Thanksgiving Cranberry Apple Pie is a festive twist on the traditional apple pie. I remember my grandmother adding tart cranberries to her apple filling one year, and it instantly became a holiday favorite. The sweet apples and tangy cranberries baked together in a flaky golden crust created the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, tart, and spiced. It’s a colorful, vibrant pie that adds both taste and beauty to the Thanksgiving dessert table.
Groceries
Ingredients
1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 egg (for egg wash)
1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place one crust in a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a large bowl, combine apples, cranberries, sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Toss to coat evenly.
- Pour filling into the crust and dot with butter pieces.
- Cover with the second crust, seal edges, and cut small slits for steam. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Cool at least 2 hours before slicing.
Substitutions
Use pears instead of apples for a pear-cranberry variation.
Swap fresh cranberries with dried cranberries (reduce sugar slightly).
Add orange zest or juice for a citrusy twist.
Replace butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
Equipment
Mixing bowl
Peeler and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
9-inch pie dish
Oven
Storage
Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes or serve at room temperature.
Top Tips
Mix tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
Chill dough before rolling to keep crust flaky.
Brush crust with egg wash for a golden shine.
Cool pie completely so filling sets properly.
FAQs
Can I make cranberry apple pie ahead of time?
Yes, bake the day before and reheat gently before serving.
Do I need to cook cranberries first?
No, they soften naturally while baking.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, use straight from frozen—no need to thaw.
What toppings go best with this pie?
Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream complement the tart filling perfectly.