If you’re looking for a dessert that perfectly captures the festive spirit with a delightful blend of tart cranberries and rich, nutty goodness, this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. The balance of fresh cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a buttery, almond-scented batter creates a pie that’s both comforting and exciting—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any holiday table. Every bite offers a luscious mix of textures and flavors that celebrate the season in the most delicious way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe calls for ingredients that are simple yet essential, each one bringing something special to the final pie. From the bright, tangy cranberries to the crunchy pecans and the subtle warmth of almond or vanilla extract, these elements combine beautifully to create an irresistible holiday treat.
- Fresh cranberries: These provide a vibrant tartness and beautiful red color that’s unmistakably festive.
- Chopped pecans: Add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the berries.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and batter just enough to balance the tartness.
- Softened butter: Makes the batter rich and tender, ensuring a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Almond or vanilla extract: Imparts warm, aromatic notes that elevate the pie’s flavor profile.
- Eggs: Help bind the batter and create a fluffy, cakey texture on top.
- All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, giving it structure without weighing it down.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness perfectly.
How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pie Plate
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (176 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, butter a 9-inch pie plate thoroughly to ensure the pie won’t stick and gets a nice, golden crust at the edges.
Step 2: Layer Cranberries, Pecans, and Sugar
Spread a generous layer of fresh cranberries evenly across the bottom of the buttered pie plate. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cranberries, then top everything with ½ cup of granulated sugar. This layer will form the vibrant, tangy base of your pie and provide that gorgeous color and texture contrast.
Step 3: Beat the Butter and Sugar Mixture
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This is your chance to add the almond or vanilla extract, which will fill your kitchen with a heavenly aroma. Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating each thoroughly to create a light, fluffy batter that promises a delicate crumb.
Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the all-purpose flour and salt into your wet mixture. Stir just until everything comes together into a sticky batter—avoid overmixing to keep the texture tender and moist.
Step 5: Spread the Batter Over the Cranberry Mixture
Using a spatula, gently spread the batter evenly on top of the cranberry and pecan layer. This top layer will bake into a golden, cake-like crust that’s soft and slightly crumbly, balancing perfectly with the tartness below.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs attached. Let the pie cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully.
How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe by adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving. A sprinkle of powdered sugar or some extra chopped pecans on top can add a lovely finishing touch that’s both elegant and delicious.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with warm mulled cider or a rich cup of coffee. It’s also fantastic alongside savory dishes like roasted turkey or ham during holiday dinners, providing a sweet-tart balance that complements the main courses beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive presentation, serve individual slices on pretty holiday plates with a sprig of fresh rosemary or cranberries on the side. You can also try making mini versions in tart pans for a party platter or layering chunks of the pie with whipped cream in a trifle bowl for a show-stopping dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your pie with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for enjoying leftovers or prepping ahead for celebrations.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 2 months without losing its delightful taste or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm them at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes. This ensures the pie stays moist and the crust remains tender and crumbly just like fresh out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I substitute pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work nicely as alternatives if pecans aren’t your favorite or are unavailable. Just chop them roughly for that perfect crunch.
Is it okay to use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cranberries will work, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid first to prevent the pie from becoming too soggy.
Can this pie be made vegan or dairy-free?
With a few tweaks like replacing butter with plant-based margarine and using egg substitutes, you can adapt this recipe to suit vegan or dairy-free diets, though the texture may vary slightly.
How tart is this pie? Will kids like it?
This pie strikes a lovely balance between tart and sweet, thanks to the sugar in the batter and over the cranberry layer. Kids tend to enjoy the sweet cakey top and the burst of tangy cranberry flavor.
What’s the best way to serve this pie warm?
Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a warm, comforting dessert experience that’s especially delightful during colder months.
Final Thoughts
This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe is one of those gems that fills your kitchen with warmth and makes any holiday feel extra special. The way the tart cranberries mingle with the nutty pecans and sweet almond-infused topping is simply magical. I can’t wait for you to try it—once you do, this recipe will surely become a treasured favorite to bring out season after season.
Print
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie combines tart fresh cranberries with crunchy pecans and a sweet, buttery almond-flavored topping for a festive and satisfying dessert perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Fruit Filling
- 3 cups fresh cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Topping Batter
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and butter a 9-inch pie plate to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal after baking.
- Assemble Cranberry Base: Spread the fresh cranberries evenly in the buttered pie plate. Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cranberries, then evenly distribute ½ cup of granulated sugar on top to sweeten and balance the tartness.
- Make Batter: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar together until smooth and creamy. Add almond or vanilla extract for flavor, then add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the mixture is fluffy and well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually incorporate the flour and salt into the butter mixture, mixing until combined into a sticky batter that will serve as a rich topping for the pie.
- Top the Pie: Spread the sticky batter evenly over the cranberry and pecan mixture using a spatula to cover the fruit layer completely.
- Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the batter comes out clean or with moist crumbs, indicating doneness.
Notes
- Use fresh cranberries for the best tart flavor and texture.
- Pecans can be lightly toasted beforehand to enhance their flavor.
- Almond extract gives a traditional festive flavor, but vanilla can be used for a milder taste.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
