter over the cranberry mixture, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Let the pie cool slightly on a wire rack and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
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