Dad'S Apple-Cranberry Pie
A comforting apple-cranberry pie bursting with tart and sweet flavors, perfect for fall gatherings or family dessert, featuring a flaky crust and spiced fruit filling.
Ingredients
- 4 cups peeled and sliced apples (McIntosh or Granny Smith) ⓘ
- 2 cups cranberries, rinsed and picked over ⓘ
- 1/4 cup water ⓘ
- 1/4 cup apple juice ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon apple pie spice ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons butter, cubed ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients (sugar, cornstarch, nutmeg, cinnamon, apple pie spice) and put aside.
- Mix water, apple juice, and lemon juice; put aside.
- Mix peeled and sliced apples with rinsed cranberries.
- Place half of the apple and cranberry mixture in the pie shell and drizzle with half of the wet mixture.
- Sprinkle with half of the dry ingredients over the layered fruit.
- Repeat layers with the remaining fruit mixture, wet mixture, and dry ingredients.
- Cube butter and evenly distribute over the top of the layered filling.
- Cover with top crust, vent by poking holes with a fork all over.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the apple and cranberry mixture. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute with dried cranberries, but reduce the sugar slightly. For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free pie crust. Ensure the apples are not overly ripe to maintain their structure during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs beautifully with Lo-Cal Lemon Salad for a refreshing side. For a twist, try adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. This will help retain the crispness of the crust.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Dad'S Apple-Cranberry Pie contains roughly 242 calories, with 3g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 apples or cranberries for this pie?
Yes, you can use frozen apples or cranberries! However, make sure they are thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture that could make the pie soggy. Adjust the sugar to taste since frozen fruits can be sweeter.
What can I substitute for apple pie spice?
If you don't have apple pie spice, you can make your own by combining equal parts cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. Alternatively, just use cinnamon along with a pinch of nutmeg for a similar flavor profile.
How can I prevent the crust from burning?
To prevent the crust from burning, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil during the first part of baking. This will shield the crust while allowing the filling to cook thoroughly. Additionally, ensure your oven is properly calibrated to avoid overheating.
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).