Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe

If you’re looking for a delightful dessert that perfectly balances tart, nutty, and sweet flavors, this Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe is an absolute must-try. I first discovered this gem at a holiday brunch, and ever since, it’s become my go-to treat whenever I want to impress guests or just enjoy something cozy and comforting at home. Trust me, once you make this, your family will be asking for it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe calls for simple staples that work beautifully together—the fresh cranberries add brightness, while the nuts and almond extract give that cozy, festive vibe. When shopping, aim for fresh, plump cranberries and good-quality nuts for best flavor.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level; I like to use a little extra for greasing the pan.
• Fresh Cranberries: The star of the show, make sure they’re firm and vibrant for the best tart flavor.
• Walnuts or Pecans: Chopped nuts add a lovely crunch—pecans tend to be a bit sweeter, walnuts offer a earthier flavor.
• Sugar: Responsible for balancing the tartness; I always use granulated sugar here.
• Eggs: They give the cake structure and richness; I always use large eggs at room temperature to blend smoothly.
• Vanilla Extract: Makes all the flavors pop with its warm aroma.
• Almond Extract: A little goes a long way! It’s the signature note in this pie that my family adores.
• Flour: Use all-purpose flour; it holds the batter together nicely without being heavy.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
• Sparkling or Sanding Sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top before baking, it gives a pretty, sugar-crystal shimmer and a tiny crunch.
• Fresh Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream: The perfect accompaniment that adds creaminess and cool contrast.

Variations

I like to switch up this Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe based on the season or my mood. Don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you swap nuts, add spices, or tweak the sweetness, it’s flexible and forgiving.

• Nut Swap: I once used toasted hazelnuts instead of pecans, which gave a toasty depth my family couldn’t get enough of.
• Spiced Variation: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger works amazingly well if you want a warm autumnal vibe.
• Gluten-Free: I’ve tried almond flour in place of regular flour for a nutty twist and it was delicious—just reduces the baking time slightly.
• Less Sweet: If you prefer less sugar, reduce it by a couple of tablespoons; the cranberries’ tartness will still shine.

How to Make Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Cranberries

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch springform pan really well with butter—don’t be shy here, it helps the pie come out cleanly. I like to follow up with a quick spray of non-stick cooking spray for extra insurance. In a medium bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with sugar and chopped nuts to coat evenly, then pour this mixture straight into the prepared pan. This layering step sets the foundation for the pie.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Next, in another bowl, stir together your melted and slightly cooled butter with the sugar until smooth. The trick here is to let the butter cool just enough so it doesn’t cook your eggs when you add them—about a few minutes off the heat. Beat in the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Finally, gently mix in the flour and salt until everything is just combined. Overmixing after adding flour tends to make the cake tough, so be gentle.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Spread the batter evenly over the cranberry and nut layer in your pan. For neatness and to catch any drips, place the springform pan on a large baking sheet. Pop it into your oven and bake for about 30 to 38 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs—don’t overbake as it’s meant to be moist and tender.

Step 4: Cool and Unmold

Once baked, let your pie cool for about 15 minutes before attempting to remove the sides of the springform pan. Run a knife gently along the edge to loosen it. Now here’s the fun part: carefully invert the pie onto a serving plate so those gorgeous cranberries and nuts are on top. It makes for an eye-catching presentation that’s sure to wow.

How to Serve Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishing, I’m a big fan of a dollop of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s like a creamy, cooling hug on top of the tart berries. A sprinkle of extra chopped nuts or a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a nice finishing touch if you want to get fancy.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of coffee or tea for an afternoon treat. If you’re serving it after dinner, a scoop of rich hot chocolate or mulled cider compliments those nutty cranberry flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

One special presentation I love is serving this pie in individual mini springform pans, so each guest gets their own personal cranberry nut delight. For holidays, decorate the serving plate with fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for that festive wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? No problem! I wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge—it keeps fresh for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld and improve overnight, so it’s a happy accident when you have leftovers.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pie a couple of times by wrapping it well in foil and placing it in an airtight container. When thawed in the fridge overnight, it tastes nearly as fresh as when baked. Just be sure to add whipped cream or ice cream fresh when serving.

Reheating

If you want to warm up leftovers, I gently heat individual slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds or pop them in a 300°F oven wrapped loosely in foil for 10 minutes. I recommend adding whipped cream or ice cream after reheating to keep that lovely creamy contrast.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Cranberry Pie with Nuts Recipe turns out every single time—it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in pie form. I remember the first time I made it, my family was smitten, and I’ve kept coming back to it ever since. If you want a seasonal treat that’s easy to make but feels special, I highly recommend giving this one a try. You’ll enjoy every tangy, nutty, buttery bite—and so will everyone you serve it to!

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