Name: Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ½ cup sugar; ½ cup chopped pecans; ¾ cup butter, softened; 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative below); ⅔ cup brown rice flour; ⅓ cup tapioca starch

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 70 reviews

If you are searching for a dessert that perfectly balances tartness and sweetness with a nostalgic, homemade touch, look no further than the Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe. This delightful pie combines the fresh zing of cranberries with a crunchy sugar crust and a tender, cakey topping, creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it’s for the holidays or a cozy weekend treat, this pie is pure cranberry dessert heaven that celebrates the best of seasonal fruits in a way that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass pie dish filled with a mix of bright red and deep purple cranberries scattered evenly on top, with small pieces of light brown pecans mixed in. The cranberries and pecans are dusted with a fine layer of white granulated sugar, giving a frosted look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and there is a beige and gray plaid cloth casually placed to the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting started with the Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward yet crucial. Each component plays its role, enhancing texture, adding natural tartness or buttery richness, and bringing that perfect golden color to the top layer.

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries: These provide the star tart flavor and vibrant red color that defines the pie.
½ cup sugar: Balances the cranberries’ natural sharpness with just the right amount of sweetness.
½ cup chopped pecans: Adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth to the filling.
¾ cup butter, softened: The base of the cakey topping, imparting richness and moisture.
1 cup sugar: Sweetens and helps create a golden, crackly crust on top.
2 eggs: Bind the topping ingredients together for that fluffy, tender texture.
1 teaspoon almond extract: Brings a subtle, nutty aroma that complements the cranberries beautifully.
1 cup all-purpose flour: The structure for the cake-like topping; can be swapped with gluten-free alternatives if preferred.
Gluten-Free Alternative: ⅔ cup brown rice flour plus ⅓ cup tapioca starch makes a perfect blend for those avoiding gluten.

How to Make Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Filling

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F, which ensures it’s ready to give your pie the perfect even bake. In the meantime, mix together the cranberries, sugar, and chopped pecans – this combination forms the tangy, crunchy filling layer that is the heart of the pie.

Step 2: Butter the Pie Plate and Add Filling

Generously buttering a 10-inch pie plate is key to preventing sticking and adds to that melt-in-your-mouth buttery flavor. Pour your cranberry mixture directly into the prepared dish, evenly spreading the juicy filling across the bottom.

Step 3: Make the Cakey Topping

In a separate bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until smooth and fluffy. This step is all about incorporating air to get a tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, then beat in the almond extract, which adds such an irresistible fragrance and depth of flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate the Flour

Stir in your choice of flour – either all-purpose or the gluten-free blend of brown rice flour and tapioca starch. This forms the batter portion of the topping that will bake into the soft, cakey layer you want crowning your cranberries.

Step 5: Dollop and Bake

Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to dollop the thick batter over the cranberry filling. Don’t stress about making it look perfect; uneven patches create charming, rustic pockets of cakey goodness after baking. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, checking with a toothpick to confirm the cake layer is cooked through.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once the pie is golden and the aroma fills your kitchen, take it out and let it cool just slightly. Serving it warm with a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream elevates this Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe to an absolutely dreamy experience.

How to Serve Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe

A round baked dish with a golden-brown top layer showing a slightly cracked and crumbly texture, filled with bright red berry spots that are mixed evenly throughout. The dish is cut into eight triangular slices, each slice revealing a soft, pale inside with red berry pieces visible. The dish is in a clear glass round pan sitting on a white marbled surface, with a white and gray checkered cloth partially underneath it. The overall color contrast is warm with red and golden hues on a clear pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dollop of freshly whipped cream sprinkled with a few toasted pecans on top provides a creamy contrast to the tart fruit and crunchy topping. Alternatively, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream can melt deliciously into the warm pie, making every bite feel like a holiday celebration.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea to complement its sweet-tart flavor. If serving at a gathering, consider fresh fruit salad or lightly dressed greens to balance the richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, dust the top with a fine coating of powdered sugar or drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice to add zesty brightness. You can also serve mini versions in tart shells for bite-sized enjoyment at parties, making the Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe suitable for any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your pie, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness for up to 3 days while preserving that delightful cakey topping texture and juicy cranberry filling.

Freezing

If you want to save your Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe for longer, wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to one month without sacrificing much quality, perfect for preparing ahead of holiday festivities.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy leftovers, reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or warm the whole pie in a 325°F oven for 15-20 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked charm, warming up the cranberries while keeping the topping soft and delightful.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well and can be used straight from the freezer without thawing, though stirring them a bit before adding can help them incorporate better into the filling.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The traditional Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can easily substitute with the recommended gluten-free mix of brown rice flour and tapioca starch for a delicious gluten-free option.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Allow the pie to come to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking, or bake fresh and store leftovers as noted.

How important is the almond extract?

The almond extract adds a subtle nutty aroma that enhances the flavor complexity, but if you don’t have it on hand, vanilla extract makes a fine substitute.

What variations can I try with this recipe?

You could experiment by adding orange zest to the filling for a citrusy twist, or swap pecans for walnuts or sliced almonds. Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the topping is another cozy option to try.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly magical about the Nantucket Cranberry Pie Recipe that brings warmth and joy to any table. Its perfect balance of tart, sweet, and nutty notes wrapped in an irresistible cakey topping makes it a treasured dessert you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again. If you’re looking for a pie that feels comforting yet exciting in every bite, don’t wait to try this recipe – your taste buds will thank you!