Cranberry Pie with a Nutty Crumble Topping – A Perfect Holiday Dessert

Cranberries are the star of this cranberry pie with a nutty crumble topping, a perfect dessert to make for the holiday season or any time you're craving a sweet-tart treat. The combination of the slightly tart cranberries with the rich, buttery filling and crunchy nut topping creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will please any crowd.

This pie is incredibly versatile, offering a beautiful contrast between the sweet, juicy filling and the crunchy, nutty topping. It's a wonderful way to showcase cranberries, which are often underused outside of the holiday season. Whether you're serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a special family gathering, this pie is sure to be a hit.

In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of making this cranberry pie with a nutty crumble topping, from preparing the ingredients to baking the perfect pie. You'll also find tips for customizing the recipe, serving suggestions, and storage ideas.

Ingredients

For this cranberry pie with a nutty crumble topping, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 3 cups of fresh or frozen cranberries: If using fresh, rinse and sort the berries.
• 1 cup of granulated sugar: Adjust the sweetness based on the tartness of the cranberries.
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch: To thicken the filling.
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract: For added flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: Adds a warm spice to balance the tartness.
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: For a bright, fresh flavor.
• 1 tablespoon of butter: For richness.

For the Nutty Crumble Topping:

• 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour: The base for the crumble topping.
• 1/2 cup of rolled oats: Adds texture and crunch.
• 1/4 cup of brown sugar: For sweetness and a slight caramelized flavor.
• 1/4 cup of chopped mixed nuts (e.g., pecans, walnuts, or almonds): For crunch and flavor.
• 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter: To form the crumble.
• Pinch of salt: To balance the sweetness of the topping.

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 package of refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade if you prefer).
• 1 tablespoon of butter (optional, for greasing the crust).

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish: To bake the pie.
• Mixing bowls: For preparing the filling and topping.
• Rolling pin: If you prefer to roll out homemade dough for the crust.
• Knife: For cutting the butter and chopping the nuts.
• Spoon: For mixing the filling and crumble topping.
• Oven: For baking the pie.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Filling

1. Prepare the Cranberries: If using fresh cranberries, rinse them thoroughly and pick out any stems or soft berries. If you're using frozen cranberries, no need to thaw them before using.
2. Cook the Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the berries evenly. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cranberries begin to burst, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the butter until it melts and the filling becomes smooth.

Step 2: Make the Nutty Crumble Topping

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, chopped nuts, and a pinch of salt.
2. Add the Butter: Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should have a crumbly texture with small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Prepare the Pie Crust: If using a store-bought pie crust, unroll it and fit it into your pie dish, crimping the edges as desired. If using homemade dough, roll it out to fit your pie dish and transfer it carefully.
2. Add the Filling: Pour the cranberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly with a spoon.
3. Top with the Crumble: Evenly sprinkle the nutty crumble topping over the cranberry filling, ensuring it covers the entire pie.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Bake the Pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake it for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the crumble topping is golden brown. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
3. Cool the Pie: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing. This gives the filling time to set.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Pie with Nutty Crumble Topping

1. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cranberries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Start with the recommended amount and taste the filling before baking it.

2. Use a Mix of Nuts: For added flavor and texture, consider using a combination of nuts such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds. The different textures of the nuts complement the soft berries perfectly.

3. Prevent Soggy Crust: To prevent the pie crust from becoming soggy, bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling. This helps to seal the crust and keep it crispy.

4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the filling and crumble topping in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you're ready to bake, assemble the pie and bake as directed.

5. Serve with Whipped Cream: This pie is perfect served with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Creative Ways to Serve Cranberry Pie with Nutty Crumble Topping

1. As a Breakfast Treat: This pie makes an excellent breakfast or brunch option. Serve it alongside some yogurt or a warm cup of coffee.

2. As a Gift: Cranberry pie with a nutty crumble topping is a great gift idea during the holiday season. Package it in a decorative box or pie tin and give it as a homemade treat for friends and family.

3. With a Warm Drink: Pair this pie with a warm drink, such as chai tea or a spiced apple cider, for a cozy, comforting treat.

Conclusion

This cranberry pie with a nutty crumble topping is a perfect dessert for any occasion. With the tartness of the cranberries, the richness of the buttery filling, and the crunchiness of the nutty crumble, this pie is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Whether you serve it for a holiday meal, as a sweet snack, or as a special treat, it's sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a homemade pie that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.