There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm aroma of apple pie wafting through the kitchen. But when you give it a twist with tart, ruby-red cranberries, you get a whole new level of flavor that’s perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. This old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce is a delightful blend of tradition and tangy freshness—perfect for those who crave both nostalgia and a little culinary adventure.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
The classic apple pie has been a staple of American baking for centuries. Its flaky crust and spiced apple filling are iconic, often served at Thanksgiving tables and Sunday dinners alike. But adding cranberry sauce to the mix not only enhances the pie’s visual appeal but also balances the sweetness with a pleasant tartness.
This old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce is not only delicious but also a great way to use leftover cranberry sauce from your holiday meal. People like it a lot, and it’s easy to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this classic dessert, you’ll need these ingredients:
For the Pie Filling:
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6 cups sliced, peeled apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
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1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or canned)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon nutmeg
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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A pinch of salt
For the Pie Crust:
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2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
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1 teaspoon salt
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1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
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6–8 tablespoons ice water
Optional:
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1 tablespoon butter (to dot the filling)
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1 egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk (to brush on the pie crust)
How to Make the Old Fashioned Apple Pie with Cranberry Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by making the crust. In a big bowl, stir together the flour and salt. Add the butter and mix until it looks like rough crumbs. Gradually add ice water, stirring until the dough begins to come together. Divide the dough in two, shape it into disks, wrap it in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the crust chills, prepare the filling. In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, cranberry sauce, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the apples are evenly coated. The cranberry sauce in this old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce brings a vibrant color and brightness to the mix that you’ll love.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out one dough piece and carefully put it into a 9-inch pie pan. Add the apple and cranberry filling and dot with butter. Roll out the second dough piece and place it on top. Press and pinch the edges to seal. Make a few small cuts on top so steam can come out.
Brush the top with the egg and milk mixture to make the crust golden and shiny.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the pie at 425°F for 20 minutes. Next, turn the oven down to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 35–40 more minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. filling is bubbling.
Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This rest time helps the filling set beautifully.
Tips for the Best Results
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Use firm apples: Soft apples may break down too much during baking. Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart, ideal for the old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce.
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Let the pie cool completely: This allows the cranberry and apple mixture to firm up, making for cleaner slices.
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Try a lattice crust: For a rustic, homemade look, weave strips of dough over the filling. It also allows the gorgeous cranberry color to peek through.
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Spice it up: Add a touch of clove or allspice if you enjoy deeper fall flavors.
Serving Suggestions
This pie pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of cold creaminess with the warm, spiced pie is hard to beat.
You can also drizzle a bit of leftover cranberry sauce on top before serving for an extra punch of flavor. It enhances the old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce and makes the presentation even more stunning.
Making It Ahead of Time
Planning for a holiday gathering? This pie can be made in advance! Just bake it the day before and keep it covered lightly at room temperature. You can also refrigerate it and reheat it gently in the oven before serving.
Another great option is to freeze the unbaked pie. Just assemble it fully, wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, pop it into the oven directly from the freezer—just add about 15 extra minutes to the baking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Slice, Approximate)
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Calories: 340
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Fat: 16g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Sugars: 24g
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Fiber: 3g
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Protein: 3g
While this isn’t a “light” dessert, it’s a wholesome treat made with real fruit and classic ingredients. As with most things, enjoy in moderation and savor each bite.
A Seasonal Showstopper
This old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce is more than just dessert—it’s a celebration of flavor, family, and tradition. Whether you’re bringing it to a potluck, serving it after a Thanksgiving feast, or enjoying a slice with coffee on a chilly morning, it delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.
Adding cranberry sauce to the classic recipe elevates the dish and turns it into something both familiar and exciting. It’s the kind of pie that sparks conversation and brings people back for seconds.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a fresh twist to your holiday baking lineup, this old fashioned apple pie with cranberry sauce is the perfect choice. It’s easy for beginners to make and will impress your guests. The marriage of sweet apples and tart cranberries will surely stand the test of time—just like the memories you’ll create while enjoying it.