Imagine the perfect blend of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, all nestled within a buttery pie crust. This is the essence of Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, a delightful dessert that brings a burst of flavor and festive spirit to your holiday gatherings. This pie effortlessly balances sweetness and tartness, making it a memorable addition to any table. With its vibrant red cranberries and rich filling, this pie not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning, perfect for impressing family and friends.
Why We Love This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe
What sets this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie apart? It’s a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures. The fresh cranberries provide a tangy contrast to the sugary sweetness of the filling, while the pecans add a lovely crunch that elevates each bite. Whether you’re enjoying this pie during a holiday feast or simply indulging on a cozy evening at home, it brings warmth and joy to the table. The ease of preparation makes it accessible for both seasoned bakers and novices alike, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the holiday spirit through this delightful dessert.
Ingredients about Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
To create this delicious Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for serving
These ingredients combine perfectly to create a mouthwatering pie that will have everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Directions
Making this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is simple and enjoyable. Follow these steps to bring this delightful dessert to life:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your pie will bake evenly, resulting in a perfectly golden crust.
- Prepare Cranberries: In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries with the sugar. Stir them well to ensure that the cranberries are evenly coated with sugar. Set this mixture aside for a little while to let the flavors meld together.
- Mix the Filling: In another bowl, mix the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything until the mixture is combined and smooth. The butter will add richness, while the flour holds everything together.
- Layer the Pie: Take your pre-made pie crust and spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the bottom. Then pour the pecan mixture over the cranberries, spreading it out evenly. This will give you a lovely layered effect and allow the flavors to blend during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it, looking for a golden brown top. The delicious scent will fill your kitchen, signaling that this pie is almost ready.
- Cool Slightly: After removing the pie from the oven, allow it to cool slightly. This waiting period will help it set up nicely and make it easier to slice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pie warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. The cold creaminess pairs beautifully with the warm, fruity pie.
How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Serving this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is as enjoyable as making it. Once the pie has cooled slightly, slice it into generous portions. You can serve it on its own, but a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping elevates the experience. The cool creaminess contrasts perfectly with the warm pie, making each bite even more satisfying.
For an extra touch, consider garnishing each slice with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or a few extra fresh cranberries. You can even drizzle some caramel sauce over the top if you want to add a bit of flair. Whether you serve it at a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or keep it as a special treat for yourself, this pie is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Expert Tips: Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
To make the most of your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, consider these expert tips:
- Use Fresh Cranberries: Always opt for fresh cranberries if you can find them. They provide the best flavor and texture for the pie. If you must use frozen cranberries, ensure that they are fully thawed and drained before using them.
- Don’t Skip the Sugar: The sugar is essential for balancing the tartness of the cranberries. Feel free to adjust the amount to suit your taste, but be mindful that changing the sugar level will affect the final flavor.
- Watch the Baking Time: Ovens can vary in temperature, so keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. Look for a golden brown crust and bubbly filling as indicators that it’s done.
- Let it Rest: Allow the pie to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the filling set, making it easier to slice neatly.
- Experiment with Toppings: While vanilla ice cream and whipped topping are classic choices, you can get creative. Try serving it with flavored whipped cream, or sprinkle some crushed ginger snaps over the top for added texture and flavor.
How to Store Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
If you happen to have any leftovers (though that’s not very likely!), storing your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is easy. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, you can cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing the pie. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for about a month. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Variation of Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
While the classic Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is delightful as is, there are several fun variations you can try to suit your preferences:
- Add More Nuts: Consider mixing in other types of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, along with the pecans for added flavor and texture.
- Citrus Twist: For a refreshing twist, add the zest of an orange or lemon to the filling. The citrus will add a bright note and complement the tart cranberries beautifully.
- Go Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour mix. Ensure that your pie crust is also gluten-free for the best results.
- Different Pie Crusts: While a traditional pie crust works wonderfully, you can also experiment with graham cracker crusts or even cookie crusts to change up the flavor.
- Cranberry Pecan Crumble: For a different texture, make a crumble topping instead of pouring the pecan mixture directly over the cranberries. Combine oats, brown sugar, and butter for a delightful crunch.
FAQ
What is Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delicious dessert made with fresh cranberries, sugar, pecans, and a buttery pie crust, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How long can I store Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
You can store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for about a month when properly wrapped.
What should I serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
This pie is delicious when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping. It pairs perfectly with the sweet and tart flavors.
Can I use frozen cranberries to make the pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure they are fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before adding them to the pie.
Are there any variations of Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Absolutely! You can add different types of nuts, incorporate citrus zest, or use various crusts to customize the pie according to your taste.
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Ingredients
For the Pie
- 2 cups fresh cranberries Use fresh for best flavor
- 1 cup sugar Adjust according to taste
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 pre-made pie crust pie crust Use a traditional or cookie crust
- serving vanilla ice cream or whipped topping For serving
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the fresh cranberries with the sugar and stir to coat.
- In another bowl, mix the chopped pecans, all-purpose flour, melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until smooth.
Assembly
- Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the bottom of the pie crust.
- Pour the pecan mixture over the cranberries and spread it out evenly.
Baking
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool slightly before slicing.
Serving
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping.
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