Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie

why make this recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful dessert that combines creamy filling with tart cranberries and a crunchy streusel topping. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to treat yourself. This pie not only tastes amazing but also looks beautiful, making it a great centerpiece for any table. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to use cranberries, whether they’re fresh or frozen.

how to make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour (for crust)
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt (for crust)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, very cold, cubed (for crust)
• 1/4 cup Ice Water (for crust)
• 8 ounces Cream Cheese, softened (for filling)
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar (for filling)
• 1 large Egg Yolk (for filling)
• 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract (for filling)
• 12 ounces Fresh or Frozen Cranberries (for cranberry layer)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (for cranberry layer)
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice or Water (for cranberry layer)
• 1 teaspoon Orange Zest (optional, for cranberry layer)
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (optional, for cranberry layer)
• 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup Packed Light Brown Sugar (for streusel)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (for streusel)
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt (for streusel)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, very cold, cubed (for streusel)

Directions:

1. Whisk together 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. Add 1/4 cup ice water and mix until the dough forms a shaggy ball. Gather the dough into a disk, wrap it, and chill for at least 30 minutes. Roll the dough into a 12-inch circle, transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate, trim the edges, and crimp them.
2. Preheat the oven to 375F (190C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights. Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Remove the weights, prick the crust with a fork, and bake for an additional 5-8 minutes until golden. Let the crust cool completely.
3. Beat 8 ounces of softened cream cheese until smooth. Add 1/2 cup granulated sugar and beat well. Mix in 1 large egg yolk and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract until just combined. Set the mixture aside.
4. In a saucepan, combine 12 ounces of cranberries, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup orange juice (or water), 1 teaspoon orange zest (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 8-12 minutes until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove it from heat and let it cool to room temperature.
5. For the streusel, whisk together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cut in 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter until you have coarse crumbs with small pea-sized clumps. Chill if necessary.
6. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C). Pour the cream cheese filling into the cooled crust, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cooled cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer. Generously sprinkle the streusel over the cranberry layer. Bake for 45-55 minutes until the streusel is golden brown and the filling is set.
7. Cool the pie completely on a wire rack for 2-3 hours. For the best slicing, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight, covered. Slice and serve chilled. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

how to serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie

It’s best to serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie chilled. You can slice it into wedges and place them on dessert plates. A dollop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side adds extra goodness.

how to store Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie

To store leftovers, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer time, consider freezing individual slices. Just wrap them tightly before freezing.

tips to make Cranberry Cream Cheese Pie

1. Make sure your butter is very cold when making the crust and streusel for a flaky texture.
2. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing, as this helps set the filling and makes cutting easier.
3. If you prefer a sweeter pie, adjust the sugar in the cranberry layer to taste.

variation (if any)

You can add a bit of extra flavor by mixing in some chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, into the streusel topping. Additionally, you can swap out the cranberries for other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, keeping the flavors fresh and exciting.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cranberries?
   Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before using them.

2. How long does it take to prepare this pie?
   It takes about 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and make the pie, followed by baking and cooling time.

3. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can make it a day or two in advance. Just store it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.