Why Make This Recipe

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly captures the flavors of the holiday season. With its creamy filling, tart cranberry sauce, and crumbly topping, this pie brings warmth and joy to any gathering. It’s an easy dessert to make, and it’s sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful presentation and delicious taste.

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Making this pie is a simple process that involves preparing the filling, assembling the pie, and baking it to perfection. The combination of sweetened condensed milk and cream cheese makes for a rich and creamy filling, balanced by the tartness of the cranberry sauce.

Ingredients:

2 9-inch Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade)
8 oz Cream Cheese (softened)
14 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (regular or fat-free)
2 Tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh)
1 Tbsp Orange Zest (or lemon zest)
16 oz Cranberry Sauce (canned or homemade)
2 Tbsp Cornstarch
1 cup Brown Sugar (or white sugar)
1 tsp Cinnamon (optional)
1 cup Pecans (chopped)
1/2 cup Butter (unsalted)

Directions:

Pie Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
Add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and orange zest. Mix until well combined.
In another bowl, mix the cranberry sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon (if using) until everything is combined.
Spread the cream cheese mixture into the bottom of the pie crust.
Layer the cranberry mixture on top of the cream cheese layer.
In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pecans and melted butter, then sprinkle over the cranberry layer.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, until it’s bubbly and golden on top.
Allow the pie to cool before serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature. It’s great on its own, but it can also be paired with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Slice it into wedges and serve it on dessert plates for a beautiful presentation.

How to Store Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the pie for longer storage, just wrap it tightly and it will keep for up to 3 months.

Tips to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to make mixing easy.
Feel free to experiment with different types of nuts for the topping, like walnuts or almonds.
If you like a sweeter pie, add a bit more sugar to the cranberry layer.

Variation

For a twist, you can add a layer of chocolate chips in between the cream cheese layer and the cranberry layer for an added flavor surprise.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cranberry sauce?
Yes, homemade cranberry sauce works great. Just make sure it’s not too watery.

2. How can I tell when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cream cheese works best, you can experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different taste and texture.