There’s something magical about the combination of tart cranberries and smooth custard. The result is a dessert that’s both tangy and creamy, making it perfect for holiday gatherings, festive dinners, or simply a weekend treat. The Cranberry Custard Pie takes classic flavors and elevates them with a silky custard filling that balances the sharp bite of cranberries.

Unlike pies that require complicated techniques or endless layers of cream, this recipe is straightforward and approachable. Even novice bakers can feel confident producing a dessert that not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful on the table. From the golden crust to the vibrant ruby filling, every bite is a perfect blend of texture and flavor.

Why This Cranberry Custard Pie is Special

Balanced Flavor: The natural tartness of cranberries contrasts beautifully with the richness of the custard.
Festive Appeal: The deep red of cranberries adds a splash of color, making it visually appealing for special occasions.
Easy Preparation: Minimal steps and straightforward ingredients make this pie achievable for any skill level.
Versatile Serving: Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream, or chilled for a refreshing dessert.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing in advance — the custard sets beautifully when refrigerated overnight.

Ingredients

For the crust:

1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
¼ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp salt
2–3 tbsp cold water

For the custard filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange (optional, adds brightness)

Optional garnishes:

Whipped cream
Fresh cranberries
Orange zest

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time until dough forms. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Roll and Blind Bake: Roll out chilled dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Use parchment paper and pie weights or beans to blind bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove weights and bake for an additional 5 minutes until lightly golden.
Prepare Cranberries: While crust bakes, rinse cranberries and set aside. If using frozen cranberries, allow them to thaw slightly.
Make Custard: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, heavy cream, vanilla, and orange zest until smooth.
Assemble Pie: Evenly spread cranberries on the pre-baked crust. Pour custard mixture over the cranberries, making sure they are mostly covered.
Bake Pie: Bake in preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center. Avoid overbaking to keep custard creamy.
Cool and Chill: Allow pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serve: Top with whipped cream and additional cranberries if desired. Slice and enjoy the perfect balance of tart and creamy flavors.

Tips & Tricks

Cranberry Balance: Adjust sugar to taste depending on how tart your cranberries are. For extra sweetness, drizzle lightly with honey before serving.
Custard Perfection: Avoid over-whisking eggs; gentle mixing ensures a smooth, creamy custard.
Blind Baking: This prevents a soggy bottom and keeps the crust crisp and golden.
Flavor Boost: Orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur enhances the cranberry’s natural tartness.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers covered for up to 3 days. Custard texture improves as it chills.

Serving & Presentation Ideas

Holiday Centerpiece: Place the pie on a decorative platter surrounded by fresh cranberries and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.
Dessert Plates: Serve slices with a dollop of lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Mini Pie Version: Divide ingredients into mini tart pans for single-serve pies, perfect for parties.

Fun Facts About Cranberries

Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America and are harvested in late fall, making them a seasonal staple for autumn and winter desserts.
The tartness of cranberries pairs perfectly with sweet, creamy bases like custard, cheesecake, or white chocolate.
Cranberry desserts have a long tradition in holiday celebrations, from pies to sauces, adding color, flavor, and festivity to any meal.