Deserts

Cranberry Apple Pie with Streusel

Name: Cranberry Apple Pie with Streusel
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced; 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries; ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg; 1 tbsp lemon juice; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ cup

Servings: 8 Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Difficulty: Beginner

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Introduction

Cranberry Apple Pie with Streusel is a deliciously festive twist on the classic apple pie, bringing together the sweetness of tender apples with the tart pop of cranberries. What makes this pie extra special is the buttery streusel topping, which adds a golden, crumbly crunch that pairs perfectly with the juicy fruit filling.

This pie is the kind of dessert that feels comforting and celebratory all at once. It’s rustic enough for a cozy family dinner but elegant enough to shine as the centerpiece of a holiday table. With its balance of sweet, tart, spiced, and buttery flavors, it’s the perfect way to highlight the best of autumn and winter ingredients.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it brings together two classic fall fruits—apples and cranberries—in a way that feels both familiar and refreshing. The sweetness of the apples balances the tart cranberries perfectly, while the streusel topping adds a delightful crunch and buttery richness. It’s one of those desserts that makes the house smell incredible while it bakes, filling the air with cinnamon and nutmeg.

Another reason I love it is its versatility—it works just as well at a casual family gathering as it does at a holiday dinner. It’s rustic yet elegant, and it never fails to impress. Plus, every bite feels like fall on a fork.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

Perfect seasonal flavors: Apples and cranberries are a match made in heaven.
Textural contrast: Juicy fruit filling + crunchy streusel = dessert perfection.
Showstopper pie: A beautiful centerpiece for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Crowd-pleasing: Tart, sweet, and spiced—it has something for everyone.

If you love pies, this one is a must-try because it elevates a classic apple pie with a festive twist.

Recipe Info

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories (per serving): ~380 kcal
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
4 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 medium apples)
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Streusel Topping:

½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ cup (60 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Quick Directions

Prepare pie crust in a dish.
Mix apples, cranberries, sugar, spices, and lemon juice. Pour into crust.
Mix streusel ingredients until crumbly. Sprinkle over fruit filling.
Bake until golden and bubbly.
Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Place your unbaked pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
Trim and crimp the edges as desired.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Toss until the fruit is well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Step 3: Make the Streusel Topping

In a medium bowl, mix flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
Cut in the cold butter with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture is crumbly.
Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the fruit filling.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake for 50–55 minutes, until the streusel is golden and the filling is bubbling.
If the crust browns too quickly, cover edges with foil.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

How to Serve

Best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
For a festive presentation, dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Additional Recipe Tips

Use a mix of apple varieties (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for more depth of flavor.
Fresh cranberries work best, but frozen can be used (no need to thaw).
Chill your butter well before making the streusel—it makes it extra crumbly.
Place a baking sheet under the pie dish to catch any bubbling juices.

Variations

Nutty Streusel: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Caramel Twist: Drizzle caramel sauce over the fruit before adding the streusel.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free pie crust and flour substitute.
Mini Pies: Make individual pies in ramekins or muffin tins.

Freezing & Storage

Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing: Wrap the baked pie tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

9-inch pie dish
Mixing bowls
Pastry cutter or fork (for streusel)
Baking sheet (to catch drips)

Conclusion

Cranberry Apple Pie with Streusel is a dessert that captures the very essence of fall and winter gatherings. The tart cranberries and sweet spiced apples wrapped in a flaky crust and topped with a buttery crumble create a symphony of flavors and textures. It’s festive, cozy, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table.

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