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The Cranberry-Pecan Pie That’s Always a Crowd-Pleaser
Introduction to The Cranberry-Pecan Pie I’ve Been Making Forever (It Never Fails)
Creating The Cranberry-Pecan Pie brings back a flurry of warm memories from my childhood kitchen. I vividly remember the first time I attempted to bake a pie—an ambitious endeavor for a young professional just exploring the culinary world. My mom handed me a worn-down cookbook, the pages smudged from countless uses, and guided me through a simple recipe for a pecan pie. It didn’t take long before I realized that the addition of cranberries to pecan pie was nothing short of a revelation. Of course, as a novice, I made a few mistakes—burning the crust and not measuring the ingredients accurately—but that first pie sparked a love for baking that has only deepened over the years.
Now, fast forward to today, I find myself making The Cranberry-Pecan Pie every holiday season, a tradition that never fails to impress family and friends. The tartness of the cranberries beautifully complements the crunchy pecans, creating a harmony of flavors that leaves everyone wanting more. It’s a pie that ticks all the boxes: visually stunning, incredibly delicious, and easy to whip up, making it a staple in my dessert rotation.
Fond Memories and An Unfailing Recipe
Every time I bake this pie, I feel a connection to those holiday gatherings filled with laughter and joy. The sweet aroma wafting from the oven transports me back to those simpler times where the essence of family and food intertwined. It never fails to elicit compliments and seconds, warming my heart just like the pie warms the belly.
As I share the recipe with you, I hope it not only becomes a beloved dessert in your home but also sparks your own nostalgic moments in the kitchen. After all, cooking is not just about the food—it’s about the stories and memories that come with it. So let’s dive into the components that make The Cranberry-Pecan Pie a classic that never disappoints.
Key Ingredients for The Cranberry-Pecan Pie
The star of The Cranberry-Pecan Pie is undoubtedly the vibrant cranberries. Their tartness brightens this dessert, perfectly balancing the sweet, gooey pecan filling. Fresh cranberries pack a punch of flavor, but if they’re out of season, you can take a shortcut with frozen ones—just ensure they’re thawed and drained for optimal texture.
Pecans are essential, offering a delightful crunch that complements the creamy filling. Toasting them beforehand enhances their flavor, making every bite even more indulgent.
Sugar is used in both brown and granulated forms; the brown sugar adds a hint of richness, while granulated sugar keeps things sweet.
Eggs play a critical role as the binding agent, ensuring the filling holds together like a cherished family recipe should.
Lastly, make sure to add a pinch of salt to elevate the flavors, amplifying the sweetness and bringing everything together in this unforgettable pie.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something truly special about The Cranberry-Pecan Pie that calls to mind cozy gatherings and cherished moments with loved ones. This isn’t just any pie; it’s a tradition that many of us have embraced over the years, creating memories that linger long after the last slice is gone. If you’ve ever struggled to find that perfect dessert that strikes a balance between sweet and tart, this pie will delight your taste buds and elevate your gatherings.
The Joy of Versatility
One of the standout features of The Cranberry-Pecan Pie is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a comforting slice on a quiet evening, this pie fits every occasion. You can enjoy it warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream.
An Exquisite Flavor Combination
The harmonious blend of tart cranberries and rich pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both unique and satisfying. This pie isn’t overly sweet, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine through. Each bite provides a delightful crunch from the pecans, followed by the zing of cranberries, making it an unforgettable dessert.
With its inviting aromas and balanced flavors, The Cranberry-Pecan Pie is more than just a recipe—it’s a comforting slice of home that you’ll come to love and cherish.
Tips for Making the Perfect Cranberry-Pecan Pie
Creating the ideal Cranberry-Pecan Pie is an art, and with a few techniques, you can ensure your pie dazzles at any gathering.
Master the Pie Crust
The foundation of a flawless Cranberry-Pecan Pie is its crust. For a flaky texture, use cold butter and handle the dough gently. I recommend resting the dough in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out—this helps it maintain its shape while baking.
Layer Your Flavors
To enhance the flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the filling. This simple step intensifies their nuttiness and adds depth to your pie.
Pay Attention to Sweetness
Balance is key in this pie. If your cranberries are particularly tart, adjust the sugar content in your filling. Taste the mixture before pouring it into the crust to ensure it sings with flavor.
Perfect Baking Time
Keep an eye on your pie in the oven. If the crust edges begin to brown too quickly, shield them with strips of aluminum foil. This will prevent burning while allowing the filling to bake perfectly.
