Cherry Cranberry Pie: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Delight

Are you tired of bringing the same old desserts to holiday gatherings only to watch them sit untouched? The holiday season calls for something truly special a dessert that not only looks festive but creates those memorable moments when everyone at the table falls silent, savoring each delicious bite.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind Foodydish! My Cherry Cranberry Pie recipe transforms ordinary holiday meals into extraordinary celebrations. The perfect balance of sweet cherries and tart cranberries creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every forkful.

As someone who’s tested countless pie recipes for family gatherings over the years, I’ve perfected this Cherry Cranberry Pie to deliver that ideal combination of flaky crust and luscious fruit filling. The vibrant ruby colors aren’t just beautiful they’re a promise of the bright, festive flavors inside.

In this guide, I’ll share my secrets for selecting the perfect fruits, creating a foolproof crust, and adding those special touches that make this pie an unforgettable holiday centerpiece. From ingredient selection to serving suggestions, I’ve covered everything you need to create your new favorite holiday tradition.

Why This Cherry Cranberry Pie Recipe Works

• Uses readily available fresh or frozen fruits for year-round enjoyment
• The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors keeps everyone coming back for seconds
• Make-ahead friendly – prepare components days in advance for stress-free holiday cooking
• Simple enough for beginners but impressive enough for seasoned bakers
• Naturally beautiful presentation requires minimal decorating skills

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Cherry Cranberry Pie

Best Fruit Selections for Cherry Cranberry Pie

For cherries, sweet varieties like Bing or Rainier work beautifully, creating a natural sweetness that balances the cranberries’ tartness. If using frozen cherries, look for ones without added sugar to control the sweetness level.

For cranberries, fresh berries provide the best texture and flavor, but frozen work wonderfully when fresh aren’t available. Choose plump, firm cranberries with a bright color for maximum flavor impact.

Buying Tips for Cherry Cranberry Pie Ingredients

When shopping for cherries, look for firm, shiny skins without bruising. For cranberries, they should bounce when dropped on a counter – it’s a simple test that indicates freshness!

Substitutions for Cherry Cranberry Pie

If cherries are unavailable, blackberries can provide a similar sweetness with added complexity. For a less tart version, reduce cranberries and increase cherries, or add a sweeter berry like strawberries or blueberries to complement the mix.

Ingredients & Prep for Cherry Cranberry Pie

Fruit Filling Essentials for Cherry Cranberry Pie

• 3 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• Zest of one orange

Pie Crust Ingredients for Cherry Cranberry Pie

• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ⅓ cup ice water (may need 1-2 tablespoons more)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (for tenderness)

Additional Cherry Cranberry Pie Components

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces (dotted on filling)

Step-by-Step Cherry Cranberry Pie Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Cherry Cranberry Pie

1. Prepare fruits by washing and pitting cherries if using fresh. For cranberries, sort and remove any soft berries.
2. Mix fruits with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, extracts, and orange zest. Let sit for 15-20 minutes to release juices.
3. While fruit macerates, prepare your pie crust by whisking together dry ingredients, then cutting in cold butter until pea-sized pieces form.
4. Add ice water and vinegar mixture gradually, mixing until dough just comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Baking Method for Cherry Cranberry Pie

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a baking sheet on the lower rack to catch any drips.
2. Roll out one dough disc to fit your 9-inch pie plate with slight overhang. Place in pie dish and refrigerate while rolling the second disc.
3. Pour prepared fruit filling into the bottom crust, dot with butter pieces.
4. Top with second crust – either as a full top crust with vents, a lattice design, or decorative cutouts.
5. Trim excess dough, crimp edges, and brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
6. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40-50 minutes until filling bubbles and crust is golden brown.

Doneness Check for Cherry Cranberry Pie

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is actively bubbling, especially in the center. If edges brown too quickly, cover them with a pie shield or aluminum foil.

