Cranberry-Apple Orchard Pie
This delightful Cranberry-Apple Orchard Pie oozes fall flavors with every slice. A harmonious blend of tart Granny Smith apples and sweetened dried cranberries creates a perfect balance that dances on your palate. Enhanced with a medley of warm spices, this pie is enveloped in a tender flaky crust that you can easily make at home using MEAN CHEF's Classic Pie Crust recipe. Not only is it a beautiful addition to any dessert table, but it's also a nostalgic nod to apple picking in the orchards. Serve it warm with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a chunk of sharp cheddar cheese for a truly comforting treat.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
double crust pie crust
1 (Use MEAN CHEF's Classic Pie Crust or your favorite recipe.)
Granny Smith apples or Pippin apples
8-10 (Peeled, cored, and sliced.)
dried sweetened cranberries (Craisins) or dried sweetened sour cherries
1 cup
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons
butter
2 tablespoons (Melted.)
honey
1/4 cup
sugar
1/2 cup
ground cinnamon
1-2 teaspoons (To taste.)
freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon
ground cardamom
1/4 teaspoon
cornstarch
3 tablespoons
good brandy
1/4 cup
butter
2 tablespoons (Cut into small pieces.)
milk or egg wash
For brushing
sugar
For sprinkling (Preferably coarse sanding sugar.)
sharp cheddar cheese or premium vanilla ice cream
As accompaniment ((optional))
Instructions
1
Start by preparing MEAN CHEF's classic pie crust. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours—overnight is preferable for the best results.
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the peeled, cored, and sliced apples with the dried cranberries or cherries.
3
Drizzle the mixture with fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and honey, and toss gently to coat.
4
Sprinkle the sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and cornstarch over the fruit mixture, then drizzle with brandy. Toss again until well combined.
5
Cover the bowl and microwave on HIGH for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through. The apples should be slightly softened.
6
After microwaving, let the filling cool completely, or refrigerate it overnight for enhanced flavors.
7
Roll out the pie crust using lightly floured wax paper. Place the bottom crust into a greased 9-inch glass pie plate, ensuring it fits nicely. Trim any excess crust leaving about an inch overhang.
8
Brush the edges of the bottom crust with water, then carefully spoon the cooled filling into the crust. Dot with small pieces of butter.
9
Place the rolled out top crust over the filling, trim to match the bottom crust's edge, and gently press the edges together to seal. Fold the edges under and crimp as desired for decoration.
10
Cut several small steam vents in the top crust, then brush lightly with an egg wash or milk. If desired, sprinkle sugar over the crust.
11
Position the pie on a baking sheet to catch spills and place in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C). Bake for 20 minutes.
12
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes.
13
Monitor the pie; if browning too quickly, cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the crust is crispy and golden brown.
14
Remove from the oven and allow the pie to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally accompanied by sharp cheddar cheese or vanilla ice cream for a perfect pairing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cranberry-Apple Orchard Pie?
It is a fall-inspired dessert featuring a blend of tart Granny Smith apples, sweetened dried cranberries, and warm spices in a flaky crust.
Which apple varieties are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith or Pippin apples are recommended for their tart flavor and ability to hold their shape during baking.
Can I substitute dried cherries for cranberries?
Yes, you can use dried sweetened sour cherries as an alternative to dried sweetened cranberries.
How long should the pie crust be refrigerated?
The crust should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferable for the best results.
What spices are included in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground allspice, and ground cardamom.
Why is the filling microwaved before baking?
Microwaving the fruit mixture for 8-10 minutes helps slightly soften the apples and allows the flavors to meld before they go into the oven.
Is alcohol used in this pie recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1/4 cup of good brandy to be tossed with the fruit mixture.
How many apples do I need?
You will need between 8 and 10 apples, depending on their size.
What size pie plate is recommended?
A 9-inch glass pie plate is suggested for this recipe.
How do I prevent the crust from burning?
If the crust is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.
What temperatures are used for baking?
The pie starts at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes, then the temperature is lowered to 375°F (190°C) for the rest of the bake.
How long is the total baking time?
The total baking time is approximately 60 minutes: 20 minutes at the higher temperature and about 40 minutes at the lower temperature.
What should I serve with this pie?
It is delicious served warm with a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream or a piece of sharp cheddar cheese.
Does the recipe use honey?
Yes, 1/4 cup of honey is drizzled over the fruit mixture to provide sweetness and depth.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the juices released by the apples and cranberries during baking.
Should I peel the apples?
Yes, the apples should be peeled, cored, and sliced before being combined with other ingredients.
How do I seal the top and bottom crusts?
Brush the edges of the bottom crust with water, place the top crust over, press together to seal, and then fold and crimp the edges.
What is used for the crust wash?
You can use either an egg wash or milk to brush over the top crust before baking to help it brown.
Should I grease the pie plate?
Yes, the instructions specify using a greased 9-inch glass pie plate.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, after microwaving, you can refrigerate the filling overnight to enhance the flavors.
What type of sugar is best for sprinkling on top?
Coarse sanding sugar is preferred for sprinkling on the crust to add texture and sparkle.
How do I let steam escape during baking?
Cut several small steam vents in the top crust before placing the pie in the oven.
Why should I put the pie on a baking sheet?
Positioning the pie on a baking sheet helps catch any spills or drips that might occur during the baking process.
Is lemon juice necessary?
Lemon juice is used to drizzle over the apples, which provides acidity and helps prevent the fruit from browning excessively before cooking.
Can I use store-bought crust?
Yes, while the recipe mentions MEAN CHEF's Classic Pie Crust, you can use your favorite homemade or store-bought double crust.
How much butter is added to the filling?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted butter in the mixture and another 2 tablespoons cut into pieces to dot the top of the filling.
Does the pie need to cool before serving?
The pie should cool on a wire rack and can be served either warm or at room temperature.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients listed for the pie, including the crust and accompaniments.
Can I use ground nutmeg instead of fresh?
Yes, though freshly grated nutmeg is specified, ground nutmeg can be used as a substitute.
Is this a good holiday dessert?
Absolutely; with its blend of apples, cranberries, and warm spices, it is a perfect addition to any fall or holiday table.