Praline Crunch Cranberry-Apple Pie
A delightful blend of tart apples, cranberries, toasted pecans, and praline crunch, encased in flaky crust — perfect for festive gatherings and autumnal indulgence.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Cut in 8 tablespoons butter and shortening until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Stir in cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until dough just comes together.
- Form dough into two disks, one slightly larger than the other.
- Wrap and chill the disks for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roll out the larger disk on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle.
- Fit the dough into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Combine toasted pecans, brown sugar, 1/2 cup heavy cream, cinnamon, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt in a bowl.
- Stir in chopped apples and cranberries until well coated.
- Spoon fruit filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Dot the filling with remaining 2 tablespoons butter.
- Roll out the remaining dough to a 10-inch circle.
- Cover the filling with the dough and cut vents in the top.
- Brush the top with the remaining 1 tablespoon heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 50 to 55 minutes, until filling is bubbly and crust is golden.
- Cool on a wire rack before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flakier crust, ensure your butter and shortening are very cold before mixing. If you don't have pecans, walnuts can be used as a substitute. To save time, consider using a store-bought pie crust. For added flavor, try incorporating a tablespoon of vanilla extract into the filling mixture. If you prefer a sweeter pie, increase the brown sugar slightly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Praline Crunch Cranberry-Apple Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a delightful contrast. It pairs beautifully with festive meals and is perfect alongside coffee or tea. Consider serving it with a side of fresh whipped cream or caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, 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. Alternatively, you can microwave individual slices for about 30 seconds on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Praline Crunch Cranberry-Apple Pie contains roughly 1806 calories, with 10g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 174g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 879mg per serving (38% 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 cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to your filling to avoid excess moisture, which could make the pie soggy. Frozen cranberries will still provide that tart flavor you're looking for.
What type of apples are best for this pie?
What type of apples are best for this pie?
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie crust ahead of time. After forming the disks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the dough for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling it out.
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).