There’s something truly special about the holiday season, isn’t there? It’s a time for warmth, connection, and, of course, delicious food! As a home cook, I adore bringing joy to my family through comforting meals and delightful treats. This Crustless Cranberry Pie is my newest obsession, and I know it will become yours too. It’s wonderfully simple, quick to prepare, and bursts with the vibrant, festive flavor of cranberries. Forget the fuss of traditional pies; this delightful dessert proves that sometimes, less truly is more.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Crustless Cranberry Pie
I wholeheartedly believe this easy cranberry pie recipe is a game-changer, especially during busy times. Here’s why you’ll want to bake this incredible dessert again and again:
- Effortless Simplicity: Say goodbye to complicated crusts! This recipe skips the pie dough entirely, saving you time and stress in the kitchen.
- A Lighter Indulgence: Without a heavy crust, this cranberry dessert offers a lighter, more refreshing option perfect after a rich holiday meal.
- Naturally Gluten-Friendly: With just a simple flour swap (like a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend), you can easily enjoy this delightful pie.
- Cranberries, the Star: The brilliant, tart flavor of the cranberries truly shines through, offering a beautiful balance to the sweetness.
The Ultimate Easy Crustless Cranberry Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9-inch round pie dish with cooking spray; set it aside. I use a glass pie dish, so keep in mind baking times might vary if you use a metal one.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined; set the bowl aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter on high power for about 45 seconds. Let it sit for a moment to cool slightly before moving on. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them!
- Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir gently to combine everything. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until no dry streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in 2 cups of fresh cranberries and stir to combine. The batter for this delightful Crustless Cranberry Pie will be quite thick, which is exactly what we want.
- Turn the mixture out into your prepared pie dish, using a spatula to gently smooth the top.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries over the surface of the pie.
- Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top.
- Bake for about 34 to 38 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. I personally prefer to underbake slightly (around 33-34 minutes) for a wonderfully gooey center. Remember, all ovens, climates, and berries vary, so trust your eyes and not just the clock!
- Allow your baked Crustless Cranberry Pie to cool completely in the pie dish on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is important for the pie to set properly.
- Optionally, serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Your homemade pie will keep well, airtight, at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Notes
- Wash Cranberries: Always wash fresh cranberries before use.
- Check Doneness: The pie is ready when the edges are golden and the center is firm.
- Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial for it to set properly and allow for clean slices.
- Balance Tartness: If your cranberries are very tart, sprinkle a little extra sugar on top before baking.
- Room Temp/Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days at room temperature or up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Freezing: For longer storage, wrap the cooled pie in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator.
- Reheating: Warm slices gently in the microwave or a low oven until heated through.
Essential Equipment for Your Crustless Cranberry Pie
You don’t need fancy gadgets to whip up this wonderful Crustless Cranberry Pie. Gather these basic kitchen essentials:
- 9-inch round pie dish (glass is recommended)
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Wire rack for cooling
Ingredients for Your Crustless Cranberry Pie
This simple ingredient list is all you need to create a truly spectacular Crustless Cranberry Pie.
- 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (divided)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon almond extract (or to taste)
- 2 cups plus 1/4 cup fresh cranberries (divided)
Ingredient Deep Dive
Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating this flavorful pie. The granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the pie achieve its wonderful texture. All-purpose flour gives our delicious Crustless Cranberry Pie its structure, ensuring it holds together beautifully. Cinnamon and allspice infuse the pie with warm, cozy holiday flavors. Salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing all the other tastes, making the flavors pop. Melted butter adds richness and moisture, while eggs act as a binder, helping everything set. Finally, vanilla and almond extracts offer delightful aromatic notes, truly complementing the cranberries. I have only made this recipe with fresh cranberries and cannot comment on using frozen.
How to Make Your Crustless Cranberry Pie (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Get ready to bake a stunning and simple Crustless Cranberry Pie! Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously spray a 9-inch round pie dish with cooking spray; set it aside. I use a glass pie dish, so keep in mind baking times might vary if you use a metal one.
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined; set the bowl aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter on high power for about 45 seconds. Let it sit for a moment to cool slightly before moving on. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them!