Cooling Cherry Cranberry Pie

Allow your pie to cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3 hours before slicing. This critical step allows the filling to set properly and prevents a runny pie.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cherry Cranberry Pie

Avoiding Common Cherry Cranberry Pie Problems

• For juicy fruits like cherries, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent a soggy bottom
• Chill all ingredients and tools (even flour and rolling pin) for the flakiest crust
• Use a glass pie dish to monitor bottom crust browning
• Cover edges with foil if they brown too quickly

Tool Recommendations for Cherry Cranberry Pie

• Cherry pitter to save time and prevent stained hands
• Pastry blender for perfectly textured dough
• Silicone pie crust shield to prevent over-browning
• Ceramic pie weights for blind baking (if pre-baking crust)

Storage & Reheating Cherry Cranberry Pie

Store your pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes for that fresh-baked taste.

Looking for more holiday dessert inspiration? Check out my Pinterest where I share seasonal favorites that will make your holiday table shine!

Cherry Cranberry Pie Flavor Variations

Spicy Twist for Cherry Cranberry Pie

Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warming spice profile. For something truly unique, try adding ¼ teaspoon of cardamom or a star anise pod (removed before baking).

Dairy-Free Cherry Cranberry Pie

Replace butter in the crust with solid coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative for an equally flaky, dairy-free result.

Global Flavors for Cherry Cranberry Pie

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Cranberry Pie

This Cherry Cranberry Pie stands beautifully on its own, but for a truly memorable dessert experience, serve warm slices with:

• Vanilla bean ice cream for that classic hot-cold contrast
• Fresh whipped cream with a hint of almond extract
• A drizzle of white chocolate sauce for extra decadence
• Candied orange peel for garnish and added citrus notes
• A sprinkle of crushed pistachios for color and texture

For presentation, dust the plate with powdered sugar and add a sprig of mint for a festive red and green color scheme.

Cherry Cranberry Pie FAQs

Can I use all frozen fruit for Cherry Cranberry Pie?
Yes! No need to thaw first – mix the frozen fruit with other filling ingredients and bake as directed, though you might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust in my Cherry Cranberry Pie?
Try blind-baking your bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding filling, or brush with egg white and let dry for 5 minutes before adding filling.

Can I prepare Cherry Cranberry Pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough and filling separately up to 3 days in advance and store refrigerated. Assemble and bake the day before serving.

Is this Cherry Cranberry Pie too tart?
The balance of sweet cherries with tart cranberries creates a perfect harmony, but you can adjust sugar to taste or use a sweeter cherry variety if concerned about tartness.

Can I make mini Cherry Cranberry Pies instead?
Yes! Use a muffin tin or mini pie dishes and reduce baking time to about 25-30 minutes total.

Conclusion

The holidays are all about creating memories, and nothing captures the spirit of the season quite like this Cherry Cranberry Pie. The vibrant colors mirror the festive atmosphere while the balance of sweet and tart flavors leaves a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to enjoy a slice.

I hope this recipe becomes a treasured part of your holiday tradition as it has for my family. Remember, it’s not just about following steps – it’s about the joy of creating something special that brings people together.

Ready to elevate your holiday dessert game? Give this Cherry Cranberry Pie a try and watch how quickly it becomes the most requested item at all your gatherings. And don’t forget to share your creations with our Foodydish community I’d love to see your versions of this holiday favorite!

Cherry Cranberry Pie: The Ultimate Holiday Dessert Delight

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

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Description

A vibrant, sweet-tart pie filled with juicy cherries and tangy cranberries, all wrapped in a flaky golden crust  a festive and flavorful dessert perfect for holidays or any time you crave a burst of berry goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)

1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp almond extract

1/4 tsp salt

2 prepared pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine cherries, cranberries, both sugars, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and salt. Mix until evenly coated.

3. Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan.

4. Pour the fruit filling into the crust, spreading evenly.

5. Top with the second crust — either fully or as a lattice — and crimp edges to seal.

6. Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

7. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

8. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake another 35–40 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbling.

9. Cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow filling to set.

Notes

For a deeper flavor, add a splash of cherry liqueur or a pinch of cinnamon.

If using frozen fruit, do not thaw before mixing — bake a few minutes longer if needed.

Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.

• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 1 hr
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 33g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: cherry cranberry pie, holiday dessert, fruit pie, sweet tart pie, berry pie