Description of this recipe: This Cranberry-Almond Apple Pie takes the traditional comfort of apple pie and elevates it with the tartness of cranberries and the satisfying crunch of toasted almonds. It’s a beautiful and delicious dessert, perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or simply a cozy treat on a chilly evening.
Why you will love this recipe: This pie offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The sweet apples are complemented by the tangy cranberries, while the buttery, crumbly topping provides a welcome contrast. The toasted almonds add a nutty depth and a delightful crunch that sets this pie apart from the ordinary. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress!
Introduction
Apple pie is a timeless classic, a dessert that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and home. But sometimes, even the most beloved traditions deserve a little twist. This Cranberry-Almond Apple Pie takes the familiar comfort of a classic apple pie and infuses it with a festive and sophisticated flair. The addition of cranberries not only adds a vibrant pop of color but also a delightful tartness that cuts through the sweetness of the apples. The toasted almonds in the topping provide a nutty richness and satisfying crunch that elevates the pie to a whole new level.
This recipe is designed to be approachable for bakers of all skill levels. While making pie crust from scratch is always an option, using a store-bought crust can significantly simplify the process without sacrificing the overall deliciousness of the final product. The filling is straightforward to prepare, and the crumb topping is easily customized to your preferred level of sweetness and nuttiness. Whether you’re a seasoned pie maker or a novice baker looking to impress, this Cranberry-Almond Apple Pie is a guaranteed success. This is bound to be a hit at Thanksgiving or Christmas, a great way to impress a date, or simply to enjoy a delicious treat!
Ingredients:
Dough for Single-Crust Pie:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts, or homemade equivalent (enough for a single 9-inch pie)
Apple-Cranberry Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 6 medium tart apples, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Almond Crumb Topping:
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using store-bought pie crust, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to roll out without cracking. On a lightly floured surface, gently unroll the pie crust and roll it out to a 1/8-inch thickness. Aim for a circle that’s slightly larger than your 9-inch pie plate. Carefully transfer the rolled-out crust to the pie plate, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch of overhang. Fold the overhanging dough under itself to create a thicker edge, and then crimp the edge using your fingers or a fork to create a decorative pattern. This will help seal the crust and prevent it from shrinking during baking.
Step 2: Make the Apple-Cranberry Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, melted butter, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk together until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Add the thinly sliced apples and cranberries to the bowl. Gently toss the apples and cranberries with the sugar mixture until they are evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the apples to release too much juice. The sugar mixture will help to draw out the natural juices of the apples and cranberries, creating a flavorful and slightly thickened sauce as the pie bakes.
Step 3: Prepare the Almond Crumb Topping:
In a separate small bowl, combine the packed light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is essential for creating a crumbly texture in the topping. Make sure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients. Stir in the toasted sliced almonds. Ensure the almonds are toasted before adding them to the mixture. The crumb topping is key to balancing out the sweetness.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Pie:
Pour the apple-cranberry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the almond crumb topping over the filling, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. This will create a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds a delightful sweetness and crunch to each bite. Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield to prevent burning.
Step 5: Cool and Serve:
Once the pie is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set and prevent it from being too runny. The aroma of the cooling pie will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
COOKING Rating:
Easy to Medium
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.
- Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant presentation.
- Enjoy it as part of a festive holiday meal or a comforting weeknight treat.
Tips:
- For best results, use a combination of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the filling.
- Toast the almonds for a more intense nutty flavor.
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
1 hour
Total Time:
1 hour 25 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
Calories: Approximately 400-450 per slice
Protein: 4-6 grams
Sodium: 150-200mg
Conclusion
This Cranberry-Almond Apple Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience. It’s a celebration of flavors and textures, a comforting reminder of home, and a delightful way to share warmth and happiness with loved ones. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or simply to treat yourself, this pie is sure to bring a smile to your face. The combination of sweet apples, tart cranberries, and crunchy almonds creates a symphony of tastes that will leave you wanting more. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a pie that’s truly unforgettable.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use a different type of apple for this pie?
A: Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are excellent choices for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking, you can certainly experiment with other varieties. Fuji apples offer a balanced sweetness and crispness, while Golden Delicious provides a softer, more mellow flavor. A mix of different apples can also create a more complex and interesting flavor profile. Just be sure to choose apples that are firm and not overly mealy, as they will break down too much during baking.
Q2: I don’t have almonds. Can I substitute another type of nut in the topping?
A: Yes, you can definitely substitute other nuts for the almonds in the crumb topping. Pecans and walnuts are both excellent choices, offering a similar nutty flavor and satisfying crunch. You can use the same amount of pecans or walnuts as you would almonds, and be sure to toast them lightly before adding them to the topping for a more intense flavor. Other options include hazelnuts or even macadamia nuts for a richer, more decadent flavor.
Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, this pie can be made ahead of time. In fact, many people find that it tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld and deepen. You can bake the pie completely and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Before serving, you can warm it gently in a low oven or simply bring it to room temperature. Alternatively, you can prepare the filling and topping separately and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and bake the pie.
Q4: My pie crust always seems to shrink during baking. What can I do to prevent this?
A: Pie crust shrinkage is a common problem, but there are a few things you can do to minimize it. First, make sure to use cold ingredients when making the crust, including the butter and water. Cold ingredients help to prevent the gluten in the flour from developing too much, which can lead to a tougher, more elastic crust that shrinks during baking. Second, avoid overworking the dough when rolling it out. The more you handle the dough, the more the gluten develops. Finally, after you’ve transferred the crust to the pie plate and crimped the edges, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking. This will help to relax the gluten and prevent the crust from shrinking. You can also blind bake the pie crust (bake it before adding the filling) with pie weights.
Q5: Can I use frozen cranberries if I can’t find fresh ones?
A: Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly well in this pie. In fact, frozen cranberries are often more readily available, especially during the off-season. There’s no need to thaw the cranberries before adding them to the filling. Simply add them directly from the freezer. The frozen cranberries will release their juices as they bake, contributing to the delicious sauce that forms around the apples.
