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- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred) - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup powdered sugar - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1 teaspoon cornstarch - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 cup chopped pecans (for topping) - 1/4 cup rolled oats (for topping) - 1/4 cup brown sugar (for topping) - 1/4 cup melted butter (for topping) This pie starts with a crust. You can pick a pre-made one for ease. If you want to make your own, go for it! The crust holds everything together. Next, we need cream cheese. Use 8 oz of softened cream cheese. It gives the pie a rich, creamy base. For sweetness, we add 1 cup of powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a nice flavor. Now for the stars of the show: the cranberries. You need 2 cups, either fresh or frozen. They bring a tartness that pairs well with the sweet cream cheese. To enhance the cranberries, we use 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. The zest adds brightness while the cornstarch helps thicken the filling. We also add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for warmth. For the crumb topping, mix 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter. This topping adds a lovely crunch. Each ingredient plays a key role, making the pie a tasty treat. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is key for even baking. 2. Prepare the pie crust. Roll out your pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch dish. Press it firmly against the sides and bottom. Use a fork to prick the bottom. This helps prevent bubbling. 3. Make the cream cheese mixture. In a bowl, blend 8 oz of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Use an electric mixer until smooth. Spread this mix evenly in the pie crust. 4. Prepare the cranberry filling. In another bowl, toss together 2 cups of cranberries, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. This adds flavor and balances the sweetness. Spread this over the cream cheese layer. 5. Assemble the layers. For the crumb topping, mix 1/4 cup of chopped pecans, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1/4 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of melted butter in a bowl. This will create a nice, crunchy top. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the cranberries. 6. Bake the pie. Place the pie in your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden crumb topping and bubbling cranberries to know it's done. 7. Cool before serving. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes. This will help set the layers and make it easier to slice. Enjoy this pie warm or chilled, topped with whipped cream and extra orange zest! - Ensuring a golden crumb topping: To get a nice golden crust, watch the pie closely as it bakes. Start checking it around 25 minutes. If the topping looks pale, leave it in a bit longer. The topping should be light brown and crisp. - How to avoid a soggy bottom crust: To keep the crust from getting soggy, prick the bottom with a fork before baking. This helps steam escape. You can also bake the crust for 10 minutes alone before adding the filling. This pre-baking step makes a big difference. - Cooling and serving temperatures: Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes on a wire rack. This helps it set up better. You can serve it warm or chilled, depending on your taste. For a nice touch, serve it with whipped cream on top. - Creative garnishes and accompaniments: Consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. A sprinkle of extra orange zest adds brightness. You can also serve it with a side of fresh cranberries for color. - Ideal beverages to pair with the pie: Pair this pie with a cup of hot tea or coffee for a warm treat. If you prefer something fruity, try a glass of sparkling apple cider. It complements the flavors well and adds a festive touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cranberries: Fresh cranberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture. Soften Cream Cheese Properly: For a smooth filling, make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This will help achieve a creamy consistency without lumps. Add Extra Spice: For a warm, festive flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger to the cranberry mixture. These spices complement the cranberries beautifully. Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. {{image_2}} You can change the fruits in this pie for new flavors. Try raspberries, blueberries, or cherries. Each fruit adds a unique taste. You can also mix different fruits for a fun twist. For those with dietary needs, this pie can be made gluten-free. Use a gluten-free pie crust instead. For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. It works well and keeps the pie tasty. Toppings can make your pie look special. Besides pecans, try adding walnuts or almonds for crunch. You can also sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor. Serving styles can add variety too. Instead of a big pie, make mini-pies. They are cute and easy to share. You can also serve slices with whipped cream and extra orange zest. To keep your Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie fresh, you should refrigerate it. Place the pie in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. This will help prevent it from drying out or absorbing other smells from the fridge. You can store it like this for up to four days. If you want to save your pie for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the pie cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to keep it safe from freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the pie in the fridge overnight before serving. For the best taste and texture, eat your pie within four days if stored in the fridge. Freezing does extend its life to three months, but for the best flavor, try to eat it sooner. Check for any signs of freezer burn or off smells when thawing. Enjoy the freshest slice possible for the best experience! Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work great in this pie. Just toss them in the mix without thawing. This saves time and keeps the pie juicy. How do I know when the pie is done? The pie is done when the topping is golden brown. You will also see the cranberries bubbling. This usually takes about 30 to 35 minutes in the oven. Can I make this pie ahead of time? Absolutely! You can make this pie a day before. Just store it in the fridge after it cools. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. What are good substitutions for cream cheese? You can use Greek yogurt or mascarpone for a lighter option. For dairy-free, try vegan cream cheese. Both give a similar creamy texture and taste. This article covers everything you need for a perfect cranberry cream cheese crumb pie. We reviewed the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and baking tips to ensure your pie turns out great. We also shared fun variations, storage info, and answers to common questions. Feel free to experiment with flavors and toppings. Enjoy sharing this delightful pie with friends and family. Baking this pie will bring smiles to everyone's faces.

Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

A delicious pie featuring a creamy cream cheese layer topped with tart cranberries and a crumbly topping.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pre-made pie crust or homemade if preferred
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 2 ground cinnamon
  • 1 4 cup chopped pecans (for topping)
  • 1 4 cup rolled oats (for topping)
  • 1 4 cup brown sugar (for topping)
  • 1 4 cup melted butter (for topping)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pre-made pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly against the sides and bottom. Prick the bottom with a fork to prevent bubbling.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Spread this mixture evenly over the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
  • In another bowl, toss the cranberries with orange zest, cornstarch, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Spread this mixture over the cream cheese layer in the pie.
  • For the crumb topping, in a separate bowl, combine chopped pecans, rolled oats, brown sugar, and melted butter. Mix until crumbly. Evenly sprinkle the crumb topping over the cranberries.
  • Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cranberries are bubbling.
  • Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Serve warm or chilled, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra orange zest for added flair.
Keyword cranberry, cream cheese, dessert, pie