Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma of cinnamon and baked cranberries wafts through the air, instantly evoking memories of cozy family gatherings and holiday cheer. That’s the magic behind my Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie—a festive dessert perfect for celebrating the season. This easy-to-make pie features a tangy cranberry filling, crunchy pecans, and a light, flaky top that makes it utterly irresistible. Not only does it serve as an impressive centerpiece for any holiday table, but it also offers a gluten-free option to satisfy your dietary needs. Imagine the delight on your loved ones’ faces as you serve this warm dessert, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting gently on top. What flavor combinations do you think you might add to this classic recipe? What makes Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie special? Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is easy to follow, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs who want a quick yet delicious dessert. Bursting with Flavor: The tart cranberries combined with the crunch of pecans create an unforgettable taste experience, ideal for festive gatherings or cozy family nights. Gluten-Free Adaptable: With a simple swap of ingredients, you can make this pie gluten-free without compromising flavor. Versatile Enjoyment: Try it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a classic touch or serve it cold for a refreshing treat. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Everyone will love this pie, making it a guaranteed hit at your holiday gatherings. Elevate your festive gatherings with this delightful Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie that showcases the best of seasonal flavors! Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Ingredients For the Filling • Fresh or Frozen Cranberries – Provides tart flavor and juicy texture; frozen can be used directly without thawing. • Granulated Sugar – Sweetens the filling and balances the tartness. • Pecans or Almonds – Adds crunch and nutty flavor; can substitute with any nuts or omit if desired. For the Cake-like Layer • Unsalted Butter – Contributes to moisture and a rich flavor. • Eggs – Binds the ingredients and provides structure. • Almond or Vanilla Extract – Enhances flavor profile; use almond for a distinct taste or vanilla for a classic touch. • All-Purpose Flour – Helps form the cake-like top layer; can substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. • Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor. Whip up your very own Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie with these delightful ingredients that promise to bring joy to your holiday table! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and generously butter a 9-inch pie plate. Spread your cranberries evenly across the base, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans and granulated sugar. This initial layer will form the tart, juicy foundation and provides a delightful contrast to the sweet layer above. Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. This process creates a light and airy texture for the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, setting the stage for that heavenly cake-like top we all love. Step 3: Add Eggs and Extract Gradually add in your eggs, one at a time, along with your choice of almond or vanilla extract. Continue beating until the mixture becomes fluffy and well-combined, approximately 2-3 minutes. The eggs will help bind the ingredients together, ensuring a tender, flavorful top layer. Step 4: Incorporate Dry Ingredients Lower the mixer speed and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Your batter will be slightly sticky, which is perfect for spreading over the cranberry filling. Be careful not to overmix; this preserves the lightness of the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie. Step 5: Spread the Batter Using a spatula, gently spread the batter evenly over the cranberry-pecan mixture in the pie plate. Aim for a layer that fully covers the cranberries to lock in their tartness and moisture during baking. Smooth the surface to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation. Step 6: Bake the Pie Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. The top should be lightly golden, and the aroma of warm cranberries will fill your kitchen, signaling that your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is almost ready. Step 7: Cool and Serve Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps set the filling and makes it easier to slice. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra special touch. Expert Tips for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Fresh vs. Frozen: Use fresh cranberries for the best flavor, but don’t hesitate to use frozen if that’s all you have; no thawing needed! Check Doneness Early: Avoid overbaking by checking the pie a few minutes before the timer goes off; it should be moist, not dry. Toast Those Nuts: For a deeper nutty flavor, consider toasting the pecans beforehand, enhancing your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie’s taste. Storage Savvy: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months for later enjoyment. Serving Suggestion: For an indulgent touch, serve the pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, creating a delightful contrast of temperatures. Make Ahead Options Preparing your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie in advance is a time-saver for those busy holiday weeks! You can make the filling (cranberries, sugar, and nuts) up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake-like batter can also be prepared 24 hours in advance; just mix and refrigerate, allowing it to rest overnight to enhance the flavors. When you’re ready to bake, simply spread the chilled batter over the cranberry mixture, and pop it in the oven. This way, you’ll have a delicious pie that’s just as flavorful, maximizing your holiday relaxation time without sacrificing quality! What to Serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie This vibrant and festive pie pairs wonderfully with various delightful accompaniments to elevate your holiday meal. Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over the warm pie, creating a perfect balance of flavors. Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a luscious texture, making each slice of pie feel like a special treat. Cinnamon Spice Latte: Complement the tartness of the cranberry pie with a warm, spiced beverage that captures the essence of holiday flavors. Pecan Sandies: These nutty, buttery cookies echo the pie’s pecans and provide a satisfying crunch to the dessert experience. