The holiday season is all about warmth, joy, and of course, delicious food. When you are searching for the Best Pie Recipes to grace your table, the options can feel endless. But I have something special for you today.
This recipe is a true gem among Christmas Pie Recipes. It is a lovely cranberry almond pie that looks as good as it tastes. It’s the kind of dessert that brings everyone together. Let’s get baking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, there are so many reasons to adore this pie. It’s become a staple in my collection of Holiday Pie Recipes for good reason. It just works, every single time.
First off, it is incredibly easy to make. You do not need to be a professional baker to get this right. The steps are simple and the ingredients are straightforward. It’s a forgiving recipe.
The flavor is just spectacular. You get this wonderful balance of tart cranberries and sweet, nutty almond. The sour cream in the batter makes the cake part so moist and tender. It is a truly delightful combination.
It also looks absolutely stunning. The bright red from the cranberry swirls makes it so festive. When you drizzle that white glaze over the top, it becomes a centerpiece dessert. It’s one of my top Christmas Pie Ideas for presentation.
This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. During the busy holiday season, having a dessert you can prepare in advance is a huge help. It saves you stress on the big day.
We are using a tube pan for this recipe, which gives it a beautiful shape, much like a bundt cake. So while we call it a pie, it has the soft texture of a cake. It’s the best of both worlds!
This is one of those Winter Pies that just feels right for a cold day. It is cozy, comforting, and full of festive cheer. A slice of this with a cup of hot coffee is pure bliss.
You will find this recipe is a crowd pleaser. Kids and adults alike enjoy its sweet and tangy flavor. It is not overly rich, so it makes a nice end to a big holiday meal.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather for this wonderful recipe. The list is simple, and you might already have most of these items in your kitchen, especially during the holidays.
- ½ cup butter
- ¾ cup white sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 (16 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce
- ½ cup blanched slivered almonds
- ¾ cup confectioners’ sugar
- 1 tablespoon warm water
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to create one of the most delicious Christmas Pie Recipes ever? Let’s walk through the process together. It is easier than you think!
Step 1: Get The Oven And Pan Ready
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, which is 175 degrees C. While it warms up, grab a 9 inch tube pan. You will want to grease and flour it really well. This step is important to prevent sticking!
Step 2: Cream The Butter And Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. I recommend using an electric mixer on medium speed for this. Add the sugar gradually. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
Step 3: Combine The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures everything is evenly distributed. This gives your pie a consistent texture.
Step 4: Mix The Wet And Dry
Now it is time to combine everything. With your electric mixer on a low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate adding the flour and the sour cream. Start with flour and end with flour. Be careful not to overbeat the batter. Just mix until combined.
Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract. The aroma is just divine. This is a key part of many Holiday Pie Recipes.
Step 5: Layer The Batter And Cranberry
Here comes the fun part. Spoon about half of the batter into the bottom of your prepared pan. Then, add a layer using half of the can of whole cranberry sauce. Repeat this one more time with the remaining batter and cranberry sauce. This creates beautiful layers.
Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the top. They will toast up nicely while baking and add a great crunch. This technique is one of my favorite Christmas Pie Ideas.
Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection
Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your pie is ready. The top should be a lovely golden brown.
Let it cool in the pan for a little while before carefully removing it. This gives it time to set. The best Winter Pies are worth waiting for.
Step 7: Make And Drizzle The Glaze
While the pie cools, let’s make the simple almond glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, warm water, and the remaining half teaspoon of almond extract. Stir until it is smooth.
Once the pie is cool enough, drizzle this sweet glaze all over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This adds the finishing touch to one of the Best Pie Recipes for the holidays.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers of this delicious pie, storing them is easy. You will want to keep it fresh so you can enjoy it for a few more days.
You can store the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze will keep it nice and moist. It’s a great option for a quick breakfast treat.
If you want it to last a little longer, you can store it in the refrigerator. In an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about four to five days. The texture might become a bit firmer when chilled.
You can even freeze it! To freeze, I suggest slicing it first. Wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. It will keep for up to three months. Just thaw a slice at room temperature when you are ready for a treat.
Tips
Here are a few extra tips to make your baking experience even better. These little tricks can make a big difference when crafting your Christmas Pie Recipes.
