Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe

The Cozy Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe Everyone Adores

Sweet memories often bloom around a creamy cranberry cheesecake pie that whispers comfort and celebration.

Seasonal ingredients come together in a delightful dance of flavors.

Layers of tangy berries meld perfectly with rich, velvety cream cheese.

Each slice promises a magical blend of textures that spark joy at the table.

Crumbly graham cracker crust provides a delicious foundation for this irresistible dessert.

Festive yet simple, this pie works magic for weekend gatherings or special occasions.

Make this recipe and watch smiles light up around you.

Festive Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Festive Cranberry Cheesecake Pie
  • Craft Seasonal Delight: Celebrate the vibrant flavors of cranberry with this stunning pie that combines creamy cheesecake and fruity goodness in one incredible dessert.
  • Master Layered Complexity: Experience a delightful texture journey from buttery crumb crust to silky cheesecake center and tangy cranberry topping, creating a multi-dimensional taste experience.
  • Impress Without Stress: This recipe looks sophisticated but requires basic baking skills, making it perfect for home bakers wanting to create a show-stopping dessert without advanced techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, potlucks, or weekend family desserts, this pie offers a balance of sweet, tart, and rich flavors that appeal to different taste preferences.

Ingredients for Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Pie Crust Base:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient that provides structure to the pie crust.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning of the crust.
  • Light Brown Sugar: Contributes a rich, caramel-like flavor to the crust.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, aromatic spice to enhance the overall taste.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the crust achieve a light and tender texture.
  • Salt: Balances and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
  • Unsalted Butter: Provides richness and helps create a flaky, tender crust.
Cheesecake Filling:
  • Cream Cheese: The primary ingredient that creates the smooth, creamy base of the cheesecake layer.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cheesecake filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, comforting flavor to the cheesecake.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides structure to the filling.
  • Cornstarch: Assists in thickening and stabilizing the cheesecake layer.
Cranberry Topping:
  • Cranberries: The star ingredient that provides a tart and vibrant flavor.
  • Granulated Sugar: Balances the tartness of the cranberries.
  • Orange Zest: Adds a bright, citrusy note to the cranberry mixture.
  • Water: Helps create the sauce-like consistency for the cranberry topping.

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Step 1: Create Cranberry Sauce

Combine fresh cranberries with:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Orange zest
  • Water

Cook in a heavy saucepan over medium-high heat until mixture boils. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until cranberries soften.

Let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare Pie Crust Mixture

Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Light brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Add softened unsalted butter and blend using a pastry blender until crumbly.

Step 3: Form Pie Crust

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch glass pie dish.

Press about 2 cups of crumbly mixture into bottom and sides of dish. Bake for 8 minutes, then cool.

Step 4: Create Crumb Topping

Mix remaining crumb mixture with melted unsalted butter using a fork. Set aside.

Step 5: Whip Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with granulated sugar and vanilla extract until smooth. Add slightly beaten egg and cornstarch.

Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Assemble Pie Layers

Spread cheesecake mixture evenly over cooled crust.

Spoon cooled cranberry sauce over cheesecake layer, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle reserved crumb topping over cranberry layer.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Bake for 33-38 minutes until topping turns golden and cheesecake sets. Remove from oven and cool for 1 hour at room temperature.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. Store in refrigerator.

Pro Tips for Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Pro Tips for Creamy Cranberry Cheesecake Pie
Enhance your cranberry cheesecake pie with these expert tips:
  • Use fresh or frozen cranberries interchangeably for maximum flexibility in recipe preparation.
  • Ensure cream cheese is completely softened at room temperature to create a smooth, lump-free cheesecake layer.
  • Control cranberry sweetness by adjusting sugar levels based on berry tartness and personal preference.
  • Prevent crust from becoming soggy by allowing each layer to cool completely before adding the next component.
  • Refrigerate pie for at least 2 hours to help set the cheesecake and develop deeper flavor profiles.

