Ultimate Cranberry Blueberry Pie Recipe: Sweet, Tart & Perfectly Flaky for the Holidays

Prepare to fall in love with this Cranberry Blueberry Pie, a dessert that masterfully balances sweet and tart flavors with an inviting hint of warm spices, all encased in a tender, buttery, and perfectly flaky crust. This isn’t just any pie; it’s a celebration of seasonal fruits, making it an absolutely essential centerpiece for your holiday table or any special occasion that calls for a truly unforgettable treat.

Why This Cranberry Blueberry Pie is a Decades-Long Favorite

This particular cranberry blueberry pie recipe has held a special place in my heart, and on my holiday dessert menu, for nearly a decade! There’s just something undeniably magical about it. While I adore cranberries on their own, the synergy created when they’re paired with sweet blueberries in this pie is simply extraordinary. The natural sweetness of the blueberries beautifully mellows the characteristic tartness of the cranberries, creating a harmonious flavor profile that tastes like they were always destined to be together.

Beyond the incredible fruit combination, a touch of comforting cinnamon and nutmeg elevates the filling, adding a layer of cozy warmth that’s perfect for cooler weather. Pair this luscious filling with my absolute favorite all-butter flaky pie crust—a recipe guaranteed to deliver light, crisp, and tender results every time—and serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. This combination truly brings you as close to pie perfection as you could possibly get. If you’re searching for a standout seasonal fruit pie that offers a delightful alternative to the classic apple, look no further. This cranberry blueberry pie is precisely the festive dessert every holiday gathering deserves.

Crafting Your Perfect Cranberry Blueberry Pie

Achieving pie perfection with this cranberry blueberry recipe involves two key components, each playing a vital role in the final flavor and texture. Mastering both the luscious filling and the impeccably flaky crust will ensure a dessert that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning.

1. The Irresistible Cranberry Blueberry Pie Filling

   Our homemade filling is the heart of this pie. It’s crafted by cooking a vibrant mix of fresh or frozen cranberries and blueberries with granulated sugar, fragrant cinnamon, earthy nutmeg, cornstarch (our secret to perfect consistency), bright lemon zest, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. The crucial step here is cooking the filling on the stovetop *before* it goes into the pie crust. This pre-cooking method serves several important purposes:

   • **Prevents a Runny Pie:** Cooking the fruit mixture allows the cornstarch to fully activate and thicken the filling properly, preventing a watery, unset pie, which can be a common pitfall with fruit pies.
   • **Eliminates “Pie Gap”:** As fruit bakes, it naturally shrinks. Pre-cooking the filling minimizes this shrinkage, ensuring there’s no unsightly gap between the top crust and the fruit filling after baking.
   • **Enhances Flavor & Uniformity:** The stovetop process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the fruit to soften consistently. This also contributes to a more uniform and appealing appearance, especially when showcased through a beautiful lattice crust.

2. The Essential All-Butter Flaky Pie Crust

   A truly great pie starts with an exceptional crust, and for this recipe, I cannot recommend my foolproof flaky pie crust enough! It’s genuinely the best, and if you follow my method, you are absolutely guaranteed flaky, tender results every single time. For most fruit pies, including this cranberry blueberry delight, I often opt for my buttermilk variation of the same recipe. The subtle tang of the buttermilk not only contributes to an incredibly flaky and beautiful crust but also adds a depth of flavor that complements the sweet and tart fruit filling wonderfully. Whether you choose the classic all-butter or the buttermilk version, a homemade crust is non-negotiable for a pie this special.

Mastering the Art of a Lattice Pie Crust

A lattice top isn’t just decorative; it allows steam to escape while baking, ensuring a perfectly cooked filling and a crisp crust. While it may look intricate, creating a beautiful lattice pie crust is easier than you might think with a few simple steps:

1. **Roll Out Your Dough:** On a lightly floured surface, roll out one half of your pie crust dough. Since you’re aiming for strips, try to shape it into a large rectangle. Aim for an even thickness for uniform baking.
2. **Cut the Strips:** Use a pastry wheel or a sharp knife to slice the rolled-out dough into an even number of strips. Trim off any uneven edges to ensure a clean look. You have creative freedom here: make them thin and delicate for an elegant touch, or thick and rustic for a more homemade feel. For this particular cranberry blueberry pie, I recommend cutting 8 strips, each approximately 2 inches wide.
3. **Initial Placement:** Carefully lay half of your dough strips (e.g., 4 strips) evenly spaced over the top of your pie filling, running them in one direction (e.g., horizontally). Make sure they are parallel to each other.
4. **First Weave:** Gently pull back every other strip about halfway (for example, the 1st and 3rd strips), folding them back on themselves. Now, take a new strip of dough and lay it down the center of the pie, perpendicular to the first set of strips. Once in place, fold the pulled-back strips (1st and 3rd) back over the new perpendicular strip.
5. **Second Weave:** Next, fold back the remaining original strips (e.g., the 2nd and 4th strips) that are currently lying flat. Place another perpendicular dough strip on top of the pie, parallel to the one you just laid down. Again, lay the folded strips (2nd and 4th) back down over the new strip.
6. **Complete the Lattice:** Rotate the pie 180 degrees and repeat steps 4 and 5 on the other side until your entire lattice pattern is complete. Once all strips are woven, carefully trim any excess length from the strips so they align neatly with the overhang of the bottom crust. Crimp the edges together to seal the pie.

