Holiday Delight Pie
A festive cranberry marshmallow pie featuring a sweet, tangy filling with orange zest, topped with whipped cream for a delightful holiday dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place marshmallows and milk in the top of a double boiler.
- Heat over hot water until marshmallows are melted.
- Chill the marshmallow mixture.
- Meanwhile, put the cranberries through a food chopper and drain off the juice.
- Fold the chopped cranberries and orange rind into the chilled marshmallow mixture.
- Pour the mixture into the baked pie shell.
- Top with whipped cream, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smoother texture in your pie, ensure the marshmallows are fully melted before chilling. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can substitute with frozen cranberries, but be sure to drain any excess liquid. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract to the marshmallow mixture. This pie is perfect for holiday gatherings and can be made a day in advance.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of Holiday Delight Pie chilled, garnished with additional whipped cream and a sprinkle of orange zest for a pop of color. This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced tea or coffee. For a festive touch, serve alongside Jiffy Cranberry Muffins for a delightful brunch spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To maintain the whipped cream's texture, consider adding a stabilizer like gelatin or cornstarch before topping the pie. Avoid freezing the pie, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Delight Pie contains roughly 492 calories, with 10g protein, 74g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 470mg per serving (20% 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 make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie a day before serving. Just ensure it is stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
What if I can't find fresh cranberries?
If fresh cranberries are unavailable, you can use frozen cranberries as a substitute. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
Is it possible to use a different pie shell?
Absolutely! While a traditional baked pie shell works well, you can also use a graham cracker crust or even a chocolate cookie crust for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the baking time as needed.
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).