Welcome to Sweet Emily, where we make baking simple for everyone! Get ready to discover the magic of Nantucket Cranberry Pie. This unique dessert perfectly blends a cake-like texture with the inviting appeal of a classic pie. You’ll love its delightful balance of sweet batter and tart cranberries. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect, festive treat for any occasion. Prepare to settle the “pie vs. cake” debate in the most delicious way possible!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe
This recipe is a true gem, especially for busy parents and beginners in the kitchen. Here’s why you’ll adore making this delightful cranberry pie:
- Incredibly Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip up this stunning dessert with minimal fuss.
- Perfect Sweet-Tart Balance: The vibrant tartness of fresh cranberries beautifully cuts through the sweet, buttery cake, creating an unforgettable flavor profile.
- Comforting & Nutty Flavor: Melted butter, a touch of almond extract, and toasted pecans create a rich, comforting taste that feels wonderfully homemade.
- Ideal for Holidays & Gatherings: Its beautiful presentation and festive flavors make it a showstopper for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special family meal.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream; it’s delicious either way.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your irresistible Nantucket Cranberry Pie. This recipe uses fresh, wholesome components for the best flavor.
- 2 c. (heaping) fresh cranberries
- ¾ c. pecans, chopped
- 1 ⅔ c. plus 1 tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- ½ c. unsalted butter, melted, plus more for greasing
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. pure almond extract
- ¼ tsp. salt
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, to serve
Notes & Substitutions
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries are best, but you can use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer. Do not thaw them first.
- Pecans: Walnuts or slivered almonds make excellent substitutes if pecans are not available or preferred.
- Butter: Salted butter can be used; simply reduce the added salt in the recipe to ⅛ teaspoon. For a plant-based option, use a vegan butter substitute.
- Almond Extract: If you don’t have almond extract, use an extra ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract or a teaspoon of fresh orange zest for a citrusy lift.
- Flour: To make this a gluten-free cranberry pie, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend that contains xanthan gum.
Equipment
You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this simple recipe. These basic kitchen tools are all you’ll need:
- A 9-inch cake or pie pan
- Two medium mixing bowls
- A whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- An oven
Instructions
Creating this easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a breeze. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect dessert every time.
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch cake or pie pan, ensuring good coverage to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Base: Spread the cranberries evenly across the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Add Nuts and Sugar: Sprinkle the chopped pecans over the cranberries. Then, evenly sprinkle ⅔ cup of the granulated sugar over the fruit and nuts.
- Prepare the Batter: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, melted unsalted butter, lightly beaten eggs, pure almond extract, and salt.
- Mix the Batter: Gently stir the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to a tough texture. A few streaks of flour are fine.
To understand why overmixing can negatively impact the texture of your baked goods, explore the science of gluten development in baking.
- Pour Batter: Slowly and carefully pour the batter over the cranberries and pecans in large ribbons. Gently spread the batter with your spatula to evenly cover the entire surface of the fruit and nuts.
- Bake the Pie: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The top should be golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the cake part should come out mostly clean.
- Final Sugar Sprinkle: About 5 minutes before the baking time ends, remove the pie from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the surface with the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. This creates a lovely sparkling, crunchy top crust.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked pie from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes. Slice into wedges and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Enjoy your homemade Nantucket Cranberry Pie!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the best results with these simple tips for your cranberry dessert:
- Butter the Pan Well: Generously buttering your pan is crucial to prevent the pie from sticking, ensuring easy removal and clean slices.
- Even Distribution: Make sure cranberries and pecans are spread evenly at the bottom for balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the batter gently until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a dense or tough pie.
- Golden-Brown Top: The pie is done when the top is a beautiful golden brown and bounces back lightly when touched. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
- Adjust Sweetness: If your cranberries are exceptionally tart, you can add an extra 1-2 tablespoons of sugar to the fruit layer before adding the batter.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This versatile cranberry cake-pie hybrid offers many ways to enjoy it.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this delightful Nantucket cranberry pie warm, fresh from the oven, with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luxurious touch and balances the tartness beautifully.
- For an elegant presentation, dust the cooled pie with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar just before serving.
- Enjoy a slice for breakfast the next morning with a cup of coffee or tea – it’s wonderful both warm and at room temperature!
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: For longer freshness, refrigerate the pie in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the entire cooled pie or individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor Variations
- Citrus Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh orange or lemon zest to the batter for a bright, aromatic twist.
- Warm Spices: Incorporate ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg into the dry ingredients for a cozy, spiced flavor.
- Other Nuts: Feel free to experiment with other chopped nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds instead of pecans for different textures.
- Dried Fruits: Mix in a small amount (¼ cup) of dried cranberries or chopped dried cherries with the fresh cranberries for added chewiness and depth.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying a slice of this Nantucket cranberry pie is a delightful treat. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 341 Calories |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Saturated Fat | 7 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 56 mg |
| Sodium | 73 mg |
| Carbohydrate | 46 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Please Note: This nutrition information is an estimate based on the ingredients and preparation method. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient quantities, and serving sizes.
For a deeper dive into the health benefits of ingredients like cranberries and nuts, consult the USDA’s FoodData Central database.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nantucket Cranberry Pie a pie or a cake?
It’s wonderfully both! It has a tender, cake-like batter poured over a fruity pie-like base, creating a unique and delicious hybrid.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use frozen cranberries directly from the freezer without thawing them first for best results.
How do I prevent it from being too tart?
Ensure you use the full amount of sugar specified. You can also slightly increase the sugar by 1-2 tablespoons if your cranberries are particularly tart.
Conclusion
We hope you’re excited to bake this incredible Nantucket Cranberry Pie! It truly embodies the spirit of easy, delicious baking, perfectly blending the comforting texture of cake with the bright, tart burst of cranberries. This simple yet elegant dessert is a fantastic addition to any holiday table or a delightful treat for a cozy evening. µ
Give this unique recipe a try, and make some sweet memories in your kitchen! Happy baking from Sweet Emily!
Nantucket Cranberry Pie: An Easy & Delicious Holiday Dessert
Equipment
- oven
- Cake pan or pie pan
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
Pie Ingredients
- 2 c. cranberries heaping
- 3/4 c. pecans chopped (measure, then chop)
- 1 2/3 c. plus 1 tbsp. granulated sugar divided
- 1 c. all-purpose flour
- 1/2 c. unsalted butter melted, plus more for greasing
- 2 eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tsp. pure almond extract
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to serve
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Butter a baking pan, then add cranberries, chopped pecans, and 2/3 cup of sugar to the bottom.
- In a bowl, combine flour, 1 cup sugar, melted butter, eggs, almond extract, and salt; stir gently.
- Pour the batter slowly and evenly over the cranberry and pecan mixture in the pan, spreading gently if needed.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, sprinkling with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar five minutes before it finishes baking for extra crunch.
- Cut the pie into wedges and serve warm with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream.