Easy Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe for Holidays and Weeknights

As a child, I remember sneaking into the kitchen to watch my grandmother stir sweet custard over tart cranberries, filling the house with a comforting aroma. Today, I recreate that magic with my easy cranberry custard pie recipe, blending condensed milk and fresh cranberries for a silky, family-friendly dessert. Perfect for busy weeknights or holiday gatherings, this cranberry custard pie brings nostalgia, flavor, and simplicity to every table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cranberry custard pie with condensed milk is a delightful combination of creamy custard and tart cranberries, making it one of the most comforting desserts you can serve. Inspired by classic favorites like Miss Brown cranberry custard pie and old fashioned cranberry custard pie, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a luscious cranberry pudding pie or cranberry sour cream pie that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re aiming for a cranberry curd tart, a cranberry custard tart, or just the best cranberry pie recipe for your family, this easy cranberry custard pie recipe easy version saves time without compromising flavor. Using fresh or Ocean Spray cranberries, this cranberry custard pie recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or special celebrations. Its smooth custard, balanced sweetness, and vibrant cranberry flavor make it a dessert everyone will remember. From a quick cranberry pie to a show-stopping cranberry custard tart, this recipe brings classic charm and modern simplicity together in every bite.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Creating the perfect cranberry custard pie recipe starts with understanding the role of each ingredient. The crust provides a buttery, flaky foundation that contrasts beautifully with the smooth, creamy custard. Using fresh or frozen cranberries ensures a tart, vibrant flavor, while sugar balances the natural tartness. Eggs and heavy cream create a silky custard that sets perfectly during baking. Vanilla and a touch of orange zest enhance the aroma and depth of flavor. This combination transforms a simple cranberry pie into an indulgent cranberry custard tart, reminiscent of classic favorites like Miss Brown cranberry custard pie or an old fashioned cranberry custard pie. Optional tweaks, like substituting sour cream or condensed milk, can give you variations such as a cranberry pudding pie or a cranberry sour cream pie. This easy cranberry custard pie recipe ensures a luscious dessert that’s both eye-catching and irresistibly tasty.

Ingredients for cranberry custard pie
Easy Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe for Holidays and Weeknights 13

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch pie):

For the Crust:

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cubed
3–4 tablespoons ice water

For the Cranberry Custard Filling:

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter custard)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, brightens flavor)

How to Make This Recipe

Making the perfect cranberry custard pie recipe begins with preparing a flaky crust and a creamy, flavorful filling. Start by combining flour, salt, and cold butter to form a tender crust, adding ice water gradually until it holds together. The custard filling is a luscious mixture of fresh or frozen cranberries, sugar, eggs, and heavy cream, enriched with vanilla and optional orange zest for brightness. This combination creates a smooth cranberry custard that sets beautifully in the oven, producing a dessert reminiscent of Miss Brown cranberry custard pie or an old fashioned cranberry custard pie. Variations like a cranberry pudding pie or a cranberry sour cream pie are easy to make by substituting ingredients. Using Ocean Spray cranberries or a quick condensed milk version gives you a simple, easy cranberry custard pie recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This cranberry custard tart or cranberry curd tart delivers flavor, texture, and eye-catching appeal in every bite.

🛒 Steps:

Prepare the crust by mixing 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt.
Cut in ½ cup cold unsalted butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add 3–4 tablespoons ice water gradually, forming a dough.
Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan, refrigerate 15 minutes.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a bowl, combine 2 cups cranberries and ¾ cup sugar.
Whisk 3 large eggs, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon orange zest.
Fold cranberries into custard mixture and pour into prepared crust.
Bake 45–50 minutes until custard sets and top is lightly golden.
Cool completely before serving for best texture.

Cranberry custard pie baking in oven
Easy Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe for Holidays and Weeknights 14

Expert Cooking Tips

Mastering the perfect cranberry custard pie recipe requires attention to detail in both the crust and custard. For a silky cranberry custard, whisk eggs and cream thoroughly, and fold in cranberries gently to avoid breaking them. Using condensed milk can create a richer cranberry custard pie with condensed milk, while sour cream provides a tangy twist similar to a cranberry sour cream pie. For classic charm, follow techniques from Miss Brown cranberry custard pie or an old fashioned cranberry custard pie. Choose fresh or Ocean Spray cranberries for a vibrant color and balanced tartness. Whether you’re making a cranberry pudding pie, cranberry custard tart, or cranberry curd tart, these tips help produce the best cranberry pie recipe every time. Chill the pie completely before serving to let the custard set. Using an easy cranberry custard pie recipe easy method ensures consistent results even for beginners.

