Rustic Apple-Cranberry Delight
Indulge in this Rustic Apple-Cranberry Delight, where sweet, crisp apples meet tart cranberries for an irresistible pie that screams comfort. Using a blend of fresh fruits like Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Fuji, or Braeburn apples, this pie boasts a delightful balance of flavors and textures. The unique cranberry filling, enriched with bright orange juice, adds a layer of refreshing tartness. Prepare both fillings ahead of time for convenience, and create a flaky double-crust using your favorite pastry recipe. This delightful pie is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy evening at home, serving 8 to 12 generous slices. Each bite will transport you to a warm kitchen filled with the fragrant scent of baking apples and spices.
10
Servings
280
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cranberries
2 cups (fresh or frozen)
Orange Juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Sugar
1 cup (divided)
Ground Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon
Table Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Water
1/4 cup
Cornstarch
1 tablespoon
Sweet Apples
3 1/2 lbs (peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices (6 to 7 medium))
Pie Pastry
1 recipe (for double-crust pie)
Egg White
1 (beaten lightly)
Additional Sugar
1 tablespoon (for sprinkling on top of pie)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, orange juice, 1/2 cup sugar, 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, cooking while stirring occasionally. Use a wooden spoon to press the berries against the pot, allowing them to break down. Cook until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency, about 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in water, then allow to cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
2
In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix 1/2 cup sugar, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, and cornstarch. Add the sliced apples and toss until well combined. Microwave on high, stirring every 3 minutes, until the apples start to turn translucent and the liquid thickens, about 10 to 14 minutes. Let this mixture cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes).
3
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Adjust the oven rack to the lowest position and place a rimmed baking sheet on the rack. Roll out one disk of pastry on a generously floured surface to about a 12-inch circle, 1/8 inch thick. Carefully transfer the dough to a pie plate, leaving at least a 1-inch overhang. Gently press the dough into the plate, then refrigerate until firm (about 30 minutes).
4
Once the crust is firm, spread the cooled cranberry mixture evenly into the pie plate. Top with the apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center. Ensure sharp apple edges are pressed down gently.
5
Roll out the second disk of pastry similarly and cover the pie with it, leaving at least a 1-inch overhang. Use kitchen shears to trim the overhanging dough to a 1/2-inch overhang. Fold the dough under itself to create a thicker border, flush with the rim of the pie plate. Crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to seal.
6
Brush the top and edges of the pie with the beaten egg white, then sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of sugar. Cut four 1 1/2-inch slits in the top crust to create a cross pattern for steam to escape.
7
Place the pie on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C), rotate the baking sheet, and continue baking until the crust is deep golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes longer. Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing into wedges and serving.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
42g
Carbs
3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Rustic Apple-Cranberry Delight?
The Rustic Apple-Cranberry Delight is a flavorful pie that combines sweet, crisp apples with tart cranberries in a flaky double-crust pastry.
Which apple varieties are recommended for this recipe?
For the best results, use sweet apples like Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Fuji, or Braeburn to ensure a delightful balance of flavors and textures.
Can I use frozen cranberries for the filling?
Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cranberries for the cranberry filling.
How many servings does this pie provide?
This recipe yields approximately 10 servings, though it can be sliced to serve between 8 and 12 people.
What is the purpose of orange juice in the cranberry mixture?
Orange juice is added to the cranberry filling to enrich it with a bright, refreshing tartness.
How do I prepare the cranberry filling?
Combine cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a saucepan. Boil over medium-high heat, pressing the berries until they break down and reach a jam-like consistency.
Why are the apples microwaved before baking?
Microwaving the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch helps them become translucent and thickens the liquid, ensuring the filling is properly cooked and not too runny.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for the first stage of baking.
How long should the fillings cool before assembly?
Both the cranberry and apple filling mixtures should be allowed to cool to room temperature for about 30 minutes before being added to the pie crust.
How thick should I roll out the pastry dough?
Roll out the pastry disks on a floured surface until they are about 12 inches in diameter and 1/8 inch thick.
Why should the bottom crust be refrigerated?
Refrigerating the bottom crust for about 30 minutes until firm helps maintain its structure and prevents it from getting soggy when the fillings are added.
How do I arrange the fillings in the pie?
Spread the cooled cranberry mixture evenly on the bottom crust, then top it with the apple mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
What is the best way to seal the top and bottom crusts?
Fold the overhanging dough under itself to create a thick border flush with the rim, then crimp the edges using your fingers or a fork to seal.
Why is egg white used on the top crust?
Brushing the top and edges with beaten egg white helps the crust brown beautifully and allows the decorative sugar sprinkle to stick.
Why do I need to cut slits in the top of the pie?
Cutting slits allows steam to escape during the baking process, preventing the crust from bursting or becoming soggy.
How long is the total baking time?
The pie bakes for 20 to 25 minutes at 425°F, and then for an additional 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F.
When should I lower the oven temperature?
Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) after the first 20 to 25 minutes of baking, once the top is golden brown.
How long should the pie cool before slicing?
The pie should cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the fillings to set properly before serving.
What is the calorie count for a slice of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 280 calories.
What are the macronutrients for one serving?
One serving contains 11g of fat, 42g of carbohydrates, and 3g of protein.
What type of cinnamon is used?
The recipe calls for ground cinnamon, which is divided between the cranberry and apple fillings.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Yes, the recipe suggests using your favorite pastry recipe for a double-crust pie.
What is the role of cornstarch in the recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent for the apple filling liquid as it cooks in the microwave.
How do I prevent the apple edges from puncturing the crust?
When mounding the apples in the center, ensure any sharp edges of the apple slices are pressed down gently.
What should I use to brush the crust?
One lightly beaten egg white is used to brush the top and edges of the pastry.
Is this recipe good for the holidays?
Yes, the combination of apples and cranberries makes it an ideal dessert for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.
How much sugar is needed in total?
The recipe uses 1 cup of sugar (divided between the fillings) plus an additional tablespoon for sprinkling on top.
Should the baking sheet be preheated?
Yes, placing a rimmed baking sheet on the lowest oven rack while preheating helps bake the bottom crust more effectively.
What should the consistency of the cranberry filling be?
The cranberry mixture should be cooked until it reaches a jam-like consistency, which takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
How thin should the apple slices be cut?
The apples should be peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick slices.