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Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Name: Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, cubed and very cold; ¼ cup ice water; 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup chopped pecans or sliced almonds; ½ cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ⅛ teaspoon salt

If you’re seeking a dessert that captures the spirit of a festive gathering, the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is the sweet solution you’ve been craving. This delightful pie combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with a buttery crust and a rich, creamy topping that will make your taste buds dance. Bring a slice of this seasonal indulgence to your table and watch it vanish as loved ones savor each bite.

Why Make This Recipe

Balanced Flavor Profile: The gentle tartness of cranberries perfectly harmonizes with the sweetness of the sugar and the creaminess of the topping.
Perfect for Gatherings: This pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s an event. It’s designed to impress, making it ideal for holiday dinners and family gatherings.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and commonly found ingredients, making this pie at home will leave you with great memories and a full heart.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of baking? Making this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delightful experience, transforming your kitchen into a whimsical wonderland of aromas and flavors. Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together.

Prepare the Pie Crust

To create that perfect flaky crust which serves as the foundation of your pie, start by gathering your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon of salt. The salt beautifully enhances the sweetness of the filling, creating a well-rounded taste.

Now, add ½ cup of very cold, cubed unsalted butter to your flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or even your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture takes on a coarse texture with pea-sized crumbs. This step is crucial as it ensures a tender crust.

Next, gradually add ¼ cup of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, gently mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork it. Form the mixture into a disc, wrap it in plastic, and allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. This will help solidify the butter, resulting in a flaky crust.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out your chilled dough into a 12-inch circle. Transferring it to your 9-inch pie plate can be tricky. Consider using the rolling pin technique, where you roll the dough around the pin and gently unroll it onto the plate. Press the dough into the bottom and sides of the plate, trim the edges to leave a ½-inch overhang, and crimp decoratively. Chill again for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Cranberry Base

While your crust is chilling, it’s time to make the tangy cranberry filling that will steal the show. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of fresh or frozen cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans or sliced almonds, and ½ cup of granulated sugar. Toss the mixture well to ensure that each berry is coated with sugar. This mixture not only highlights the cranberries’ natural tartness but also adds a nutty crunch to the final pie.

Prepare the Topping Mixture

Now, let’s work on that delicious topping that gives the pie its rich texture. In a separate medium mixing bowl, cream together ¾ cup of softened unsalted butter with 1 cup of granulated sugar until the mixture appears light and fluffy. This will take a few minutes but adds a wonderful creaminess to your pie.

Next, beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This step is vital for achieving a uniform texture. Once the eggs are mixed in, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, and an ⅛ teaspoon of salt until just combined, being careful not to overmix. You want to retain some volume for a lovely topping.

Assemble the Pie

With all components ready, it’s time to bring them together. Retrieve your chilled pie crust from the refrigerator and pour the cranberry base mixture evenly into the prepared shell. It’s a rainbow of colors and textures that makes the base so appealing.

Carefully spoon and spread the topping mixture over the cranberry filling. Aim for an even layer to ensure every slice boasts that delicious topping.

Bake the Pie

Now comes the moment of truth. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your pie plate on a baking sheet to catch any drips and gently transfer it to the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. The pie is ready when the crust turns golden brown, the topping is set and lightly golden, with bubbles forming around the edges of the cranberry filling. If the edges of your crust start browning too rapidly, shield them with a foil ring to prevent burning.

Cool and Serve

After your pie has baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Be patient as it cools; allowing it to rest for at least 3-4 hours is essential for the filling to set properly. This step enables you to cut clean, beautiful slices when serving.

Once cooled, slice the pie into wedges and serve. The Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is fantastic at room temperature but will be even more delightful with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream.

Storage Tips for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

To keep your festive creation fresh and enjoyable, consider these storage recommendations:

Refrigerate for 3-4 days at 40°F. The pie can be stored loosely covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
If you want to preserve the pie for longer, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or freezer wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container.
To thaw, leave it in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying your delightful dessert again.

Best Ways to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

When it comes to serving your pie, there are various routes you can take to elevate the experience:

Classic Pairing: Serve slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream. The creaminess beautifully complements the tartness of the cranberries.
Festive Touch: Drizzle some homemade caramel sauce over the top for a decadent touch or sprinkle with powdered sugar for a touch of elegance.
Breakfast Option: Leftover slices can be enjoyed as a breakfast treat. Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy morning.
Gourmet Serving: Decorate individual slices with fresh mint leaves or a few whole cranberries for a gourmet finish when hosting a holiday gathering.

Tips to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Here are a few quick pointers to ensure your pie turns out perfectly:

Use cold butter for the crust to achieve maximum flakiness.
Be gentle while mixing the topping to prevent overmixing, which can make it dense.
For an added twist, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cranberry filling for a spiced flair.

Variations or Substitutions

If you’re looking to switch things up, here are a couple of variations you might enjoy:

Nut-Free Version: If you are looking to create a nut-free option, simply omit the pecans or almonds, or swap them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for added crunch.
Fruit Blend: Feel free to add in other fruits like blueberries or diced apples to the cranberry filling. This addition will impart a delightful sweetness and create a more complex flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can make the pie a day in advance. Just ensure to refrigerate it to maintain its freshness.

Q: Can I use frozen cranberries?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly in this recipe! There’s no need to thaw them before using.

Q: How do I make it sweeter?
A: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can increase the amount of sugar in both the cranberry base and the topping mixture. Just start with a quarter cup more, then taste and adjust according to your preference.

Q: What if I don’t have unsalted butter?

Use salted butter instead. Just lower the additional salt added in the crust and topping mixture.

Final Thoughts

The Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is so much more than a dessert. It is a celebration of flavors, memories, and moments spent with loved ones. The balance of tart cranberries with the sweet, fluffy topping creates a slice of joy that everyone will love. Why not make this pie a tradition? With its simple but vivid flavors, your holiday season will never be the same. Happy baking!