By following these tips, your Cranberry-Pecan Pie will be a show-stopper, ready to please friends and family alike!
Time Details for The Cranberry-Pecan Pie
Creating The Cranberry-Pecan Pie is not just an act of baking; it’s a labor of love, paying homage to the vibrant flavors of the season. Understanding the timing can elevate your pie game, ensuring it turns out flawless every time.
Preparation time
The preparation for The Cranberry-Pecan Pie takes about 20 minutes. In this brief window, you’ll chop, mix, and combine your ingredients to set the foundation for this delightful dessert.
Baking time
Once your pie is assembled, it requires approximately 50 to 60 minutes in the oven. This step fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and brings your pie to that golden, bubbly perfection.
Total time
In total, you’re looking at roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish. With just a bit of patience, you’ll have a stunning pie that’s perfect for any gathering, or simply to indulge in at home.
Nutritional Information for The Cranberry-Pecan Pie
Creating The Cranberry-Pecan Pie evokes memories of warm gatherings and joyful celebrations, making it a beloved staple in many households. Understanding its nutritional value can help you enjoy each slice guilt-free.
Calories
Per slice, this pie offers around 300 calories, making it a delightful treat without overwhelming your daily intake.
Protein
You’ll find approximately 4 grams of protein per piece. While not a primary source of protein, the pecans contribute a nice boost to your diet.
Sodium
This delicious pie contains about 150 milligrams of sodium per slice. That’s relatively low, allowing you to savor the flavors without worrying too much about your sodium intake.
Enjoy every bite of The Cranberry-Pecan Pie; it’s a wonderfully balanced dessert that adds sweetness to your table!
FAQs about The Cranberry-Pecan Pie
When you’re preparing The Cranberry-Pecan Pie, questions are bound to arise. Don’t worry—I’ve been making this pie forever, and I’ve gathered some of the most common queries to help you navigate the baking process and enjoy this delightful dessert.
What should I do if my crust browns too quickly?
If you notice that the crust of your Cranberry-Pecan Pie is browning faster than expected, your first line of defense is to cover it with aluminum foil. Gently place a piece of foil around the edges once they reach a golden-brown color to prevent burning while allowing the filling to cook through. Additionally, consider lowering your oven temperature slightly; this can help create a more even bake.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about The Cranberry-Pecan Pie is that it holds up wonderfully when made in advance. You can prepare the pie a day or two ahead of your event. Once baked, simply let it cool, cover it well, and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, making it even more delicious on serving day.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
To keep your Cranberry-Pecan Pie fresh, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to extend its life, you can freeze the pie. Just wrap it tightly in plastic and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion on The Cranberry-Pecan Pie
The Cranberry-Pecan Pie holds a special place in my heart, intertwined with countless family gatherings and festive celebrations. Each bite evokes memories of laughter and joy, where the tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of pecans. This beloved dessert not only pleases the palate but also invites everyone around the table to share in its warmth. Whether enjoyed during the holidays or at casual get-togethers, The Cranberry-Pecan Pie truly never fails to impress. If you haven’t yet made it a part of your traditions, I encourage you to start—it’s a recipe that will surely become a cherished favorite in your home too.
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Pecan Cranberry Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This delightful pecan cranberry pie combines the rich flavors of pecans and tart cranberries, perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 unbaked 9-inch deep-dish pie shell
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup (312g) light corn syrup
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (170g) chopped pecans
- 1 cup (about 100g) cranberries, fresh or thawed frozen
Instructions
- If using refrigerated pie dough, unroll the dough on a lightly floured countertop and gently roll over it with a rolling pin to smooth out any creases. Lay the crust inside a deep-dish glass or metal pie pan. Press the dough into the edges of the pan and up the sides. Crimp or flute the edges of the dough as desired. Freeze the crust for 30 minutes. Leave frozen pie crusts in the freezer until ready to fill and bake.
- Arrange an oven rack in the bottom third of the oven. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, corn syrup, sugar, vanilla, and salt until well incorporated.
- Set the frozen pie shell on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the pecans and cranberries evenly over the bottom of the pie shell and pour the filling on top.
- Bake the pie until the crust is golden and the filling is set when shaken but the center is still a little jiggly, 50 to 70 minutes. If your crust begins to darken before the pie is set, tent the pie with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool until set, 2 to 3 hours. Enjoy warm or at room temperature. Leftover pie can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerated for up to 4 days. Warm individual portions in the microwave in 30 second bursts until warmed through, about 1 minute.
Notes
- Love the recipe? Leave us stars and a comment below!
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