- Add the large eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the slightly cooled melted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together thoroughly.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients in the large bowl and stir gently to combine everything. Be careful not to overmix; just stir until no dry streaks of flour remain.
- Fold in 2 cups of fresh cranberries and stir to combine. The batter for this delightful Crustless Cranberry Pie will be quite thick, which is exactly what we want.
- Turn the mixture out into your prepared pie dish, using a spatula to gently smooth the top.
- Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of fresh cranberries over the surface of the pie.
- Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the top.
- Bake for about 34 to 38 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the edges are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. I personally prefer to underbake slightly (around 33-34 minutes) for a wonderfully gooey center. Remember, all ovens, climates, and berries vary, so trust your eyes and not just the clock!
- Allow your baked Crustless Cranberry Pie to cool completely in the pie dish on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is important for the pie to set properly.
- Optionally, serve individual slices with a dollop of whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. Your homemade pie will keep well, airtight, at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Tips for Baking the Perfect Crustless Cranberry Pie
Baking this simple Crustless Cranberry Pie is a breeze, but a few tips can ensure a perfect outcome every time. Always wash your fresh cranberries thoroughly before use. When checking for doneness, look for that golden edge and a firm center. Cooling completely on a wire rack is crucial; this allows the pie to fully set, giving you clean, beautiful slices. If your cranberries seem extra tart, a tiny bit more sugar sprinkled on top before baking can help balance the flavor.
Customizing Your Crustless Cranberry Pie: Delicious Variations & Swaps
This basic recipe for Crustless Cranberry Pie is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to get creative with these delicious variations!
| Category | Variation/Swap | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Alternative Spices | Cardamom, ginger, nutmeg | Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger or cardamom for a different warm note. |
| Citrus Zest Pairings | Orange, lemon, lime zest | Add 1-2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest to the batter for a brighter flavor that complements cranberries. |
| Sweetener Alternatives | Brown sugar, maple syrup, honey | Brown sugar (1:1) adds depth. For liquid sweeteners, reduce other wet ingredients slightly. |
| Other Fruit Additions | Chopped orange segments, blueberries, raspberries | Mix in up to 1/2 cup of other berries or finely chopped fruit with the cranberries. |
| Nut Variations | Pecans, almonds, walnuts | Fold in 1/2 cup of chopped nuts with the cranberries for added texture and richness. |
| Optional Mix-Ins | White chocolate chips, dried cranberries, crystallized ginger | Stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips or finely chopped crystallized ginger for extra sweetness. |
| Gluten-Free | 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend | Simply swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. |
| Dairy-Free/Vegan | Vegan butter, flax eggs | Use a good quality vegan butter substitute. For eggs, use two “flax eggs” (2 tbsp ground flax + 6 tbsp water). |
Serving and Enjoying Your Crustless Cranberry Pie
This stunning Crustless Cranberry Pie is truly delightful, whether served warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream are classic pairings. However, I also love it chilled for breakfast with a cup of coffee. For a holiday gathering, consider serving slices on a festive cheese board alongside some sharp cheddar or brie for a wonderful sweet-tart contrast.
Storing, Making Ahead, and Reheating Your Crustless Cranberry Pie
Keep your amazing Crustless Cranberry Pie fresh and ready to enjoy. Store leftovers airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. To reheat slices, warm gently in the microwave or a low oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
The recipe was developed using fresh cranberries, so I cannot guarantee results with frozen. If you try frozen, do not thaw them first; add them directly to the batter.
Can I use other berries or fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! This Crustless Cranberry Pie is adaptable. Blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped apples would be delicious, but adjust baking time as needed.
How do I know when my Crustless Cranberry Pie is done baking?
Look for golden-brown edges and a set center. A toothpick inserted into the middle should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie is excellent made a day or two in advance. Store it covered at room temperature until ready to serve.
Your New Favorite Holiday Tradition: The Delightful Crustless Cranberry Pie
I truly hope this Crustless Cranberry Pie brings as much joy to your kitchen as it has to mine. It’s such a simple, yet utterly delicious, dessert that perfectly captures the spirit of the season without any stress. I think it’s destined to become a beloved holiday tradition for your family. I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please leave a comment below with your favorite variations, ask any questions, or even share photos of your beautiful creation. Happy baking, my friends!
