Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe

Introduction

Cranberry Orange Custard Pie is a delightful blend of tart cranberries and creamy custard with a hint of bright orange zest. This seasonal dessert is perfect for festive gatherings or a cozy treat at home, offering a beautiful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

• 10” unbaked pie shell
• 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries (if frozen, thaw and pat dry)
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: Place the cranberries evenly in the unbaked pie shell.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, beaten eggs, heavy whipping cream, flour, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Step 4: Pour the custard mixture over the cranberries in the pie shell.
5. Step 5: Bake the pie at 400°F for 10 minutes.
6. Step 6: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie crust edges with a pie crust shield or foil to prevent burning.
7. Step 7: Continue baking for 40 to 45 minutes, until the custard is set and no longer jiggly in the center.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half.
• Use fresh cranberries when in season for the best tartness, or thaw frozen cranberries thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
• Add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the custard for a warm spice note.
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Storage

Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in a low oven or enjoy chilled for the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries directly in the pie?

It’s best to thaw and pat frozen cranberries dry before using to prevent excess liquid from making the crust soggy.

How do I know when the custard is set?

The custard is set when it is firm to the touch and no longer jiggles in the center. A slight wobble is okay but it should not be liquid.

Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This Cranberry Orange Custard Pie is a delightful holiday dessert featuring a vibrant blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange in a creamy custard filling baked to perfection in a flaky pie crust. The balance of sweet and tangy flavors with a smooth, rich texture makes it a festive and comforting treat for any occasion.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert, Pie
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie

• 1 10-inch unbaked pie shell
• 12 ounces fresh cranberries (if frozen, thaw and pat dry)

Custard Filling

• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 3 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
2. Arrange cranberries: Place the fresh or thawed cranberries evenly in the unbaked 10-inch pie shell.
3. Prepare custard mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, beaten eggs, heavy whipping cream, flour, salt, orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Combine and pour: Pour the custard mixture over the cranberries in the pie shell, ensuring an even distribution.
5. Initial bake at high temperature: Bake the pie at 400°F for 10 minutes to set the custard and start the cooking process.
6. Reduce heat and protect crust: Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie crust edges with a pie crust shield or aluminum foil to prevent over-browning during the longer bake.
7. Bake until set: Continue baking for an additional 40 to 45 minutes, or until the custard is fully set and no longer jiggles in the center.
8. Cooling and storage: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then refrigerate the pie to fully chill before serving, enhancing the custard texture.

Notes

• Using fresh cranberries ensures a tart flavor but frozen can be used if thawed and drained well.
• Be sure to cover the edges of the pie crust to avoid burning during the longer baking time.
• Allowing the pie to cool completely before chilling helps the custard set properly.
• Store the pie refrigerated and consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Keywords: cranberry orange custard pie, holiday pie, custard pie, cranberry dessert, orange zest pie, Christmas dessert