Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a simple, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s more like a cake than a traditional pie. Bursting with tart cranberries, crunchy nuts, and a sweet, buttery topping, this treat requires no crust and is perfect for the holidays or any occasion. Serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Crust Needed: No rolling or chilling—just a simple batter poured over the filling.
- Sweet and Tart Balance: Fresh or frozen cranberries and sugar create the perfect flavor contrast.
- Quick and Easy: Prepped in just 10 minutes and uses pantry staples.
- Perfect for Holidays: A festive and vibrant dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2½ cups cranberries (fresh or frozen), coarsely chopped
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
- ½ cup white sugar (for the filling)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup white sugar (for the topping)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt (use half if using salted butter)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Lightly butter a 10-inch pie plate and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, nuts, and ½ cup sugar.
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie plate.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
- In another mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, melted butter, 1 cup sugar, flour, salt, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
- The batter will be thick.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
- Using an ice cream scoop, drop portions of the batter over the cranberry mixture.
- Gently spread the batter with a spatula to cover the cranberries as evenly as possible, spreading it near the edges of the pan.
Step 5: Bake
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the top is golden.
- Remove from the oven and let cool.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve the pie warm or at room temperature.
- Top with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- 10-inch pie plate
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Ice cream scoop
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Best served warm or at room temperature. Add whipped cream or ice cream for a decadent touch.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
Variations
- Citrus Twist: Add orange zest to the batter for a hint of citrus.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Nut-Free: Omit the nuts for a simpler version.
- Mixed Berries: Combine cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry variation.
Helpful Notes and Tips
- Fresh vs. Frozen Cranberries: Both work well; if using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them.
- Batter Spreading: The batter is thick, so using an ice cream scoop and a flat spatula makes spreading easier.
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen and improve as the pie sits, making it perfect to prepare a day in advance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh or frozen?
Yes, but rehydrate the dried cranberries in warm water or juice for 10 minutes before using.
Can I substitute almond extract?
If you’re not a fan of almond flavor, simply omit it or replace it with more vanilla extract.
What other nuts work in this recipe?
Chopped almonds, hazelnuts, or macadamia nuts are great substitutes for pecans or walnuts.
Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! Use a 9×13-inch baking dish and adjust the baking time as needed.
Is this pie freezer-friendly?
Yes, freeze baked pie tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a fuss-free, festive dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With its bright cranberry flavor and buttery topping, it’s bound to become a holiday favorite. Enjoy!
