Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe

I absolutely love this Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe because it combines the perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet apples wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Whenever the fall season rolls around, this pie instantly brings cozy vibes to our kitchen, and I know you’ll find it just as comforting and festive.

What makes this pie really special is that double crust – it locks in all those juicy flavors and adds a lovely golden finish that’s both beautiful and delicious. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just a weekend treat, this Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe is a total crowd-pleaser that’s worth every minute in the kitchen.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe work together to deliver a filling that’s juicy, spiced just right, and fresh with a hint of citrus. Shopping for quality apples and fresh cranberries makes a big difference in the final flavor.

• Pie crust: Use your favorite all-butter crust or a refrigerated pack for convenience; flaky crust is key here.
• Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices because they hold their shape and bring natural sweetness and tartness.
• Orange juice: Adds a fresh citrus note and helps prevent the apples from browning.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling, balanced perfectly with the tart cranberries.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it’s not runny; essential for a perfect slice.
• Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth to the fruit flavors.
• Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle spiced kick without overpowering.
• Orange zest: Infuses bright, fragrant citrus flavor throughout the pie.
• Cranberries: Fresh or thawed frozen cranberries add a lovely tart contrast and festive color.

Variations

I love how versatile this Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe is — it’s easy to tweak depending on what’s in season or your personal taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to play around with the fillings or spices to make it your own family favorite.

• Add walnuts or pecans: I’ve tossed in chopped nuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor the first time I tried this variation, and it was a hit.
• Use different apples: Mixing tart Granny Smith with sweeter Fuji apples creates a nice depth of flavor and texture.
• Make it vegan: Swap egg wash for a plant-based milk glaze and use a vegan pie crust, and you’ll still get that gorgeous golden finish.
• Spice it up: Adding a teaspoon of ginger or cardamom can elevate the spiced note if you want something a little different.

How to Make Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Crusts

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F. Whether you’re rolling out homemade dough or using store-bought crusts, place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie plate leaving the edges hanging over. Roll out your second crust flat to use as the top layer and set it aside while you prep the filling — this makes assembly a breeze later on.

Step 2: Slice Your Apples Thinly

Peel, core, and slice your apples really thin — this helps them cook through evenly and meld beautifully with the cranberries. Toss the apple slices in a large bowl with a tablespoon of orange juice to keep them bright and fresh.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

Whisk together sugar, orange zest, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a small bowl — this spice-sugar mix is what turns plain fruit into pie magic. Add it to your apple slices along with the cranberries, then toss gently to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the piled-high filling into your prepared pie shell, then carefully place the second crust on top. Trim the edges and crimp to seal, then cut slits for steam to escape. For an extra golden touch, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar if you like a bit of sparkle.

Pop your pie onto a cookie sheet to catch any drips, cover the edges with a pie shield or foil strips, and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes. Lower the heat to 350°F and bake for 40-50 minutes more until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles up invitingly.

Let it cool completely before slicing — chilling the pie first makes cutting much cleaner. Serve it up with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for that perfect fall dessert experience.

How to Serve Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with this pie — a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream on the side or a dollop of freshly whipped cream is my go-to. Sometimes, sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon or a few extra orange zest shreds on top adds an elegant little touch that guests really notice.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs beautifully with a warm cup of spiced cider or a creamy latte. If you’re serving it at a family dinner, a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette balances the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays, I like to weave a lattice crust on top instead of a solid double crust — it’s pretty and lets the filling peek through. Another fun idea I tried was cutting mini hearts or leaves from the top crust dough and arranging them for a festive look — it always gets compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover pie covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap in the refrigerator; it keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I find that chilling it overnight really helps the flavors marry even more.

Freezing

This pie freezes wonderfully. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before popping it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and then warm it slightly in the oven to bring back the crisp crust.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I like to warm slices at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes–just enough to soften it up but keep the crust flaky. You can also microwave a slice for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry, but the oven is best for preserving texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I really hope you give this Apple Cranberry Pie with Double Crust Recipe a try — it’s one of those classic desserts that never goes out of style and always brings smiles. Every time I pop it in the oven, the smell fills the house with warmth and anticipation, and watching my family savor each bite reminds me why homemade pies are simply the best. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become a beloved tradition in your home too.

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