Name: Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 5 cups (about 15 oz) fresh cranberries; 1/4 cup orange juice; 1 1/2 tbsp orange zest; 1 cup sugar; 3 tbsp all purpose flour; 3 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tsp cinnamon; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed; 2 pie crusts, store bought or homemade; 1 egg (for egg wash); Optional: coarse sugar to garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 50 reviews

If you’re looking for a dessert that bursts with festive flavor and bright color, this Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe is an absolute showstopper. The zing of fresh cranberries combined with the sweet, aromatic touch of orange zest creates a filling that’s both tart and inviting. Wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust, this pie is perfect for holidays or any time you want to impress your friends and family with something uniquely delicious. Trust me, once you try this Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe, it will quickly become a favorite in your baking rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two scenes of making a berry pie. On the left, a clear glass bowl filled with red berries mixed with sugar and dark juice is on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth underneath. A woman's hand holds the bowl while the other woman’s hand stirs the mixture with a black spoon. Around the bowl, there are small white bowls with cranberries and brown sugar, and a wooden citrus juicer with half an orange nearby. On the right, a white pie plate sits on the same white cloth and surface, filled with a layer of red berries. Small cubes of light butter are spread evenly on top. A woman's hand is placing a butter cube on the berries. There are small bowls and orange halves around the pie plate. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this pie lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients, each playing a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and color. These essentials are easy to find, and when combined, they create a pie that’s vibrant, velvety, and packed with bright citrus notes.

Fresh cranberries (5 cups): The star of the show, providing a tart and tangy punch.
Orange juice (1/4 cup): Adds a fresh, juicy sweetness that complements the cranberries perfectly.
Orange zest (1 1/2 tbsp): Infuses natural citrus oils for a fragrant aroma and deeper orange flavor.
Sugar (1 cup): Balances tartness with a gentle sweetness.
All-purpose flour (3 tbsp): Helps thicken the filling for that perfect slice.
Cornstarch (3 tbsp): Ensures the filling holds together without being runny.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds a subtle warm spice that rounds out the citrus and berry flavors.
Unsalted butter (2 tbsp, cubed): Gives richness and a silky finish to the filling.
Pie crusts (2): Flaky and golden, either homemade or store-bought, to encase that luscious filling.
Egg (1): For the egg wash that creates a beautifully glossy and golden top crust.
Coarse sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for an added crunch and sparkle.

How to Make Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberries

Start by putting half of your fresh cranberries into a food processor or blender and pulse just a few times until they are coarsely chopped. This step helps create a more textured filling with bursts of cranberry pieces, balancing the smoothness and the bite perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Cranberries with Orange

In a large bowl, mix the chopped cranberries with the remaining whole berries, fresh orange juice, and the fragrant orange zest. This mixture is where the bright citrus flavor starts to marry beautifully with the tart cranberries, setting the foundation for your pie’s signature flavor profile.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a separate medium bowl, whisk together sugar, all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and cinnamon. This combination not only sweetens but also thickens the cranberry filling and adds a subtle warmth from the cinnamon that elevates every bite.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Fruit

Pour the dry ingredient mixture into your cranberry-orange bowl and stir until every berry is well-coated. The sugar dissolves slightly here, and the flour and cornstarch get ready to thicken the filling as it bakes, ensuring each slice is perfect for serving.

Step 5: Prepare the Pie Crust Base

Press one of your pie crusts gently into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges neatly so the dough sits right inside the pan without hanging over. Use a fork to prick the bottom crust a few times; this prevents bubbling and helps the crust bake evenly crisp.

Step 6: Fill the Pie

Pour your cranberry-orange filling evenly into the prepared pie crust. Dot the filling with cubed unsalted butter, which will melt during baking and lend a luxurious richness to the tart fruit mixture.

Step 7: Add the Top Crust

Cover the pie filling with your second pie crust. Seal the edges by wetting them slightly with water, then trim off any overhang so it matches the bottom crust edge. This clean finish ensures your pie will bake evenly and hold all that delicious filling inside.

Step 8: Decorate the Top

Beat the egg and brush it over the entire surface of the top crust. This egg wash gives your pie a stunning golden-brown shine when baked. If you like a little sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before sliding your pie into the oven.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your pie in a preheated 375°F oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden shade and the filling starts to bubble through the vents or sides. This bubbling is a delicious sign that the filling is thickening nicely.

Step 10: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, allow the pie to cool completely. This is important because it helps the filling set and prevents it from running when you cut slices. The anticipation will absolutely be worth the wait!

How to Serve Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe

A slice of bright red berry pie with a shiny, textured fruit filling sits centered on a white plate with a scoop of smooth, creamy white ice cream melting slightly on top. The pie slice has a golden-brown crust around the edges with visible flaky layers. Behind it, a whole matching pie on a white plate shows a thicker edge crust and a scoop of the same ice cream melting over the top, with some berries and crumbs scattered around on a white marbled surface. A small white bowl filled with shiny red berries is placed to the left in the background. The overall look is fresh and inviting, with soft natural light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra festive touch, garnish your cranberry orange pie with a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of freshly grated orange zest. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream not only adds creaminess but also tempers the tangy edges of the fruit filling perfectly.

Side Dishes

This pie is fabulous on its own but pairs wonderfully with warm, comforting beverages. Consider serving it alongside a cup of spiced tea, a smooth latte, or even mulled wine during colder months. The warm spices and citrus notes in the pie will complement these drinks beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to switch things up without losing that classic charm? Try baking mini versions of the Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe in individual ramekins for personal servings. You could also transform leftovers into a decadent trifle layered with whipped cream and crushed ginger snaps for a showstopping dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, wrap your pie tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days while maintaining that lovely fresh flavor and perfect texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to a month. Simply assemble the pie and wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer—just add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to the baking time.

Reheating

To enjoy your cranberry orange pie warm, reheat slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 to 15 minutes. This refreshes the crust’s flakiness and melts the butter in the filling, making each bite feel freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work well in this pie. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before using to avoid a watery filling.

Do I have to use store-bought pie crust?

Not at all! Homemade pie crust adds a wonderful personal touch and flaky texture, but the store-bought versions work perfectly well for a quick, easy dessert.

What can I substitute for orange zest?

If you don’t have fresh oranges, lemon zest is a good substitute. It will change the flavor slightly but still provide a bright citrus aroma.

Can this pie be made gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch blends for the filling and swap the pie crust for a gluten-free version to ensure everyone can enjoy it.

How do I get a shiny top crust?

Brushing the crust with an egg wash before baking is key to a glossy, golden finish. Don’t skip this step if you want that perfect bakery look.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give this Cranberry Orange Pie Recipe a try because it dazzles with every slice—bright, zesty, and perfectly balanced between sweet and tart. Whether you’re looking for a holiday centerpiece or a special treat to brighten up an ordinary day, this pie has you covered. Happy baking and even happier eating!