Cranberry-Almond Cream Pie
A tart and creamy cranberry-almond pie with a sweet tart filling and crunchy almond topping, perfect for holiday gatherings or festive occasions seeking a delightful dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend softened cream cheese with 1/2 cup of cranberry sauce; spread evenly over the bottom of the pastry shell.
- Combine 1/3 cup brown sugar, cornstarch, and remaining cranberry sauce; blend well and spread carefully over the cream cheese layer.
- Bake in a 375°F oven for 35 minutes.
- Combine flour and remaining 1/3 cup brown sugar; blend in butter until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Stir in toasted slivered almonds.
- Sprinkle the almond mixture over the pie.
- Bake an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the center of the pie is firm.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother cream cheese layer, ensure it's fully softened. If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute with an equal amount of arrowroot powder. To add more flavor, consider mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla extract with the cream cheese. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour in place of unbleached white flour.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled or at room temperature, garnished with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful contrast, consider serving it alongside a fresh berry salad or a slice of Apple Cider Pie for a festive dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm the whole pie in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cranberry-Almond Cream Pie contains roughly 398 calories, with 5g protein, 47g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberry sauce instead of whole berry?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberry sauce, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using it in the recipe. This will help maintain the pie's texture and prevent it from becoming too watery during baking.
How can I make this pie dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese alternative made from nuts or soy. Additionally, ensure that the butter or margarine is dairy-free. Many brands offer suitable options for those following a dairy-free diet.
What can I do if the pie crust shrinks while baking?
To prevent the pie crust from shrinking, make sure to chill the pastry shell before baking. Additionally, avoid stretching the dough when fitting it into the pan. Weighing down the crust with pie weights during the initial baking can also help maintain its shape.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).