The sweet aroma of cranberry sauce bubbling on the stove always brings me back to those cozy holiday gatherings with family. Today, I’m excited to share a beloved recipe: Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie—a true crowd-pleaser that’ll dazzle your guests and become the star of your dessert table. Not only is this pie an exquisite blend of tart cranberries and rich cream cheese, but it’s also a make-ahead treat that adapts beautifully to your kitchen needs, including gluten-free options! With its velvety filling and crunchy pecan topping, each slice promises a burst of delightful textures. So, ready to dive into a dessert that combines nostalgia with a touch of innovation? Let’s get started on crafting this holiday showstopper together!
Why you’ll adore this pie recipe?
Irresistible Flavor Fusion: The contrast of tart cranberry sauce and creamy filling creates a taste sensation unlike any other.
Make it Your Own: With simple variations like the Lemon-Lover’s Twist or a nut-free option, it easily adapts to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert is sure to impress at holiday gatherings, quickly becoming a favorite that your friends and family will request year after year.
Effortless Preparation: Most of the work can be done in advance, allowing you to enjoy the festivities without stress.
Texture Perfection: Picture a smooth cream cheese layer topped with a crunchy pecan crumb—this pie provides an exquisite contrast of textures that delights with every bite.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Ingredients
• Prepare to create magic in your kitchen with this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie!
For the Pie Crust
- Pie Crust – Use pre-made for convenience or make your own to enhance freshness.
For the Creamy Layer
- Cream Cheese – Ensure it’s softened for easy blending into a luscious filling.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and thickness.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavor; substitute with lime for an exciting twist.
- Orange Zest – Adds a lovely citrus note; lemon zest works beautifully here too.
For the Cranberry Layer
- Cranberry Sauce – Provides the delightful tartness; canned is a quick option, but homemade shines!
- Cornstarch – This is essential for achieving the right consistency in your beautiful cranberry layer.
- Brown Sugar – Deepens flavor and sweetens the tart cranberries for a perfect balance.
- Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and spice into the sauce, making it ever so inviting.
For the Crumb Topping
- Flour – Forms the base of your crumb topping; opt for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Pecans – Brings a delightful crunch; substitute with rolled oats if you prefer nut-free.
- Butter – Unsalted butter is recommended for controlled seasoning and richness in your topping.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, prepare two 9-inch pie crusts by placing them in pie pans. If using a pre-made crust, ensure it’s ready to hold the delicious layers of your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Layer
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk until well combined, then stir in the lemon juice and orange zest for a zesty kick. Divide this luscious mixture equally between the two prepared crusts and spread it evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Cranberry Layer
In a separate bowl, combine the cranberry sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and the cornstarch is dissolved. Carefully spoon this vibrant cranberry mixture over the creamy layer in the crusts, taking care to maintain the separation for a beautiful presentation.
Step 4: Prepare the Crumb Topping
In another bowl, mix together the flour, brown sugar, and chopped pecans. Pour melted unsalted butter over the mixture and stir until it forms clumps. This crumbly topping adds the perfect crunch to your pie. Generously sprinkle it over the cranberry layer in each pie crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the assembled pies in the preheated oven and bake for 55–60 minutes, or until the crumb topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on them; if they are browning too quickly, loosely cover them with foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking for even doneness.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool completely at room temperature. This critical step helps the layers set beautifully. Once cooled, refrigerate the pies for at least 4 hours before slicing to allow the flavors to meld, enhancing the overall taste of your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie.
What to Serve with Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Imagine the warmth of your kitchen filled with sweet aromas, transforming any gathering into a cherished memory.
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Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream brings a light, airy texture that enhances the pie’s creamy layer beautifully.
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Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: The rich creaminess of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast with the tart cranberry filling, making each bite decadent.
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Spiced Tea: Serve with a warm cup of spiced tea to complement the warm cinnamon notes in the pie, inviting cozy conversations.
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Gingerbread Cookies: The soft, spiced flavors of gingerbread cookies resonate with the pie’s tartness, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Pecan Tarts: Miniature pecan tarts echo the nutty crumb topping and add a delightful crunch that balances out the smooth pie.
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Citrus Salad: A fresh citrus salad brightens up the meal, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pie.
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Holiday Punch: A festive holiday punch, perhaps with cranberry juice and citrus slices, makes for a fun and fruity pairing that echoes your dessert’s flavors.
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Chocolate Bark: Dark chocolate bark provides a sophisticated touch, contrasting the tangy cranberry with a rich, indulgent sweetness that’s simply irresistible.