Need a visual guide to truly master the technique? I’ve got you covered! You can find a complete, step-by-step blog post tutorial with detailed photos and tips on how to make a lattice pie crust.

Smart Planning: Can This Pie Be Made Ahead?

Holiday baking can be stressful, but this cranberry blueberry pie offers several convenient make-ahead options to ease your workload and ensure a fresh-baked treat without the last-minute rush:

• **Pie Filling:** The delicious fruit filling can be prepared up to a week in advance. Simply cook it as directed, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This means one less step on baking day!
• **Pie Crust:** Your homemade pie crust dough is also very forgiving for advance prep. It can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored securely wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator. For longer storage, double-wrap the dough and freeze it for up to 2 months. Remember to thaw frozen dough overnight in the refrigerator before rolling it out.
• **Baked Pie Storage:** Once baked, the assembled pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. However, for the absolute best flavor and texture, it’s most enjoyable within 3-4 days of baking. To reheat a baked pie, cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-browning of the crust and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 30 minutes, or until heated through.

One of my favorite aspects of this particular recipe is the ability to prepare it in two distinct stages on different days, thanks to the pre-cooked filling. This approach significantly reduces stress; you only have to focus on rolling out the crust, assembling the pie, and baking on the day you plan to serve it. This makes it a perfect candidate for busy holiday schedules.

**A note on freezing the baked pie:** Unfortunately, because cornstarch is used as the primary thickener in the filling, freezing the *fully baked* pie is not ideal. Cornstarch tends to break down when frozen and thawed, which can compromise its thickening power and result in a watery, undesirable texture in the filling. It’s best enjoyed fresh or simply stored in the fridge.

Essential Tips for Pie Baking Success

Even seasoned bakers can benefit from a few extra pointers when it comes to perfecting their pies. Here are some of my top tips to ensure your Cranberry Blueberry Pie, and all your future pies, turn out beautifully every time:

• **Crimping the Edges:** Don’t underestimate the power of a well-crimped edge! It’s not just for looks; it helps seal the pie and prevent the filling from bubbling out. The design can be as simple or elaborate as you like. For this pie, I often use a fork to create a quick and easy, yet charming, design. For more inspiration, check out this video which demonstrates 4 more easy crimping options.
• **The Magic of an Egg Wash:** Always, always brush your pie crusts with a simple egg wash before baking. An egg wash (typically one egg mixed with a tablespoon of water or milk) will give your crust a beautiful, rich, golden-brown color and a lovely sheen. Without it, your pie crust can appear dull and pale, lacking that irresistible baked-from-scratch appeal.
• **A Touch of Sweet Sparkle:** For an extra layer of appeal and a delightful crunch, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top of your pie crust just before it goes into the oven. Granulated sugar provides a subtle sparkle, while turbinado or coarse sugar will give a more pronounced, glittering effect and a delightful texture.
• **Time-Saving Crust Hack:** If making pie crust from scratch intimidates you or if you’re short on time, learning how to make pie crust in the food processor is a game-changer. It’s incredibly fast and still yields a wonderfully flaky crust.
• **Troubleshooting Common Pie Problems:** If pies consistently prove to be a challenge, or if you encounter common issues like soggy bottoms or cracked crusts, be sure to consult my comprehensive guide on the best tips for making perfect pies. I delve into solutions for the most common pie baking problems, helping you achieve consistent success.
• **Equip Your Kitchen:** Having the right tools can make pie baking much more enjoyable and efficient. Browse my curated list of my favorite pie tools to ensure you’re well-equipped for your next baking adventure.

Other Delicious Holiday Pies to Try Next

If you’ve loved this cranberry blueberry pie and are looking for more festive desserts to add to your repertoire, explore these other delightful holiday pie recipes:

• Mile High Apple Pie: A towering classic with layers of tender apples and warm spices.
• Cranberry Pear Pie: A sophisticated blend of sweet pears and tart cranberries, perfect for autumn and winter.
• Pumpkin Chocolate Swirl Tart: A decadent twist on traditional pumpkin pie, with a rich chocolate swirl and cookie crust.
• Chocolate Pecan Pie: A rich, gooey, and indulgent pie that’s always a crowd-pleaser.

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This recipe was originally published November 2013.