Christmas Cranberry Apple Pie

The crisp chill of winter makes it the perfect time to gather in the kitchen and bake something comforting. One of my favorite holiday traditions is pulling out a big, golden pie fresh from the oven—the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and tart cranberries filling the whole house. This Christmas cranberry apple pie is one of those desserts that instantly makes any table feel festive. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a buttery crust that melts in your mouth.

Combining the classic flavors of a winter apple pie with the vibrant tang of cranberries, this pie brings together two holiday favorites in one delicious dessert. Whether you’re planning a Christmas dinner, a holiday gathering, or even a casual winter get-together, it’s a dessert that draws people to the table and sparks conversation. I love how the bright red cranberries pop against the golden apple filling—it’s as beautiful as it is tasty.

This cranberry pie recipe is surprisingly easy to make, but it has that “wow” factor you want for the holidays. It’s perfect for those who love apple pie desserts but want something a little more seasonal. The combination of tender apples, juicy cranberries, warm spices, and a flaky, buttery crust is like a holiday hug in every bite. You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

Whether you’re looking to make a Thanksgiving cranberry pie or a Christmas pie that everyone will remember, this recipe works beautifully. It’s versatile, full of flavor, and can easily become a winter tradition in your home. From the first forkful to the last, this cran apple pie is the kind of dessert that makes holiday baking truly magical.

Why You’ll Love It

• Perfect Holiday Flavor Combination – This pie marries the sweet, tender apples of a classic winter apple pie with the tart burst of cranberries, creating a flavor that feels festive in every bite. It’s the ultimate holiday apple dessert.
• Beautiful and Festive – The bright red cranberries peeking through the golden apple filling make this pie a showstopper on any holiday table. It looks as good as it tastes, adding instant holiday cheer to your spread.
• Easy to Make, Big Impact – Despite its impressive appearance, this Christmas apple pie is surprisingly simple to assemble. You don’t need fancy skills—just fresh ingredients and a little love.
• Versatile Dessert – Serve it warm with ice cream, chilled with whipped cream, or even alongside your favorite holiday coffee. It works for Christmas pie, Thanksgiving cranberry pie, or any winter celebration.
• A Crowd-Pleaser – Whether your family prefers traditional apple pie desserts or something with a tangy twist, this cran apple pie hits the perfect balance that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredient List

For the Pie Filling

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Topping (Optional)

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar

Ingredient Notes

• I always use Granny Smith apples for this pie—they stay firm and tart even after baking, which balances the sweetness of the cranberries beautifully.
• Don’t skip the cranberries! They give this holiday apple dessert that perfect pop of color and tang.
• Brown sugar adds a rich, caramel-like depth that makes the filling taste extra special.
• Cold butter is a must for a flaky crust—skip this, and you’ll notice the difference immediately.
• A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from turning brown while you prep the pie.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie pan – For holding the filling and shaping the crust; I love using a glass one so you can peek at the bottom crust.
• Mixing bowls – For tossing the apples and cranberries with sugar and spices.
• Pastry cutter or food processor – To cut cold butter into flour for the flakiest crust.
• Rolling pin – For rolling out the pie dough evenly; a non-stick one makes life easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Essential for accurate measurements, especially for sugar and spices.
• Sharp knife or apple corer – For peeling and slicing apples quickly.
• Whisk or fork – For beating the egg if you’re doing an egg wash.
• Baking sheet – Optional but handy to place under the pie in case of any drips.
• Oven mitts – For safely handling the hot pie straight from the oven!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust

• In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour and 1 teaspoon salt.
• Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter (or food processor), cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together.
  • Pro Tip: Don’t overwork the dough; it keeps your crust flaky.
• Divide the dough into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Make the Filling

• Peel, core, and slice your apples into even slices.
• In a large bowl, toss the apples with cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until evenly coated.
  • Pro Tip: Mix gently so the fruit doesn’t get mushy.
• Let the mixture sit while you roll out the crust—this allows the flavors to meld.

3. Roll Out the Dough

• Lightly flour your work surface and rolling pin.
• Roll out one disk of dough into a circle large enough to fit your 9-inch pie pan.
• Carefully transfer it to the pie pan and gently press into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough around the edges.

4. Assemble the Pie

• Pour the apple-cranberry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
• Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling.
• Trim, fold, and crimp the edges to seal the pie. Cut a few small slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
• Optional: Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a golden, sparkly finish.

5. Bake the Pie

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 20 minutes.
• Reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 40–45 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  • Pro Tip: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.

6. Cool and Serve

• Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes serving cleaner.
• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra festive touch.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Keep ingredients cold – Cold butter and ice water make for the flakiest crust.
• Don’t overmix the filling – Gently toss apples and cranberries to prevent them from getting mushy.
• Use a baking sheet – Placing your pie on a sheet prevents sticky drips from reaching the oven floor.
• Check crust edges – Cover them with foil if they brown too quickly.
• Let it cool before slicing – Gives the filling time to set and makes for cleaner slices.
• Optional egg wash – Brushing the top crust with beaten egg makes it beautifully golden.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala instead of Granny Smith for a sweeter pie.
• Cranberries: Dried cranberries can work—soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up.
• Pie crust: Store-bought pie dough works perfectly if you’re short on time.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cloves for a warmer holiday flavor.
• Sweeteners: Swap brown sugar with coconut sugar or maple sugar for a subtle twist.
• Topping: Add a crumble topping of oats, butter, and brown sugar instead of a top crust for a rustic twist.

Serving Suggestions

• I love serving a warm slice of this Christmas cranberry apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it’s the perfect contrast to the tart cranberries.
• Drizzle a little caramel sauce over a slice for an extra indulgent holiday treat.
• Pair it with a hot cup of spiced cider or coffee; the warmth of the drink complements the winter apple pie flavors beautifully.
• Serve alongside whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet festive presentation.
• For brunch, cut smaller slices and enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or yogurt—it’s a sweet way to start the holiday morning.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

• Room Temperature: Cover loosely with foil or plastic wrap and keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; this is great if you want to prep ahead for a holiday meal.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 20–30 seconds.
• Tip: Reheat with a little foil over the top to prevent the crust from getting too dark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! A store-bought crust works well and saves time. Just follow the baking instructions as usual.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. It helps the flavors meld even more.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Definitely. Just thaw them slightly and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the apples to prevent a soggy crust.

What apples work best for this pie?

Granny Smith apples are ideal for tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are great if you prefer a sweeter filling.

How do I prevent the crust edges from burning?

Cover the edges with foil halfway through baking to protect them while the filling cooks fully.

Can I make this pie gluten-free?

Yes! Use a gluten-free pie crust and make sure your flour substitute for the filling thickens properly.

Did you try this Christmas cranberry apple pie? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! I’d love to hear your favorite way to serve it this holiday season.