Hey Lykkers! Let’s talk about a pie that often gets overshadowed by its sweeter cousins—cranberry pie. If you’ve never tried it, you’re seriously missing out. This pie is the perfect mix of tart and sweet, and it’s incredibly versatile for any time of the year.
Let’s dive into why this pie deserves a spot at your table and some fun facts that make it even cooler!
Why Cranberry Pie?
First off, let’s talk about why cranberry pie should be on your radar. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber.
They’re not just good for you—they also have a unique tartness that sets them apart from other berries. When baked into a pie, the cranberries soften and mellow out their sour punch, giving you that perfect balance of sweet and tart.
Cranberry pie is super easy to make, and it’s one of those desserts that has a rustic charm. It’s not too fussy, but still has that “wow” factor when you present it at the table. The pie’s filling is simple but packed with flavor, and the buttery crust makes every bite melt in your mouth. Plus, cranberries are in season around the holidays, making this the perfect time to bake one!
The Recipe (Let’s Get Baking!)
Ready to try it for yourself? Here’s a simple and delicious cranberry pie recipe that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing:
Ingredients:
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (200 gr)
• 1 cup sugar (adjust depending on how sweet you want it) (200gr)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (this really kicks up the flavor!)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup heavy cream (120 gr)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pre-made pie crust (or you can make your own if you’re feeling fancy!)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix the cranberries with sugar, cornstarch, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Let it sit for a few minutes to get those juices going.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract together until smooth.
4. Pour the cranberry mixture into the pie crust, then pour the egg mixture over it. Gently stir the cranberries into the custard.
5. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the pie is golden brown and set in the center. Let it cool before serving (if you can wait that long!).
Fun Cranberry Facts
1. Native to North America: Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America, and they were an important food source for Native American tribes. They were often mixed with dried meat to make pemmican—talk about versatile!
2. Cranberries and Thanks giving: You’ve probably noticed cranberries pop up at Thanks giving dinners in sauces or jellies. But did you know that cranberries were actually used by the pilgrims not just as food but also as medicine? They were believed to treat wounds and prevent infections!
3. Superberry Alert: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants and have been shown to help with everything from preventing urinary tract infections (UTIs) to improving heart health. So while you’re indulging in a slice of pie, you’re also benefiting your body. How cool is that?
4. Fresh vs. Frozen: You can use fresh or frozen cranberries for your pie. Fresh cranberries are great when they’re in season, but frozen cranberries work just as well and are available year-round. Plus, they tend to be more affordable in the off-season.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pie
Cranberry pie is one of those desserts that feels festive, but it’s simple enough to enjoy any time you’re craving something a little tart and sweet.
It’s perfect for holiday dinners, cozy nights in, or whenever you just need a dessert that’s both tasty and a little healthier than your typical sugary pie. And trust us, when you take that first bite and the tart cranberry flavor hits your taste buds, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this sooner.
So, next time you’re looking for a new dessert idea, give cranberry pie a shot. It’s easy to make, delicious, and full of fun facts that’ll impress your friends and family! Enjoy!
