As the holiday season approaches, the air is filled with the fragrant promise of home-baked delights, and nothing brings a festive spirit quite like a Crustless Cranberry Pie. I remember the first time I served this delightful dessert at a family dinner; the bright, tart cranberries burst with flavor, drawing gasps of delight from my loved ones. It's one of those simple recipes that feels like a celebratory hug on a plate!

This pie requires just one bowl and a handful of ingredients, making it an effortless addition to your holiday spread or a cozy evening treat. The tender, cake-like texture pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of whipped cream, making each bite a seasonal delight. Whether you use fresh or frozen cranberries, this dessert strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, letting the natural flavors shine through. So let's dive into this easy recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why is Crustless Cranberry Pie so special?

Simplicity: This recipe is a breeze to make, requiring just one bowl and minimal prep, so you can spend more time enjoying the festivities!
Flavor-Packed: The tart cranberries harmonize beautifully with the tender, cake-like texture, creating a delightful contrast that dances on your palate.
Versatile: Feel free to swap ingredients-try using frozen cranberries or other berries for a unique twist, or enhance the flavor with different extracts like vanilla.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its charming appearance and delicious taste make it a hit at holiday gatherings; it's sure to become a cherished favorite among your loved ones.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether for a holiday feast or a cozy night in, this pie adapts effortlessly to any setting-enjoy it warm with ice cream for the best experience!

Crustless Cranberry Pie Ingredients

• Unlock the magic of this pie with these simple ingredients!

For the Batter

All-purpose flour - Provides structure; substitute with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
White sugar - Adds sweetness; brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
Salt - Enhances flavor balance.
Fresh cranberries - Main flavor component; provides tartness and can be substituted with thawed frozen cranberries.
Chopped walnuts - Adds crunch and flavor; can be replaced with pecans or omitted for nut-free.
Butter, melted - Contributes moisture and richness; coconut oil can be a dairy-free alternative.
Large eggs, beaten - Binds ingredients together; egg replacer or flax eggs can be used for a vegan option.
Almond extract - Enhances flavor; vanilla extract can substitute if desired.

Feel free to mix and match with these ingredients to create your perfect Crustless Cranberry Pie!

How to Make Crustless Cranberry Pie

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9-inch pie pan. This step ensures your pie comes out effortlessly smooth and golden brown.
Combine flour, sugar, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir these dry ingredients until well-blended, creating a flavorful base for your pie.
Add the fresh cranberries and chopped walnuts, tossing gently to coat them thoroughly in the dry mixture. This enhances the tartness and adds delightful crunch!
Stir in melted butter, beaten eggs, and almond extract. Mix until the batter is fully combined and smooth, bringing all those warm, holiday flavors together.
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pie pan, ensuring it's level for an even bake.
Bake for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, allowing the pie to set perfectly with a tender texture.
Cool slightly before serving warm. This lets those amazing flavors meld while ensuring it's just the right temperature to enjoy!

Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for an extra festive touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Crustless Cranberry Pie preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the batter up to 24 hours in advance-simply combine all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the pie's delightful texture, remember to mix in the cranberries right before baking for the freshest flavor. The pie itself can also be baked a day ahead; just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerating. When you're ready to serve, warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. With these make-ahead options, you'll be ready to wow your guests with minimal last-minute effort!

How to Store and Freeze Crustless Cranberry Pie

Room Temperature: Keep the pie out for up to 24 hours in a cool place, covered lightly with a kitchen towel to maintain moisture without trapping steam.

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This keeps the tartness fresh and delicious for your next treat!

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pie by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To enjoy your Crustless Cranberry Pie again, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Crustless Cranberry Pie

Freshness Matters: Ensure cranberries are fresh or properly thawed to prevent excess moisture that can make the pie soggy.
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment! Substitute brown sugar for a richer flavor or use pecans instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
Perfect Texture: Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Overbaking may result in a dry pie, while underbaking could leave it gooey.
Presentation Boost: For an extra holiday touch, dust the top with powdered sugar right before serving to enhance the visual appeal of your Crustless Cranberry Pie.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers at room temperature for up to 24 hours or refrigerate for up to three days to maintain flavor and texture.

What to Serve with Crustless Cranberry Pie?

As the aroma of this delightful pie fills your home, consider these perfect pairings that elevate your holiday feast!

Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the tartness of the pie, offering a delightful contrast in flavors and textures.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious element to the warm pie, creating a festive presentation that your guests will love.
Hot Spiced Cider: This warm drink complements the tart cranberries with its own blend of spices, making it a cozy choice for the holiday season.
Ginger Snap Cookies: The spiciness of ginger snaps offers a lovely crunch and balances the sweetness of the pie, enhancing every bite with their zesty flavor.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their earthy, nutty flavor and crispy texture create a delicious balance with the sweet-tart pie and add nourishment to your meal.
Cheese Platter: A selection of sharp cheeses provides a savory contrast to the pie's sweetness, making your dessert experience even more intriguing.

These pairings will surely make your Crustless Cranberry Pie a centerpiece to remember-not just for its taste, but for the whole dining experience!

Crustless Cranberry Pie Variations

Feel free to customize this delightful dessert to suit your taste and dietary needs!

Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a deliciously inclusive dessert.
Vegan: Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and replace butter with coconut oil for a plant-based delight.
Nut-Free: Omit the walnuts entirely or swap them for sunflower seeds for a crunch without the nuts.
Berry Blend: Swap cranberries for a combination of blueberries and raspberries for a different fruity twist.
Flavor Upgrade: Infuse your pie with a splash of orange zest or lemon zest to brighten the flavor profile and add a hint of citrusy goodness.
Maple Sweetened: Replace white sugar with pure maple syrup for a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, aromatic touch that will envelop your home in holiday cheer.
Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent finish, drizzle melted dark chocolate over the cooled pie for that extra touch of indulgence!

Crustless Cranberry Pie Recipe FAQs

What type of cranberries should I use?
Absolutely! You can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for this pie. If using frozen cranberries, make sure they are fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in your pie. Fresh cranberries are generally preferred for their vibrant flavor and firm texture.

How should I store my Crustless Cranberry Pie?
After cooling, store any leftovers at room temperature for up to 24 hours, covered lightly with a kitchen towel. For longer storage, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it in a cool spot to maintain its delightful tartness!

Can I freeze Crustless Cranberry Pie?
Absolutely! To freeze your pie, first, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

What should I do if my pie is too moist?
If your Crustless Cranberry Pie turns out too moist, it could be due to excess moisture from the cranberries. I recommend taking care to ensure they're well-drained if using frozen ones. You can also try to bake it a little longer-keep an eye on it so it doesn't overbake. Just ensure a toothpick comes out clean when testing.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Very! For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. If you need a dairy-free option, use coconut oil instead of butter. For eggless preparation, you can substitute each egg with 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens (that will work as your egg replacer!).

Can I make substitutions for the ingredients?
The more the merrier! This Crustless Cranberry Pie is versatile. You can replace the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor profile, or omit the walnuts entirely for a nut-free version. Feel free to experiment with different extracts like vanilla or maple to create a unique flavor that suits your preference!