Cranberry Cherry Pie

Jewel-toned cranberries turn a classic cherry pie into everyone’s new favorite dessert, whether it’s served as a summer treat or a holiday stunner. The tart berries offset the super-sweet cherry pie filling, and while the baked cherries get super soft, cranberries retain the gentler bite, giving the pie an extra toothsome texture. Despite the sophisticated flavors, this cherry and cranberry pie could not get any easier. Pick up a premade pie crust, a jar of cherry pie filling and a bag of cranberries. In less than 30 minutes, the pie will be in the oven, filling your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of a five-star pie recipe.

Cranberry Cherry Pie Ingredients

• Sugar: Plain white granulated sugar sweetens and sets the fruit filling.
• Cornstarch: A bit of cornstarch goes a long way in thickening the pie filling so that it stays in the crust when it’s cut.
• Cherry pie filling: Premade cherry pie filling is totally ready to go—no rinsing, pitting or seasoning necessary.
• Cranberries: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries, as is the case for most cranberry desserts.
• Pastry for double-crust pie: Look for a 9-inch pie crust, typically sold in the freezer aisle of grocery stores.
• Milk: Brushing milk over the pie crust before baking encourages it to brown in the oven.

Directions

Step 1: Mix the filling

In a large bowl, combine the sugar and cornstarch. Stir in the pie filling and cranberries.

Step 2: Prepare the crust

Line a 9-inch pie plate with the bottom pastry. Trim it to 1 inch beyond the edge of the plate. Pour the filling into the crust.

Step 3: Finish with a top crust

Roll out the remaining pastry to fit the top of the pie. Cut slits in the pastry or cut out stars with a star-shaped cookie cutter. Place the pastry over the filling; trim, seal and flute the edge. Arrange star cutouts on the pastry. Brush the crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.

Editor’s Tip: Cutting the top crust isn’t just for decoration. You want to leave some of the filling uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate, ensuring that the fruit thickens and caramelizes, and the bottom crust doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Bake the pie

Cover the edge loosely with foil. Bake at 375°F for 55 to 60 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Cool the pie on a wire rack.

Cranberry Cherry Pie Variations

• Use homemade pie dough: It’s easy to make pie pastry from scratch, and you can even make it gluten-free.
• Decorate: This juicy pie would be pretty with a latticed top or other decorative crusts.
• Add flavorings: While the plain fruits are quite tasty on their own, you can tinker with seasonings. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of almond or vanilla extracts, or add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the fruit mixture.

How to Store Cranberry Cherry Pie

You can keep cranberry cherry pie in the refrigerator or at room temperature. Leave the pie on the counter if you plan to eat it in a day or two. If you expect to take a few days to finish the pie, keeping it in the refrigerator is best. Either way, wrap the pie tightly in storage wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

How long does cranberry cherry pie last?

The pie will keep for up to two days at room temperature and one week in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze cranberry cherry pie?

This cherry cranberry pie recipe freezes very well. You can freeze pie baked or unbaked. To freeze an unbaked pie, simply assemble the pie through Step 3. Wrap it tightly in two layers (such as storage wrap and aluminum foil), then freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake the pie, place it straight into the oven. (Make sure the pan is metal, as glass or ceramic may crack if exposed to such a quick change in temperature.) Expect to add about 40 minutes to the original baking time. Cover the crust with a piece of foil if it is browning quickly.

You can also freeze a baked pie. Give it time to cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. You can reheat the entire pie in the oven, heat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy the pie cool or at room temperature.

Cranberry Cherry Pie Tips

How do you make homemade cherry pie filling?

You can absolutely use homemade cherry pie filling. The recipe is pretty simple, but you’ll need to pit cherries—a process best enjoyed on the deck or at the kitchen table with company or a good song on the radio! You’ll briefly cook the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon and some water to create a thick, syrupy mixture studded with tender red berries. Homemade pie filling is slightly more flavorful than store-bought filling, and gives you control over the sweetness and ingredients list.

What should you serve with cranberry cherry pie?

We like to serve cranberry cherry pie with a dollop of whipped cream on top. It’s also delicious with ice cream: vanilla, naturally, but also butter pecan, chocolate or pistachio.