Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Name: Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh cranberries; Chopped pecans; Sugar; Softened butter; Almond extract or vanilla; Eggs; Flour; Salt

Published: December 5, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: This Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy holiday baking.
Flavorful Filling: The tartness of cranberries balanced with the sweetness of sugar creates a delicious explosion of flavors.
Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it at holiday dinners, potlucks, or as a cozy treat on chilly evenings.
Impressive Presentation: With its beautiful layers and crunchy topping, this pie is sure to wow your guests.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowls
Electric mixer
Measuring cups and spoons
Spatula
9-inch pie plate

Importance of Each Tool

Electric mixer: Saves time and effort when beating ingredients together for that perfect fluffy texture.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the batter evenly over the cranberries without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Cranberry Filling

Fresh cranberries
Chopped pecans
Sugar

For the Cake Layer

Softened butter
Sugar
Almond extract or vanilla
Eggs
Flour
Salt

How to Make Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 F (176 C). Butter a 9-inch pie plate. Next, place fresh cranberries in the pie plate and sprinkle them with chopped pecans and half a cup of sugar.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and one cup of sugar on medium speed until smooth.

Step 3: Mix in Additional Ingredients

Continue beating while adding almond extract or vanilla and eggs one at a time. Beat until fluffy. Reduce speed to low before gradually adding flour and salt, beating until well combined.

Step 4: Spread the Batter

The batter will be sticky. Use a spatula to transfer it over the cranberries in the pie plate, spreading it evenly across the top.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Don’t forget to serve your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie warm with a scoop of ice cream! It’s an unbeatable combination that enhances every bite.

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Serving Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is all about enhancing its delicious flavors. Here are some delightful ways to present this festive dessert that will impress your guests.

Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream

A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream adds a rich and smooth contrast to the tartness of the cranberry pie.

Top with Whipped Topping

Light and airy whipped topping provides a sweet finish, making each bite even more indulgent.

Add Fresh Berries

Garnishing with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the pie’s flavor profile.

Serve Warm with a Dusting of Powdered Sugar

A light dusting of powdered sugar on warm pie creates an elegant presentation and adds a touch of sweetness.

Accompany with Hot Tea or Coffee

Offering hot beverages like tea or coffee pairs wonderfully with the pie, enhancing the cozy holiday experience.

How to Perfect Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

To achieve the best results with your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, keep these tips in mind for perfecting your baking skills.

Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries provide the best flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are thawed and drained properly.
Balance the Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on your preference for tartness. Start with 1/2 cup, then taste before baking.
Monitor Baking Time: Every oven is different; start checking around 40 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Cool Before Serving: Let the pie cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This will help it set and make slicing easier.
Experiment with Extracts: Try using almond extract instead of vanilla for a unique twist on flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

When serving Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, consider these delightful side dishes to create a well-rounded meal.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts
A side of caramelized Brussels sprouts adds a savory contrast to the sweetness of the pie.
Green Bean Almondine
This dish features sautéed green beans topped with toasted almonds, adding crunch and freshness.
Sweet Potato Casserole
Creamy sweet potatoes topped with marshmallows provide a comforting and sweet side that complements dessert beautifully.
Herbed Mashed Potatoes
Creamy mashed potatoes seasoned with herbs offer a savory balance to the cranberry flavors in the pie.
Apple Salad
A crisp apple salad with nuts and cheese adds brightness and texture, cutting through the richness of the pie.
Stuffed Acorn Squash
Filled with quinoa, vegetables, and nuts, stuffed squash brings earthy flavors that pair well with desserts.
Cornbread Muffins
Lightly sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful texture contrast that guests will love alongside their slice of pie.
Pumpkin Soup
A warm bowl of spiced pumpkin soup serves as a cozy appetizer before enjoying this festive dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are common mistakes to watch for:

Using stale ingredients – Always check that your baking supplies, like flour and sugar, are fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Skipping the butter softening step – Softened butter is crucial for a light and fluffy batter. Take it out of the fridge ahead of time.
Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense pie. Beat just until combined for a lighter texture.
Not preheating the oven – A properly heated oven ensures even baking. Preheat at least 15 minutes before you start.
Neglecting to cool properly – Letting the pie cool slightly before serving helps set the filling and enhances flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Wrap slices of pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Oven – Preheat to 350 F (176 C) and warm pie covered with foil for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds at a time until warm.
Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid to warm through evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert featuring juicy cranberries topped with a crunchy pecan layer and a flaky cake-like topping.

How do I customize Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

You can add nuts like walnuts or almonds or mix in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well! Just ensure they are thawed and drained before using them in the pie.

What can I serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping, enhancing its delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences, making it a perfect addition to any dessert table. Try this delightful recipe today!

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