Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Name: Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Fresh cranberries; Chopped pecans; Granulated sugar; Softened butter; Almond extract or vanilla extract; Eggs; All-purpose flour; Salt

Published: February 3, 2026

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The tartness of cranberries paired with the sweetness of sugar creates a mouthwatering contrast.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this pie in no time.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual family dinner, this pie fits right in.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s hard not to love the combination of cranberries and pecans, making it appealing to all palates.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm, cold, or with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, having the right tools will ensure success. Here are some essential items you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

9-inch pie plate: This size is ideal for even baking and presentation.
Electric mixer: Saves time and ensures a smooth batter consistency.
Rubber spatula: Perfect for scraping down the sides of bowls and spreading batter evenly.

Ingredients

For the Filling

Fresh cranberries
Chopped pecans
Granulated sugar

For the Cake Layer

Softened butter
Granulated sugar
Almond extract or vanilla extract
Eggs
All-purpose 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 generously to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In the prepared pie plate, add fresh cranberries. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the cranberries followed by half a cup of granulated sugar.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium bowl, beat together softened butter and one cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Flavoring

Continue beating while adding almond extract or vanilla extract. Add eggs one at a time, mixing until fluffy after each addition.

Step 5: Combine Dry Ingredients

Reduce mixer speed to low. Gradually add all-purpose flour and salt, beating until just combined. The batter will be sticky.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Using a rubber spatula, spread the sticky batter evenly over the cranberry-pecan mixture in the pie plate.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 45-50 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs when it’s done.

Step 8: Serve

Let it cool slightly before serving. Don’t forget to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra special touch!

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to enhance its flavors or add a touch of festivity, these serving suggestions will elevate your pie experience.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the tartness of cranberries.
Coconut Sorbet – For a dairy-free option, coconut sorbet provides a tropical twist that complements the cranberry flavor.

Add Whipped Topping

Homemade Whipped Cream – Light and fluffy, whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and richness to each slice.
Cinnamon Whipped Topping – Adding a hint of cinnamon can bring warmth and spice, enhancing the pie’s flavors.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

Sliced Oranges – Their citrusy brightness contrasts beautifully with the pie’s richness.
Berries Medley – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries adds freshness and color to your serving plate.

Enjoy Warm or Cold

Warm from the Oven – Serving it warm enhances its aroma and taste, making every bite comforting.
Chilled Slices – For those who prefer it cold, chilling slices in the fridge brings out the tartness of the cranberries.

How to Perfect Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Creating the perfect Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie takes some attention to detail. Follow these tips for an exceptional dessert.

Use Fresh Cranberries – Fresh cranberries offer the best flavor; avoid using canned ones for superior taste.
Adjust Sugar Levels – Depending on your tartness preference, feel free to adjust sugar levels in the filling to balance flavors.
Don’t Overmix Batter – Mix just until combined to keep your cake layer light and fluffy; overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
Check Doneness Early – Ovens vary, so start checking for doneness at 40 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Cool Before Serving – Allowing the pie to cool slightly before slicing will help it hold its shape better when served.

Best Side Dishes for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Pairing side dishes with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement this festive dessert.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Their nutty flavor pairs well with sweetness from the pie; toss with olive oil and roast until crispy.
Sweet Potato Mash – Creamy and sweet, this dish balances well against tart cranberries, providing a comforting side.
Green Bean Almondine – Sautéed green beans with toasted almonds add crunch and freshness alongside your dessert.
Apple Salad – A crisp apple salad with walnuts offers refreshing contrast; dress with lemon juice for brightness.
Maple-Glazed Carrots – Sweet carrots glazed in maple syrup echo the pie’s flavors while adding color to your table.
Pumpkin Soup – Smooth pumpkin soup as a starter warms up your guests’ appetites before indulging in dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out perfectly.

Not measuring ingredients accurately – Accurate measurements are crucial for the right texture and flavor. Use proper measuring cups and spoons for dry and liquid ingredients.
Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a tough cake layer. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Ignoring oven temperature – Oven temperatures can vary. Always preheat your oven properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.
Skipping the buttering step – Buttering the pie plate prevents sticking. Don’t skip this step to ensure easy removal of your pie.
Baking too long or too short – Keep an eye on your pie during baking. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out with a few moist crumbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil.
The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Oven – Preheat to 350°F (176°C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds.
Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie that might help you as you prepare this delicious dessert.

Can I use frozen cranberries for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the pie plate.

How do I know when my Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is done?

The pie is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. It should be golden brown on top.

Can I substitute other nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans add great flavor, you can easily substitute walnuts or almonds if preferred.

What should I serve with Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?

This delicious pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping, adding creaminess to each bite!

Final Thoughts

The Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delightful treat that combines tart cranberries with crunchy pecans and a soft cake layer. Its versatility means you can customize it by adding different nuts or serving it with various toppings. Enjoy making this perfect dessert for any holiday gathering!

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