If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that bursts with seasonal flavor, this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe is exactly what you need on your table. Imagine a creamy, velvety custard laced with zesty orange and studded with tart cranberries, all cradled in a buttery, crisp pie crust. It’s a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures—sweet, tangy, silky, and just a touch of crunch—that absolutely wows at any gathering. The best part? It’s just as simple to make as it is impressive, making it a secret weapon for holiday baking or anytime you want to fill your home with the aroma of something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each component of this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe does double duty by contributing to both the up-front wow factor and the irresistible taste. The ingredients are basic, but they work together in harmony to create a dessert that’s far more than the sum of its parts.
- Unbaked 9-inch pie crust: Provides a flaky, golden base to hold all the rich custard and juicy cranberries.
- Fresh or frozen cranberries (1 cup): Offer bright tartness and gorgeous color; no need to thaw if using frozen!
- Orange zest (1 tablespoon): Adds an incredible burst of citrus aroma and flavor that infuses the whole pie.
- Large eggs (3): The powerhouse that holds the creamy custard together and gives it structure.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the filling just enough to balance the cranberries and highlight the orange.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes the custard luscious and rich without feeling too heavy.
- Whole milk (½ cup): Lightens the custard ever so slightly for the perfect texture.
- Orange juice (¼ cup): Reinforces the citrus flavor and keeps things beautifully balanced.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm undertone for a well-rounded custard flavor.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the custard so it slices cleanly and holds together on the plate.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors, making every bite shine.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place your unbaked 9-inch pie crust into a pie dish, then crimp or flute the edges for a decorative touch. If you love a rustic, homemade look, this is where you can really make it yours! The crust is the foundation for the whole Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe, so take a moment to shape it nicely.
Step 2: Add Cranberries and Orange Zest
Scatter the cranberries evenly over the bottom of the crust. If the cranberries are large, slice them in half for even distribution. Next, sprinkle the orange zest all over the cranberries so every bite pops with bright citrus flavor and beautiful flecks of color.
Step 3: Whisk the Custard Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and granulated sugar until everything is smooth and a little frothy. Add in the heavy cream, whole milk, orange juice, vanilla extract, flour, and salt. Keep whisking until perfectly combined and the mixture looks pale yellow. This is your velvety custard base that will set into the creamiest, dreamiest filling as it bakes.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Slowly and gently pour the custard mixture over the cranberries and orange zest in the pie crust. Pouring slowly ensures the cranberries stay evenly distributed and don’t all float to the top. Be careful not to overfill—the filling should sit just below the edge of the crust.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the custard is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle in the center. If you notice the edges of your crust browning too quickly, gently cover them with foil to prevent burning. The Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe gets its signature silky texture from not overbaking the custard.
Step 6: Cool and Chill
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool at room temperature. For the best results, allow it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the custard slices cleanly. It’s worth the wait!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a generous dollop of softly whipped cream, a sprinkle of extra orange zest, or a few sugared cranberries. These easy garnishes add a touch of elegance and highlight the star flavors of the Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe.
Side Dishes
This pie shines as the star of the dessert table, but it pairs beautifully with coffee or hot tea. For a brunch spread, try serving it next to fresh fruit or a charcuterie platter with mild cheeses—the creamy custard and tart cranberries balance savory side snacks perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
You can cut the Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe into elegant wedges for classic presentation, or use a round biscuit cutter for mini pie circles to serve at parties. Try topping each mini slice with a candied orange peel for a fun and festive touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover pie slices with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making the Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe even more delicious the next day. Enjoy within 3 days for best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead for a busy holiday, you can freeze the fully baked and cooled pie. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of foil, then freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving for best results—you’ll find the custard stays creamy!
Reheating
This pie is at its best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer it slightly warm, gently heat individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, or the custard may separate.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! The Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe works perfectly with either, and you don’t need to thaw frozen cranberries before adding them to the pie. They’ll bake up juicy and delicious right from frozen.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Yes, a homemade crust adds a wonderful, personal touch to this recipe. Use your favorite buttery pie dough recipe, and follow the instructions as written. The filling and flavors will shine in either a homemade or store-bought shell.
How do I know when the custard is done?
The custard should look mostly set around the edges, with just a slight wobble in the very center—think of it like a classic cheesecake. If you’re uncertain, a knife inserted an inch from the center should come out mostly clean.
Is this pie very sweet?
This Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe is balanced in sweetness. The tart cranberries and citrus keep it from being cloying, while the creamy custard adds just enough sugar to make it a true dessert without overwhelming your taste buds.
Can I prepare this pie a day in advance?
Definitely! In fact, this pie tastes even better after an overnight chill in the fridge. All the flavors meld together and the custard sets to the perfect creamy consistency. Just keep it covered until ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe is pure holiday magic in dessert form—zesty, creamy, vibrant, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you love sharing comforting, flavorful sweets with family and friends, this is the pie to bring. Give it a try, and let it become a new tradition in your kitchen!
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Cranberry Orange Custard Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful blend of tangy cranberries and zesty orange flavors with this Cranberry Orange Custard Pie. A perfect balance of sweet and tart, this pie is a holiday favorite that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Pie Crust:
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Filling:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (halved if large)
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup whole milk
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Prepare the crust: Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish and crimp the edges. Scatter the cranberries and orange zest over the crust.
- Mix the custard: Whisk together eggs and sugar, then add cream, milk, orange juice, vanilla, flour, and salt. Pour this custard over the cranberries.
- Bake: Bake the pie for 45–50 minutes until the custard is set but slightly wobbly. Cool and refrigerate before serving.
Notes
- This pie is best served chilled or at room temperature and pairs beautifully with whipped cream.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them first.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
