Apple Cranberry Pie

Last Sunday, after our usual walk through Central Park, Alex tugged my sleeve and asked if I could bake that pie everyone loves. Of course, he meant my Apple Cranberry Pie. It's one of those desserts that fills our apartment with a warm, inviting scent, making even the busiest day feel special. Donald swears it’s the best part of autumn. The best thing about this pie is its perfectly sweet, slightly tart filling combined with a crisp, buttery crust — a real winner at any family dinner. Speaking of family dinners, if you’re looking for a sweet finish for your meal, try my Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies.

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Why you’ll love this recipe
Ingredients
Step-by-step instructions
Recipe tips & variations
Storage & reheating
FAQs
Recipes you may like
Apple Cranberry Pie

Why you’ll love this recipe

This pie is a showstopper with its vibrant filling and classic lattice crust, but it's easier than you'd think. It's perfect for holidays or any time you want to impress without too much fuss. The combination of apples and cranberries brings a refreshing twist to traditional apple pie, balancing sweetness with a bit of zing.

Ingredients

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
½ cup cold buttermilk
1-2 tablespoons cold water
1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for egg wash
Turbinado sugar, optional
4 large Honeycrisp apples, cored, peeled, and sliced (about 6-7 cups)
Juice of ½ lemon
1 ½ cups cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons orange zest
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step instructions

Make the pie crust: Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Add the cubed butter, tossing to coat. Roll the mixture on a clean surface until the butter is incorporated. Return it to the bowl and freeze for 15 minutes.
Form the dough: Add the buttermilk to the chilled mixture. Stir until a ball forms, adding water if it's too dry. Divide the dough into two disks and chill in the fridge.
Prepare the filling: Toss apple slices with lemon juice in a large bowl. Add cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Stir until combined.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Assemble the pie: Roll out one disk of dough to a 12-inch circle and transfer to a 9-inch pie pan. Fill with apple cranberry mixture and refrigerate.
Create the lattice: Roll out the second disk and cut into strips for a lattice top. Weave the strips over the filling and seal the edges.
Prepare for baking: Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.
Bake the pie: Place the pie on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake for 60-80 minutes until the crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling. Tent with foil if browning too quickly.
Let it cool: Cool the pie completely before serving, about 3 hours.

Recipe tips & variations

For an extra depth of flavor, try using a mix of apple varieties. If you're in a rush, a store-bought pie crust can be a timesaver. And for those who like a bit of nutty crunch, adding a handful of chopped pecans to the filling works great.

Storage & reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F until heated through. This pie also freezes well — just wrap it tightly and defrost completely before reheating.

FAQs

How do I keep my Apple Cranberry Pie filling from becoming too watery?

Use enough flour to absorb the juices and let the pie cool completely, which helps the filling set.

Can I make Apple Cranberry Pie ahead of time for the holidays?

Absolutely! Make it a day in advance, then reheat before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

Should I use fresh or frozen cranberries in Apple Cranberry Pie?

Both work beautifully. Fresh cranberries add a bit more texture, while frozen ones give a consistent tartness.

How do I prevent the pie crust from browning too quickly while baking?

Tent aluminum foil over the pie if it's browning too fast — this will protect the crust while the inside finishes baking.

Recipes you may like

For another sweet treat, check out my Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost. And if you’re into smoothies, the Pineapple Green Smoothie is a refreshing choice.