Make Ahead Options
These Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pies are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the creamy layer up to 24 hours in advance by mixing the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and orange zest, then storing it covered in the refrigerator. The cranberry layer can also be made ahead, combining the cranberry sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and stored for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Just before serving, assemble and bake the pies as outlined in the recipe for delicious results that are just as satisfying as fresh! This makes your holiday dessert planning stress-free, allowing you more time to enjoy with loved ones.
Expert Tips for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
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Smooth Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easy blending, resulting in a creamy, lump-free filling.
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Chill Time: Allow your pie to cool completely before refrigerating. This step prevents a runny filling and ensures proper texture.
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Adjusting Consistency: If your cranberry filling is too runny, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch next time.
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Clean Slices: Use a thin-bladed knife to cut the pie, wiping it between slices for a beautiful presentation of your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie.
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Pecan Substitutes: If allergies are a concern, replace pecans with rolled oats in the crumb topping; it still provides a delightful crunch without the nuts.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Variations
Feel free to let your creativity flow and customize this delightful pie with these fun twists!
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Lemon-Lover’s Twist: Replace orange zest with lemon zest and add a splash of lemon extract for an extra zesty flavor.
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Chocolate Layer: Place mini chocolate chips beneath the cream layer for a rich, luscious touch. The sweet combination of chocolate and cream cheese is simply irresistible.
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Nut-Free Crunch: Swap out the pecans in the crumb topping for rolled oats. Enjoy the same delightful crunch while keeping it nut-free, so everyone can savor a slice!
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Ginger Snap: Add finely chopped crystallized ginger to the cranberry layer for an unexpected and spicy twist. This addition brings a warmth that complements the tart cranberry beautifully.
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Maple Sweetness: Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup in both the cranberry and crumb layers for a warm, earthy sweetness. It’s a wonderful way to elevate the festive flavors!
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Spiced Pumpkin: Swirl some pumpkin puree into the creamy layer along with your other ingredients for a fall-inspired dessert. Think Thanksgiving meets holiday cheer!
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Coconut Delight: Add shredded coconut to the crumb topping for a tropical twist. The combination of coconut and cranberry is refreshingly delightful and will surprise your guests.
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Berry Medley: Mix in a handful of fresh or frozen mixed berries with the cranberry sauce for an explosion of flavor and color. This berry blend adds even more depth to your already vibrant dessert.
With these variations, your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie will never be the same old recipe! Enjoy exploring flavors, and for more delicious desserts, don’t forget to check out our delightful Blueberry Crumble Cheesecake or the irresistible Pistachio Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies.
How to Store and Freeze Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
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Room Temperature: Keep the pie covered loosely at room temperature for up to 2 days if you plan to serve it quickly.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This maintains its creamy texture while the flavors deepen.
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Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to preserve the delicious layers of your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie.
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Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave on low power for about 20-30 seconds, or enjoy it cold for a refreshing treat!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Recipe FAQs
What type of cranberries should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! You can use canned cranberry sauce for convenience, but if you prefer a fresher taste, opt for homemade cranberry sauce made with fresh or frozen cranberries. Just cook them with sugar and a splash of water until they burst and thicken. This allows you to control the sweetness and tartness to your liking.
How should I store leftovers of the Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie?
Great question! Keep any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, which will help maintain its creamy texture. If you plan to enjoy it later, you can leave it uncovered at room temperature for about 2 days, but make sure it’s consumed quickly to enjoy the freshness!
Can I freeze the Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. This method prevents freezer burn and keeps the pie fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before savoring the delightful layers once more.
What should I do if my cranberry filling is too runny?
If your cranberry filling turns out runny, don’t worry! Next time, try adding an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to the mix to thicken it up. Additionally, ensure you’ve allowed the pie to cool thoroughly before chilling as this helps it set properly. If you still run into issues, allow it to chill longer in the fridge after baking.
Are there any dietary considerations for the ingredients?
Sure thing! If you’re accommodating allergies, swap pecans in the crumb topping for rolled oats to create a nut-free option without sacrificing crunch. For gluten-free needs, select a gluten-free flour blend for the crumb topping, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat together.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie: A Festive Flavor Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare two 9-inch pie crusts.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Gradually mix in the sweetened condensed milk, then stir in lemon juice and orange zest.
- In another bowl, mix cranberry sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and pecans. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
- Fill the pie crusts with cream cheese mixture, add cranberry topping, and top with crumb mixture.
- Bake for 55-60 minutes until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly. Cool completely before refrigerating for at least 4 hours.
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