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother and more tender final product.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the nuts. While almonds are classic, chopped pecans or walnuts would also be delicious on top. It’s a simple way to customize your Christmas Pie Ideas.
If you do not have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and moist texture. It is a handy swap for many Holiday Pie Recipes.
For an extra festive look, you can garnish the pie with a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the glaze. It adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
When greasing and flouring your tube pan, be thorough. Get into all the little grooves. This will ensure your beautiful pie comes out of the pan easily and in one piece. A good bake starts with good prep.
Conclusion
There you have it! A wonderfully simple and elegant recipe to add to your list of Christmas Pie Recipes. It’s a dessert that’s full of holiday cheer and delicious flavors.
I truly hope you enjoy making and sharing this pie with your loved ones. Baking during the holidays is about creating memories, and this is a recipe that’s sure to be part of many happy ones.
From my kitchen to yours, I wish you a very happy and tasty holiday season. Enjoy this beautiful example of what makes Winter Pies so special.
FAQ
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead Of Canned?
You could, but it would require a little more work. You would need to cook the fresh cranberries down with some sugar and water first to create a sauce like consistency. Using canned whole cranberry sauce is a great time saver for this recipe.
What Kind Of Pan Works Best For This Recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for a 9 inch tube pan, which is similar to a bundt pan. This shape helps it cook evenly and gives it a beautiful appearance. It creates something between a traditional pie and a cake, which is why it is one of my favorite unique Christmas Pie Recipes.
Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
Absolutely! This is one of the Best Pie Recipes for making in advance. You can bake it a day or two before you plan to serve it. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It tastes just as good, if not better, the next day.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
As written, this recipe is not gluten free because it uses all purpose flour. However, you could likely substitute a good quality gluten free all purpose baking blend. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten free.
Cranberry Almond Pie
A lovely cranberry almond pie that looks as good as it tastes. This cozy, comforting dessert balances tart cranberries with sweet, nutty almond, and features a moist, tender cake-like texture, making it an ideal festive treat for the holidays.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees F, which is 175 degrees C. While it warms up, grab a 9 inch tube pan. You will want to grease and flour it really well. This step is important to prevent sticking!
- In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. I recommend using an electric mixer on medium speed for this. Add the sugar gradually. You want the mixture to become light and fluffy. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each one.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately ensures everything is evenly distributed. This gives your pie a consistent texture.
- Now it is time to combine everything. With your electric mixer on a low speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture. Alternate adding the flour and the sour cream. Start with flour and end with flour. Be careful not to overbeat the batter. Just mix until combined. Finally, stir in 1 teaspoon of almond extract. The aroma is just divine. This is a key part of many Holiday Pie Recipes.
- Here comes the fun part. Spoon about half of the batter into the bottom of your prepared pan. Then, add a layer using half of the can of whole cranberry sauce. Repeat this one more time with the remaining batter and cranberry sauce. This creates beautiful layers.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds evenly over the top. They will toast up nicely while baking and add a great crunch. This technique is one of my favorite Christmas Pie Ideas.
- Place the pan in your preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your pie is ready. The top should be a lovely golden brown. Let it cool in the pan for a little while before carefully removing it. This gives it time to set. The best Winter Pies are worth waiting for.
- While the pie cools, let’s make the simple almond glaze. In a small bowl, mix together the confectioners’ sugar, warm water, and the remaining half teaspoon of almond extract. Stir until it is smooth.
- Once the pie is cool enough, drizzle this sweet glaze all over the top. Let it set for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This adds the finishing touch to one of the Best Pie Recipes for the holidays.
Notes
Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix more evenly into the batter, creating a smoother and more tender final product.
Don’t be afraid to switch up the nuts. While almonds are classic, chopped pecans or walnuts would also be delicious on top. It’s a simple way to customize your Christmas Pie Ideas.
If you do not have sour cream, you can use plain Greek yogurt as a substitute. It will provide a similar tangy flavor and moist texture. It is a handy swap for many Holiday Pie Recipes.
For an extra festive look, you can garnish the pie with a few fresh cranberries or a sprinkle of orange zest on top of the glaze. It adds a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.
When greasing and flouring your tube pan, be thorough. Get into all the little grooves. This will ensure your beautiful pie comes out of the pan easily and in one piece. A good bake starts with good prep.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
