If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s both cozy and bursting with festive flavor, this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe will steal your heart. Combining a smooth, rich custard with a tangy, vibrant cranberry sauce nestled in a flaky pie crust, it’s the perfect treat to brighten any gathering or quiet night in. The marriage of creamy textures and bright fruit notes creates a pie that feels both classic and refreshingly unique. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple for your seasonal celebrations and beyond.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a slice of tart on a white ceramic plate with a wavy edge. The tart has three layers: a golden brown crispy crust on the bottom and edges, a thick creamy beige filling in the middle, and a smooth deep red fruit layer on top. The red layer is dusted with fine white powdered sugar. The tart slice is decorated with sugared cranberries, small green mint leaves, and a few orange zest pieces scattered on the top. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this pie. Each one plays an essential role — from the rich dairy bringing creaminess to the tart cranberries adding freshness and color.

Refrigerated pie crust: A flaky and buttery base that holds the custard and cranberry sauce beautifully.
4 large eggs: These provide structure and richness to the custard filling.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens both the custard and the cranberry sauce for balanced flavor.
1 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds luscious creaminess that’s essential for that smooth custard texture.
1 1/4 cup whole milk: Helps create a custard that’s rich but still silky and tender.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to the custard.
1 teaspoon almond extract: A subtle nutty note that makes the custard uniquely comforting.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of spice that complements the custard perfectly.
1 (12-ounce bag) cranberries, rinsed: The star fruit for the bright, tangy cranberry sauce topping.
2/3 cup orange juice: Lends a lovely citrus brightness to the cranberry sauce.
1/3 cup water: Helps the cranberries simmer to the perfect jam-like consistency.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Adds cozy spice to the cranberry sauce, pairing beautifully with nutmeg in the custard.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for sauce): Mirrors the custard’s warm notes for flavor harmony.
Orange zest from 1 orange: Adds fragrance and a fresh burst to the crystallized cranberry topping.
Optional sanding sugar: For sprinkling on top, creating a glittery, sweet finish.
Optional garnishes (cranberries, mint leaves, orange zest): These add visual appeal and extra flavor contrast.

How to Make Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Crust

The crust is the foundation of this pie’s magic, so starting with a crisp, golden base is essential. Preheat your oven to 400°F and gently press the refrigerated crust into a 9-inch pie plate, crimping the edges for that classic look. Adding pie weights keeps the crust from puffing up while it bakes. Bake it initially for 10 minutes, remove the weights, then bake another 5 minutes until you see the crust dry and lightly browned. Let it cool completely to prevent sogginess when the custard is added.

Step 2: Make the Custard Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until you have a smooth, light mixture — this ensures the custard will be creamy and well-set. Stir in the heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla, almond extract, and sea salt until everything is perfectly combined. The almond extract is a secret weapon here, adding a gentle nutty sweetness that elevates the whole pie.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Carefully pour the custard mixture into the cooled crust, stopping before it reaches the rim to prevent overflow. Sprinkle the top with ground nutmeg to add that lovely hint of spice. To prevent the custard from browning too quickly, tent the pie loosely with foil and bake for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean but the custard still jiggles slightly — perfect custard texture is delicate and tender.

Step 4: Prepare the Cranberry Sauce

While the pie cools, you can whip up the cranberry sauce that will crown the creamy custard. Combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, water, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, smashing the berries to release their juice. Keep simmering until the mixture thickens to a luscious sauce. Stir in vanilla extract and orange zest for complexity and brightness. This sauce is a wonderful balance to the smooth custard and adds that signature tangy punch.

Step 5: Cool, Top, and Chill

Allow the pie to cool completely on the counter for about an hour before spooning the warm cranberry sauce generously over the custard. If you like a bit of sparkle, sprinkle sanding sugar on top as a finishing touch. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours to let everything set and the flavors marry beautifully. Before serving, decorate with fresh cranberries, mint leaves, or extra orange zest to make the presentation pop.

How to Serve Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe

A flat overhead view showing various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. Near the top center is a white bowl full of bright red fresh cranberries. To its left, a white bowl holds granulated white sugar, and below that is a small jug filled with white heavy cream. Below the heavy cream is a small jug containing whole milk, and next to it is an orange placed to the bottom left. To the right of the orange is a white egg carton holding four white eggs. Above the eggs is a small white bowl of water. Above the water, a long white dish holds three spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in three separate small piles. To the left of that dish, there are two very small white bowls with clear vanilla and almond extract side by side. Toward the top right side is a rolled pie crust wrapped in clear plastic, lying horizontally. In the center below the small bowls is a container of white sanding sugar. The entire image is bright and clear, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can transform your pie from delightful to unforgettable. Fresh cranberries or sugared cranberries lend a festive sparkle and a burst of tartness. A few mint leaves add a refreshing contrast and lovely green color. Orange zest sprinkled on top provides a hint of citrus aroma that wakes up the senses before even taking a bite.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic autumn and winter accompaniments. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream complements the smooth custard and cranberry topping beautifully. For warm and cozy pairings, consider a cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or rich coffee to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative by serving individual slices with a drizzle of extra cranberry sauce or a sprinkle of toasted almonds to add a delightful crunch. You can also serve mini versions of this pie in tartlet pans for a charming holiday buffet or gift-giving. Another fun idea is to layer the custard and cranberry sauce in clear glass jars for a whimsical parfait-style dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the custard’s smooth texture and the freshness of the cranberry sauce. Make sure to cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to avoid drying out or absorbing fridge odors.

Freezing

This pie can be frozen, but for best results, freeze before adding the cranberry sauce. Wrap the baked and cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will keep for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add freshly made cranberry sauce just before presenting.

Reheating

If you want to enjoy the pie warm, gently reheat slices in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes to preserve the custard’s delicate texture. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can cause the custard to become rubbery. Add the cranberry sauce after warming for the freshest taste.

FAQs

Can I make the cranberry sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cranberry sauce can be made several days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors develop even more. Just reheat it gently before spooning over the pie, or serve at room temperature.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract on hand, you can simply omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract. The pie will still be delicious, though that subtle nutty note will be missing.

Can I use a homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?

Definitely! If you’ve got a favorite homemade pie crust recipe, go for it. Just make sure it’s properly chilled and baked with weights as directed, so it stays flaky and crisp under the custard filling.

How do I know when the custard pie is done baking?

The best test is to insert a knife or thin skewer into the center. It should come out mostly clean with a little moist custard clinging to it, and the pie should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake it. This indicates a perfectly set but tender custard.

Can this Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe be made ahead for holiday dinners?

Yes! In fact, this pie is fantastic made ahead. Prepare the pie and cranberry sauce the day before your event, refrigerate overnight, and garnish fresh before serving. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy a stunning dessert.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Cranberry Custard Pie Recipe that makes it stand out from the usual desserts. It’s elegant yet approachable, rich yet bright, and full of comforting holiday spirit. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see just how easily it wins over everyone’s hearts at your table. From the first creamy bite to the last tangy burst of cranberry, this pie is a delicious celebration waiting to happen in your kitchen.