Discover the unique charm of Nantucket Cranberry Pie, a delightful dessert that blurs the line between a rich cake and a fruit-filled pie. This easy recipe promises a comforting, sweet, and tart experience with minimal effort.
Often considered a classic New England dessert, the exact origins of Nantucket Cranberry Pie are debated, but its popularity remains strong, especially in regions known for cranberry cultivation. Learn more about the history of Nantucket Cranberry Pie.
Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or just a cozy weekend treat, this Nantucket Cranberry Pie brings warmth and flavor to any table. Get ready to bake a new family favorite!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Nantucket Cranberry Pie
This delightful dessert is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
- Effortless One-Pan Dessert: Everything comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze and baking simple for beginners.
- Perfect Balance of Sweet and Tart: The juicy cranberries offer a vibrant tang that beautifully cuts through the sweet, tender batter.
- Crunchy Pecans, Juicy Cranberries, Tender Crumb: Each bite delivers a fantastic combination of textures and irresistible flavors.
- Ideal for Holiday Gatherings: Its festive appearance and robust flavor make this cranberry pie a wonderful addition to any seasonal celebration.
- Unique Twist on Classic Cranberry Desserts: Move beyond simple sauces and crumbles with this sophisticated yet easy-to-make treat.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect Nantucket Cranberry Pie. Fresh, high-quality components ensure the best flavor and texture.
- 2 cups (heaping) cranberries, fresh or frozen
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- 1 ⅔ cups plus 1 tbsp granulated sugar, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 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
Achieve the best results for your easy cranberry pie with these helpful tips and alternatives.
- Cranberries: Fresh cranberries offer the best “pop” and vibrant flavor. If using frozen, do not thaw them; simply add them straight to the pan.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or sliced almonds make excellent substitutions for pecans, adding a different delightful crunch.
- Butter: Always use unsalted butter to control the overall saltiness of your dessert. Make sure it’s fully melted but not hot when adding to the batter.
- Extract: If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract works well as an alternative, though the almond note is traditional.
- Sugar: If your cranberries are exceptionally tart, you can add an extra tablespoon or two of sugar to the batter, adjusting to your taste.
Equipment
Baking this delicious Nantucket Cranberry Pie requires only a few basic kitchen tools. You likely have most of these on hand already.
- 9-inch round cake pan or pie pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions For The Best Nantucket Cranberry Pie
Follow these easy steps to bake your incredibly satisfying Nantucket Cranberry Pie. This method ensures a beautiful layering of fruit and a perfectly tender crumb.
- Prep Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 9-inch round cake pan or pie pan. A well-greased pan ensures your delightful cranberry pie won’t stick.
- Layer the Fruit: Add the cranberries directly to the bottom of the prepared pan, spreading them into an even layer. Sprinkle the chopped pecans evenly over the cranberries. Then, sprinkle ⅔ cup of the granulated sugar over the nuts and cranberries.
- Prepare Batter: In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1 cup of granulated sugar, melted butter, lightly beaten eggs, pure almond extract, and salt. Stir gently with a whisk or spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; a few small lumps are fine.
- Pour Batter: Carefully pour the prepared batter over the top of the cranberries and pecans in the pan. Distribute the batter in large ribbons to evenly cover the fruit layer. If needed, gently spread the batter with the back of a spoon to ensure full coverage.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be golden brown, and a wooden skewer inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Add Final Crunch: About 5 minutes before the baking time is complete, carefully remove the pan from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar evenly over the surface of the pie. Return it to the oven to finish baking. This creates a lovely, crisp top layer on your delicious Nantucket Cranberry Pie.
- Serve: Let the pie cool slightly on a wire rack for about 15-20 minutes before cutting into wedges. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your Nantucket Cranberry Pie turns out perfectly every time with these expert tips.
- Prevent Sticking: Always grease your pan very thoroughly with butter. This ensures a clean release and a beautiful presentation.
- Perfect Texture: For the best texture and visual appeal, use fresh cranberries when they are in season. They hold their shape wonderfully during baking.
- Even Baking: Avoid overmixing the batter. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher, less tender crumb.
- Doneness Test: The pie is ready when the top is golden brown, the center is firm to the touch, and a toothpick inserted into the cake part comes out clean.
- Crispy Top: Don’t skip the final sprinkle of sugar. It melts into a slightly caramelized crust, adding a delightful crunch and extra sweetness.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Enjoy your homemade Nantucket Cranberry Pie in many ways, store it effectively, and even try exciting flavor twists. This versatile dessert is perfect for any occasion.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this pie warm with a generous scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a cloud of freshly whipped cream. It’s also delicious plain, with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Storage: Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: You can bake this cranberry pie ahead of time, cool it completely, and then cover. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or a warm oven for a fresh-baked taste.
- Flavor Variations: Enhance the flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the batter for a citrusy brightness. A pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg also complements the cranberries beautifully.
- Topping Ideas: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over each slice, or garnish with a few sugared cranberries for an elegant touch.
Nutrition
This Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a delightful treat.
For more detailed information on the health benefits of its key ingredients, you can explore resources from institutions like Harvard, which offer insights into cranberry nutrition.
Here’s 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 |
| Carbohydrates | 46 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 36 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredients and serving size. Actual values may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nantucket Cranberry Pie a pie or a cake?
It’s wonderfully both! It has the rich, fruity filling of a pie baked within a tender, cake-like batter, offering the best of both worlds.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, absolutely! There’s no need to thaw frozen cranberries; just add them directly to the pan as instructed in the recipe.
How do I prevent cranberries from sinking?
For this specific recipe, the cranberries are purposefully placed at the bottom, creating a beautiful fruit layer. No need to toss them with flour here!
Conclusion
This Nantucket Cranberry Pie truly offers a unique dessert experience, blending the comforting richness of a cake with the vibrant fruitiness of a pie. Its ease of preparation makes it accessible for any home baker, while its stunning flavor profile ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re planning for a festive holiday meal or simply craving a special treat, this recipe delivers warmth, sweetness, and a delightful tart tang. Give this wonderful dessert a try and enjoy every memorable bite!
Nantucket Cranberry Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9-inch round cake or pie pan.
- Add cranberries to the bottom of the greased pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top, followed by ⅔ cup of the granulated sugar.
- In a large bowl, mix flour, 1 cup sugar, melted butter, beaten eggs, almond extract, and salt until just combined.
- Pour batter over cranberry-nut mixture in the pan. Spread gently to cover evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until top is golden and a skewer comes out clean.
- Five minutes before finished, sprinkle remaining 1 tbsp sugar over top and return to oven.
- Cool on a wire rack for 15–20 minutes. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Nutrition
Notes
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before baking.
- Walnuts or sliced almonds can replace pecans.
- Almond extract may be swapped with vanilla if needed.