Variations on Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

  • Gluten-Free Cranberry Cheesecake Pie: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Berry Cheesecake Pie: Swap cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese, use coconut oil instead of butter, and replace egg with flax egg or silken tofu.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Alternative: Substitute granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries instead of cranberries for a different flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Version: Use almond flour for crust, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese with full-fat mascarpone for a lower-carb dessert option.

Suggested Pairings for Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

  • Select a sweet, slightly fizzy Moscato wine that complements the cranberry's tartness and balances the rich, creamy cheesecake texture.
  • Add a scoop of smooth, cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside the pie to enhance the dessert's warmth and provide a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Brew a warm chai latte with its complex spices like cinnamon and cardamom to echo the pie's subtle cinnamon notes and create a cozy, comforting experience.
  • Drizzle a small amount of orange-flavored liqueur like Grand Marnier over the slice, which will highlight the recipe's orange zest and add a sophisticated adult touch.

Proper Storage for Cranberry Cheesecake Pie

Proper Storage for Cranberry Cheesecake Pie
  • Refrigerate: Store the cranberry cheesecake pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 4-5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freeze: Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating Slice: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Alternatively, use a preheated oven at 325°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the original texture.
  • Room Temperature: Let the pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the cream cheese layer and enhance flavor.

FAQs

  • What makes the crust unique in this Cranberry Cheesecake Pie?

The crust is a crumbly mixture of flour, sugars, cinnamon, and butter that creates a rustic, textured base with a sweet and slightly spiced flavor profile.

  • Can I use frozen cranberries for the filling?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking with sugar and orange zest to ensure the right consistency.

  • How do I know when the cheesecake layer is properly set?

The cheesecake layer is set when it looks firm and doesn’t jiggle much in the center when you gently shake the pie. It should have a slight wobble but not be liquid-like.

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Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 31 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich cranberry cheesecake pie brings festive flavors from New England bakeries to holiday tables. Creamy layers and tart berries create a delightful dessert that will satisfy seasonal cravings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened)
  • 10 oz fresh cranberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • ½ cup water
  • 1 egg (slightly beaten)
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • ½ cup plus 2 tbsps granulated sugar
  • 2 tsps cornstarch
  • 1 ½ tsps cinnamon
  • 2 tsps grated orange zest
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Craft a vibrant cranberry compote by combining cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and water in a heavy saucepan, stirring meticulously.
  2. Elevate heat to medium-high, triggering a boiling point, then reduce to medium-low for gentle simmering.
  3. Allow cranberries to soften and break down during a 10-minute cooking process, then transfer to cooling zone.
  4. Configure oven to 350°F, preparing a 9-inch glass pie dish with light greasing.
  5. Amalgamate dry ingredients including flour, sugars, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt in a comprehensive mixing bowl.
  6. Integrate softened butter into dry mixture, transforming ingredients into a delicate, crumbly texture using a pastry blender.
  7. Distribute approximately 2 cups of crumbly mixture across pie dish bottom and sides, baking for 8 minutes until lightly set.
  8. Enhance remaining crumb mixture with melted butter, creating a nuanced topping preparation.
  9. Whip cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  10. Fold in beaten egg and cornstarch, ensuring thorough incorporation without overmixing.
  11. Distribute cream cheese layer evenly across pre-baked crust, creating a smooth foundation.
  12. Delicately cascade cranberry compote atop cheesecake layer, maintaining a precise border.
  13. Generously sprinkle reserved crumb mixture over cranberry layer for textural contrast.
  14. Bake 33-38 minutes until topping achieves golden-brown perfection and cheesecake layer stabilizes.
  15. Allow pie to cool for one hour at room temperature, then refrigerate minimum 2 hours before serving and storing.

Notes

  • Achieve a smooth cheesecake layer by ensuring cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing, preventing lumps and creating a silky texture.
  • Prevent cranberry filling from sinking by gently spooning it over the cheesecake layer, maintaining a delicate touch to keep layers distinct.
  • Modify for gluten-free diets by substituting all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, maintaining the crumbly crust consistency.
  • Enhance flavor complexity by adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or orange liqueur to the cranberry filling for a sophisticated twist.
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 46 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 323 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 147 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 57 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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