💡 Expert Tips:

Chill your crust dough before rolling to maintain flakiness.
Use fresh or Ocean Spray cranberries for optimal tartness.
Whisk eggs and cream completely before adding cranberries.
Fold cranberries gently to preserve their shape in the custard.
Consider condensed milk for a richer cranberry custard pie with condensed milk.
For tangy variation, substitute part of the cream with sour cream.
Bake until custard is just set; avoid overbaking to prevent curdling.
Cool completely before slicing for a clean, firm cranberry custard tart.
Experiment with a touch of orange zest to brighten flavor.
Follow easy cranberry custard pie recipe easy instructions for consistent results.

Four cranberry dessert variations
Easy Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe for Holidays and Weeknights 15

FAQs

What makes a cranberry custard pie different from a regular cranberry pie?

A cranberry custard pie combines tart cranberries with a smooth, creamy custard made from eggs, cream, and sometimes condensed milk. Unlike a traditional cranberry pie, it has a silky texture similar to a cranberry pudding pie or custard tart. Classic versions, like Miss Brown cranberry custard pie or an old fashioned custard pie, are loved for their balance of sweet and tart flavors.

Can I use condensed milk or sour cream in this pie?

Yes. Condensed milk creates a rich, creamy custard, while sour cream adds a tangy twist. Both options enhance the texture and flavor, making the dessert versatile for family meals or special occasions.

Can I use store-bought cranberries like Ocean Spray?

Absolutely. Using Ocean Spray cranberries or fresh/frozen berries works well, producing a vibrant tartness that complements the custard. This makes it simple to create a custard tart or just a delicious cranberry pie at home.

How can I make this pie easy for beginners?

Follow a straightforward method: pre-bake the crust, whisk custard ingredients thoroughly, fold in cranberries gently, and bake until set. This ensures a smooth, creamy filling and a visually appealing dessert every time.

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This cranberry custard pie is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and creamy custard, perfect for family dinners, holidays, or special occasions. Whether you try a classic version like Miss Brown cranberry custard pie, a rich cranberry pudding pie, or a simple easy cranberry custard pie, the results are always flavorful and comforting. From a custard tart to a traditional cranberry pie, this recipe delivers a delicious dessert that’s both visually appealing and satisfying with every bite.

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Slice of cranberry custard pie with tart cranberries

Cranberry Custard Pie


  • Author: Savannah
  • Total Time: 40–45 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A luscious, smooth custard filling paired with tart cranberries in a buttery pie crust. This pie strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tangy — ideal for holiday tables or anytime you want a show-stopping dessert.


Ingredients

Scale

🛒 Ingredients (9-inch pie):

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold, cubed

  • 34 tablespoons ice water

For the Cranberry Custard Filling:

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • 3 large eggs

  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter custard)

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, brightens flavor)


Instructions

📝 Instructions:

 

  1. Prepare Crust:

    • In a bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    • Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Form into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill 30 minutes.

  2. Preheat Oven:

    • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  3. Roll & Blind Bake:

    • Roll dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer dough, trim edges, and prick bottom with a fork.

    • Line with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake 15 minutes, remove weights and parchment, bake another 5 minutes until lightly golden.

  4. Prepare Filling:

    • In a bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, cream, vanilla, salt, and orange zest until smooth.

    • Spread cranberries evenly over the pre-baked crust. Pour custard mixture over cranberries.

  5. Bake Pie:

    • Bake 35–45 minutes, until custard is set but slightly wobbly in the center.

    • Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving.

  6. Serve:

    • Slice and serve as-is, or top with whipped cream, powdered sugar, or candied orange slices.

Notes

  • Frozen Cranberries: No need to thaw; they can be used straight from the freezer.
  • Custard Texture: If the custard puffs too much, it will settle as it cools — that’s normal.
  • Make-Ahead: Pie can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
  • Category: Dessert / Pie
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American / Holiday

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