Cranberry Orange Custard Pie

Introduction

If you’ve ever craved the perfect balance of sweet and tart in a dessert, this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie is the answer. It’s like a festive embrace in every bite—smooth, creamy custard with the zesty brightness of fresh oranges and the tart pop of cranberries. This pie adds a unique twist to the classic custard pie, creating a flavor combination that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to put together, making it a great option when you want something that looks and tastes impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the kind of pie that’s sure to wow guests at any gathering, or even just to enjoy on your own at the kitchen table. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply craving something special, this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie will have you smiling all through the season. Let’s get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Citrusy and Tart: The combination of orange and cranberry makes for a deliciously tangy, refreshing contrast to the creamy custard.
• Versatile: This pie can be enjoyed during the holidays or anytime you want a dessert that’s a little different from the usual.
• Easy to Make: The custard comes together quickly and bakes with minimal fuss.
• Perfectly Balanced: It’s the perfect balance of creamy and fruity, making each slice a flavorful delight.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 38g, Fiber: 2g

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade, if you prefer!)

the Custard Filling:

• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (about 1 orange)
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Cranberry Layer:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ingredient Highlights

• Cranberries: These tiny fruits add a burst of tartness that cuts through the richness of the custard, making every bite more refreshing.
• Orange Zest and Juice: The citrusy elements give the pie a fresh, aromatic lift that complements the cranberry perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, velvety custard base.
• Pie Crust: You can use a store-bought crust to save time or make your own for a more personal touch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Cranberry Orange Custard Pie:

Prepare the Cranberry Layer

1. Cook the Cranberries: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the cranberries and sugar. Stir occasionally as the cranberries begin to burst and release their juices. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes, or until the cranberries are softened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool. Stir in the vanilla extract once it’s off the heat.

Make the Custard Filling

1. Whisk the Eggs and Sugar: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and salt until smooth.
2. Add Orange Zest and Juice: Stir in the orange zest and orange juice for a fresh burst of citrus flavor.
3. Combine the Cream and Cornstarch: In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch into the cream (or coconut cream) until dissolved. Add the cream mixture to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
4. Cook the Custard: Pour the custard mixture into a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it begins to thicken—about 5-7 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

Assemble the Pie

1. Layer the Cranberries: Once the cranberry mixture has cooled, spread it evenly in the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust.
2. Add the Custard: Pour the slightly cooled custard mixture over the cranberries, covering them completely.
3. Bake: Place the pie in the preheated oven (350°F or 175°C) and bake for 50-60 minutes. The custard should be set, but slightly wobbly in the center. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
4. Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. Once it’s cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the custard to fully set.

How to Serve

This Cranberry Orange Custard Pie is perfect on its own, but it pairs well with a few extras:

1. Whipped Cream: Top with a dollop of fresh whipped cream for extra richness.
2. Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in texture.
3. Orange Garnish: Add a few fresh orange slices or zest on top for an extra burst of color and flavor.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to make your Cranberry Orange Custard Pie even better:

1. Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries work best for this recipe, but if you’re using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
2. Let the Pie Set: The custard needs time to fully set, so be patient and give it enough time to cool before serving.
3. Customize the Citrus Flavor: If you love a more intense citrus flavor, try adding a little more orange zest or a splash of lemon juice for a tangy twist.
4. Crust Options: If you don’t have a pre-made pie crust, you can make your own graham cracker crust for a different take on the pie.

Recipe Variations

Here are some ideas to mix things up:

• Spiced Custard: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a bit of ginger to the custard for extra warmth.
• Cranberry Compote: Instead of cooking the cranberries with sugar, you can make a cranberry compote by simmering the berries with some water and orange juice for a chunkier topping.
• Lemon Pie: Replace the orange zest and juice with lemon zest and juice for a lemony twist on this custard pie.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and reheat your Cranberry Orange Custard Pie:

• Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This pie can be frozen, but the custard may lose some of its texture. To freeze, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following kitchen tools to prepare your Cranberry Orange Custard Pie:

• Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish for baking.
• Saucepan: To cook the custard mixture and cranberry filling.
• Mixing Bowls: For whisking the custard ingredients together.
• Whisk: For stirring the custard and combining the ingredients smoothly.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the Cranberry Orange Custard Pie:

• Can I use other berries?
  Yes! You can substitute cranberries with raspberries or blueberries for a different flavor profile.
• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Absolutely! This pie actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or even overnight.
• What can I do if my custard isn’t thickening?
  If your custard isn’t thickening, make sure the heat isn’t too high. You can also whisk in a bit more cornstarch dissolved in cold water, then reheat until it thickens.
• Can I use a store-bought crust?
  Yes, store-bought crusts work perfectly for this recipe.
• Can I make the pie ahead of time?
• Absolutely! This pie actually benefits from sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight to allow the custard to fully set. It can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
• What can I do if my custard isn’t thickening?
• If your custard isn’t thickening, it may be due to the heat being too low or the cornstarch not fully dissolving. Make sure to cook it over medium heat while whisking constantly. If needed, you can mix a little extra cornstarch with water and add it to the custard to help thicken it.
• Can I use a different pie crust?
• Yes! While a traditional pie crust works best, you can easily swap it for a graham cracker crust or a shortbread crust for a different flavor. Just make sure to adjust the baking time based on the type of crust you use.

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Conclusion

These Cranberry Crumble Bars are a true holiday delight! The tart, juicy cranberries paired with the sweet, buttery crumble topping create a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. They’re incredibly easy to make, so you can whip up a batch without any hassle, yet they always feel like a special treat. Whether you’re serving them at a holiday gathering, gifting them to friends and family, or enjoying them with a cozy cup of tea, these bars are sure to make any moment feel festive.

What makes these bars extra special is how versatile they are. They’re light enough to serve as an afternoon snack but hearty enough to satisfy as a dessert. The cranberry flavor shines, but the crumble adds that irresistible texture that makes you keep coming back for more. Plus, they’re simple to cut into perfect squares, making them great for sharing with loved ones.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!