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 or vanilla extract; Eggs; All-purpose flour; Salt

Published: January 3, 2026

by Vanessaa

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Delicious Flavor: The tartness of the cranberries paired with the sweetness of the sugar creates a perfect balance.
Easy Preparation: With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this recipe is perfect for bakers of all levels.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra special treat.
Festive Appeal: This pie not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on the holiday dessert table.
Family-Friendly: A hit among both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie recipe, gather your tools and prepare your kitchen. Having everything ready will make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

9-inch pie plate: Ensures even baking and a perfect shape for your pie.
Electric mixer: Saves time and effort in beating ingredients to fluffy perfection.
Spatula: Helps in spreading the batter evenly over the cranberries without disturbing them.

Ingredients

To create this delectable Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie, you will need the following 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 ensure easy removal after baking.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Place fresh cranberries in the prepared pie plate.
Sprinkle them evenly with chopped pecans.
Add 1/2 cup of granulated sugar over the top.

Step 3: Make the Cake Batter

In a medium mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat together softened butter and 1 cup of granulated sugar on medium speed until smooth.
Add almond extract or vanilla extract along with eggs one at a time, continuing to beat until fluffy.
Reduce mixer speed to low; gradually add flour and salt, mixing until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

The batter will be sticky. Use a spatula to take it out from the bowl and place it over the cranberry mixture in the pie plate. Spread it evenly across.

Step 5: Bake

Place your assembled pie in the preheated oven. Bake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, allow it to cool slightly before serving warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra treat.

Enjoy every bite of this wonderful Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie!

How to Serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Serving Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can elevate your dessert experience, especially during festive gatherings. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious pie.

Pair with Ice Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the cranberries.
Coconut Ice Cream: For a tropical twist, coconut ice cream complements the flavors beautifully.

Add Whipped Topping

Homemade Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it enhances the pie without overpowering it.
Coconut Whipped Cream: A dairy-free option that adds a hint of coconut flavor for a unique touch.

Serve with Fresh Fruit

Sliced Oranges: Their bright citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich pie.
Berries: Strawberries or blueberries add color and a burst of flavor alongside each slice.

Garnish with Nuts

Chopped Pecans: Sprinkle additional pecans on top for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
Toasted Almonds: They offer a lovely texture and subtle sweetness that pairs well with cranberries.

How to Perfect Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Perfecting your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can make all the difference in taste and presentation. Follow these tips for the best results.

Use Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries instead of canned ones for vibrant flavor and texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, adjust the sugar amount in the filling for a perfect balance of tartness.
Check Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie; baking times may vary based on your oven’s efficiency. Look for golden edges.
Let It Cool Before Serving: Allowing the pie to cool slightly helps set the filling, making it easier to slice.

Best Side Dishes for Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to your meal.
Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet pie.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can provide comfort alongside the dessert’s sweetness.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: A flavorful, seasonal dish that complements the pie’s fruity notes.
Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa adds a healthy grain option that pairs well with various flavors.
Cheesy Garlic Bread: A warm side that contrasts nicely with the soft texture of the pie while adding savory notes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding wrong ingredient measurements: Ensure you measure your ingredients accurately, as incorrect amounts can ruin the texture and flavor of your Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie.
Skipping the preheating step: Not preheating your oven can lead to uneven baking. Always preheat to 350 F (176 C) for consistent results.
Ignoring butter temperature: Using cold butter instead of softened butter will affect the mixing process. Make sure your butter is at room temperature for the best texture.
Forgetting to check the pie doneness: Relying solely on time without checking may result in an undercooked or overbaked pie. Use a toothpick to check for doneness before removing it from the oven.
Overmixing the cake batter: Be cautious when mixing; overmixing can make the texture dense. Stop once everything is just combined.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Allow the pie to cool completely before covering to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
The pie can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 F (176 C) and warm the pie for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid for about 5-7 minutes until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie is a delightful dessert featuring juicy cranberries topped with a crunchy pecan layer and a flaky cake crust.

How do I serve Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped topping for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries, but make sure to thaw and drain them before using to avoid excess moisture.

What can I substitute for pecans in Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie?
You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.

Is Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie suitable for gatherings?
Absolutely! This pie makes a great addition to holiday desserts and is sure to impress guests with its unique flavor combination.

Final Thoughts

Nantucket Holiday Cranberry Pie combines tart cranberries with crunchy nuts and a soft cake layer, making it an irresistible dessert option. Its versatility allows for various toppings like whipped cream or ice cream, and you can customize it by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg. Give this delicious recipe a try at your next celebration!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card