Recipe: Cranberry and Orange Pie

Recipe: Cranberry and Orange Pie

Cranberry and orange pie is a delightful dessert that perfectly balances the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness and citrusy zing of oranges. This pie is a crowd-pleaser, making it a perfect choice for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday gatherings. The combination of the two fruits creates a deliciously tangy filling, while the flaky, buttery crust adds the perfect contrast in texture.

Whether you’re looking to make a festive pie for the holidays or simply want to enjoy the flavors of cranberries and oranges, this recipe is both easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying.

Ingredients

For the crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 1 large orange, zested and juiced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, to enhance the tartness)

For garnish:

• Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)

Equipment:

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Knife and cutting board
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Spoon or spatula
• Parchment paper (for rolling dough)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Make the Dough
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use your hands to rub the butter into the flour, but be careful not to overwork the dough.

2. Add Ice Water
   Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough holds together when pressed.

3. Chill the Dough
   Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a few times until it forms a smooth ball. Divide the dough in half, wrap each portion in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Combine the Cranberries and Oranges
   In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and granulated sugar. Stir well to coat the cranberries in the sugar and orange juice. The sugar will help draw out the natural juices from the fruit.

2. Thicken the Filling
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, cinnamon, and ginger. Sprinkle this mixture over the cranberry-orange mixture and stir until evenly combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.

3. Add the Butter
   Cut the butter into small pieces and dot it over the cranberry filling. The butter will melt during baking and add richness to the filling.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough
   Take one half of the chilled dough and roll it out on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about an inch to fold over the top of the pie.

2. Add the Filling
   Pour the prepared cranberry and orange filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Ensure that the filling is well distributed, with the cranberries and orange pieces arranged throughout.

3. Top the Pie
   Roll out the second portion of dough and place it over the pie to create the top crust. You can either cover the entire pie with a solid top crust or cut the dough into strips to make a lattice top. If you use a full top crust, make sure to cut a few slits in the dough to allow steam to escape while baking.

4. Seal and Crimp the Edges
   Press the edges of the top crust into the bottom crust to seal the pie. You can use a fork to crimp the edges or fold the dough over itself and pinch it to create a decorative edge.

5. Chill the Pie
   Place the pie in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes before baking. This will help the crust hold its shape during baking.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the Pie
   Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

3. Cool the Pie
   Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set. The pie can also be served warm, but it will be a bit runnier.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Serve
   Once the pie has cooled, dust it with powdered sugar, if desired, for a light touch of sweetness. Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it on its own.

Tips and Variations

1. Use Frozen Cranberries
   If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use frozen cranberries in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them before using them in the filling.

2. Add Orange Zest to the Crust
   For an extra citrusy kick, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the pie crust for a delightful flavor that complements the filling.

3. Make It Gluten-Free
   If you're following a gluten-free diet, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and be sure to use gluten-free oats if you're using them in the crust.

4. Try Other Fruits
   If you want to experiment, try swapping the cranberries for raspberries or blackberries. The orange flavor will pair well with most berries.

Health Benefits

1. Cranberries
   Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps to strengthen the immune system. They are also known for their role in supporting urinary tract health and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

2. Oranges
   Oranges are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports skin health and boosts immunity. They are also high in fiber and low in calories, making them a healthy addition to any diet.

3. Butter in the Crust
   While the crust is indulgent, using quality butter provides a good source of healthy fats. Butter adds richness and flavor to the pie crust without being overly processed.

Conclusion

Cranberry and orange pie is a perfect dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cranberries and oranges in a beautifully flaky pie crust. It’s the ideal treat for any occasion, from family gatherings to special holidays, offering a delightful combination of flavors in every bite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy the harmonious blend of cranberries, oranges, and buttery pie crust. This pie will quickly become a favorite at your table!