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a vibrant color and sweetness that contrasts with the pie’s tartness. Gingerbread Cookies: Infuse your gathering with holiday spirit by serving these spiced cookies alongside the pie for a truly festive touch. Delight your loved ones by creating a memorable dessert experience with these thoughtful pairings! How to Store and Freeze Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Room Temperature: Allow the pie to cool, then cover it loosely and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor! Fridge: Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 5 days. This will help maintain its moist filling and flaky top layer. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pie wrapped in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. Reheating: To warm your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, place slices in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Serve with ice cream for an extra treat! Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Variations Feel free to unleash your creativity and customize the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie to suit your taste buds! Nut-Free: Omit the pecans entirely for a nut-free version that everyone can enjoy. You’ll still have a deliciously tart and sweet pie! Fruit Fusion: Add sliced apples or pears along with the cranberries for a delightful twist; their sweetness beautifully complements the tartness. Spice it Up: Introduce a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for an aromatic kick that elevates the warm, cozy flavors of the pie. Dairy-Free: Swap out the unsalted butter for coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine to create a luscious, dairy-free version that everyone can savor. For added richness, consider adding a splash of coconut cream. Flavor Boost: Exchange vanilla extract for orange zest or almond extract to give a refreshing twist that perfectly complements the cranberries. Gluten-Free Twist: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend to cater to your gluten-sensitive friends without losing any of the delicious texture. Extra Crunch: Top the pie with a sprinkle of rolled oats or granola before baking, adding a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft filling. Hot & Spicy: For those who enjoy a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper or add finely chopped jalapeños to the cranberry mix. It’s a daring twist, but the results can be surprising and delightful! Whichever variation you choose, this Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can become a flavorful canvas for sharing your unique tastes and holiday memories! Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie Recipe FAQs What type of cranberries should I use? Absolutely! For the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, fresh cranberries yield the best flavor and texture. However, you can conveniently use frozen cranberries as well, and there’s no need to thaw them before baking. Just toss them straight into the pie! How should I store the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie? To enjoy your pie at its best, allow it to cool completely after baking, then cover it loosely and store it at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have leftovers, keep them covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This will help maintain that moist filling and delightful flaky top. Can I freeze the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie? Absolutely! This pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil, and pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (176°C) for about 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste. How can I avoid overbaking the pie? Very! To avoid overbaking the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, start checking for doneness a few minutes before the timer goes off—around the 40-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs. This ensures the pie remains moist and does not dry out. Is this pie suitable for people with nut allergies? Definitely! If you’re making the Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie for someone with nut allergies, you can easily omit the pecans or substitute them with sunflower seeds for a bit of crunch. Just be mindful of cross-contamination while preparing. Always check ingredient labels if you’re buying pre-packaged items. What variations can I try for this recipe? The more the merrier! You can experiment by swapping out the pecans for other nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts. Alternatively, try adding some diced apples or pears for a fruity twist to the classic cranberry flavor. Enjoy the process of making this pie your own! Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie: Your Festive Slice of Joy Experience the joy of the holiday season with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, a delightful dessert featuring tangy cranberries and a flaky top. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 50 minutes minsCooling Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins Servings: 8 slicesCourse: DessertCuisine: AmericanCalories: 300 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Filling4 cups Fresh or Frozen Cranberries Frozen can be used directly without thawing.1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens and balances tartness.1 cup Pecans or Almonds Adds crunch; can be substituted or omitted.For the Cake-like Layer1/2 cup Unsalted Butter Contributes moisture and rich flavor.2 large Eggs Binds the ingredients.1 teaspoon Almond or Vanilla Extract Enhances flavor profile.1 cup All-Purpose Flour Can substitute with gluten-free flour blend.1/4 teaspoon Salt Balances sweetness. Equipment 9-inch pie plateMixing bowlSpatula Method DirectionsPreheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and generously butter a 9-inch pie plate. Spread the cranberries evenly across the base, followed by a sprinkle of chopped pecans and granulated sugar.In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened unsalted butter and sugar until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.Gradually add in your eggs, one at a time, along with your choice of almond or vanilla extract.Lower the mixer speed and gradually mix in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined.Using a spatula, gently spread the batter evenly over the cranberry-pecan mixture.Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.Once baked, remove the pie and allow it to cool slightly for about 10-15 minutes. Nutrition Serving: 1sliceCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1mg NotesServe warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special touch. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the fridge for 5 days, or freeze for 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!