Favorite Cranberry Apple Pie

For as long as I can remember, my mom baked both a traditional Apple Pie and a Cranberry Apple Pie as one of her Thanksgiving recipe for kids. I’m pretty sure that the recipe came off of the back of the cranberry bag and it was always perfect. I loved to help peel (and eat!) the Granny Smith apples and I now enjoy making this family dessert to share with my own kids. This combination of fall fruits is interesting since the fresh cranberries add a nice tang to cut through the sweetness with an extra element. It pairs well with whipped cream, and vanilla ice cream, and is totally delicious cold the morning after with strong coffee. (What, you don’t eat pie for breakfast? You should!) (You may also like Apple Cookies, Easy Pumpkin Pie, Applesauce Cake, Butternut Squash Pie, and Sweet Potato Baby Cake.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this festive pie. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

6-7 Cortland, MacIntosh or Granny Smith apples Fresh cranberries: Look for these in the produce section of your store in the fall. Sugar: This sweetens the filling of the pie just enough to balance the natural sugars of the fruits and the tartness of the berries. Cornstarch: This helps thicken the liquid from the fruit inside the pie as it bakes. Cinnamon and fresh lemon juice: This adds flavor to the fruit filling. Easy Whole-Wheat Pie Crust Milk and sugar to help the crust be a little shiny.

TIP: I like to use fresh cranberries in this recipe, though frozen ones would work too.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process for making this cranberry apple pie. Scroll down to the bottom of the recipe for the full info. TIP: If the crust starts to brown too much during the baking process, cover the pie loosely with a piece of foil.

Can I make this with dried cranberries?

I’ve not ever made this with dried cranberries but I do love the tang of the fresh cranberries so I suggest looking for fresh ones if you can! Frozen fresh ones will work fine too. (You may also like my Cranberry Muffins and Cranberry Orange Bread.)

How to Store Cranberry Apple Pie

If you have any leftovers, simply wrap the top of the pie with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm briefly, or serve chilled, according to your preference.

Best Tips for Success

Use Cortland, MacIntosh or Granny Smith apples, or any baking apple you like. Use purchased pie crust or my Whole Wheat Pie Crust if you like. If the crust starts to brown too much during the baking process, cover the pie loosely with a piece of foil. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired. Wrap any leftovers with plastic wrap or foil and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm to serve.

If you make this recipe, please comment below and share your feedback. I love hearing from you guys!