Can I use leftover cranberry sauce in this cranberry pie?

Yes, this recipe is perfect if you want to use up cranberry sauce. Whether it’s homemade or a jellied cranberry sauce leftover recipe, the tart-sweet flavor blends beautifully with the creamy filling and crumb topping.

What type of cranberry sauce works best for this ocean spray cranberry cream cheese crumb pie?

Any variety works—whole berry, jellied, or canned. Many bakers prefer recipes using Ocean Spray cranberry sauce because it creates smooth swirls and vibrant color in one of the most beautiful pies you can bake.

Can I make this easy cranberry cream cheese crumb pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. This cranberry cream cheese crumb pie with condensed milk slices best after chilling overnight, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or busy schedules. It’s one of the best pies to make at home when prepping in advance.

Can I use canned cranberry jelly in this recipe?

Yes, canned cranberry jelly recipes work wonderfully here. Just mash the jelly slightly before layering. It gives the cranberry sauce dish a glossy finish and makes the final pie look stunning and bakery-worthy.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie – Easy Holiday Dessert 2026

Description

A gorgeous holiday pie made with a silky cream cheese filling, a sweet-tart cranberry layer, and a golden buttery crumb topping. This pie uses fresh cranberry sauce, canned jellied cranberry sauce, or leftover holiday cranberry sauce — making it a beautiful, practical, and irresistibly festive dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (for one 9-inch pie):

For the Crust & Crumb Topping:

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (or digestive biscuits)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of salt

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 large egg

For the Cranberry Layer:

Choose one option:

1 cup leftover homemade cranberry sauce, or
1 cup canned jellied cranberry sauce, mashed slightly, or
1 cup Ocean Spray cranberry sauce (whole berry or jellied)

Optional:

½ teaspoon orange zest
2 tablespoons sugar (for extra sweetness if using tart cranberry sauce)

Instructions

📝 Instructions

Step 1: Make the Crust & Crumb

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, mix graham crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, salt, and melted butter.
Press ¾ of the mixture into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
Reserve the remaining ¼ for the crumb topping.

Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Layer

Beat cream cheese until smooth.
Add condensed milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and egg.
Mix until velvety and lump-free.
Pour into the prepared crust.

Step 3: Add the Cranberry Layer

Gently spoon cranberry sauce over the filling.
Swirl lightly with a knife or leave in dollops for a layered effect.

Step 4: Add the Crumb Topping

Sprinkle the reserved crumb mixture over the top.

Step 5: Bake

Bake for 30–35 minutes, until the edges are set and the crumb topping is golden.
Cool completely, then chill at least 2 hours before slicing for clean pieces.

Notes

Leftover-Friendly: Works beautifully with leftover Thanksgiving cranberry sauce.
Make It Prettier: Add sugared cranberries or a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce on top.
Flavor Boost: Mix orange zest into the cranberry layer for a brighter holiday flavor.
Make Ahead: Chill overnight for the best texture — this pie slices beautifully the next day.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Category: Dessert / Holiday Pie
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American