There’s something magical about a warm slice of apple pie — and when you add tart, jewel-toned cranberries to the mix, the flavor becomes even more festive and vibrant. This Apple Cranberry Pie with Cinnamon Sugar is the perfect combination of cozy autumn spices, sweet apples, and the refreshing zing of fresh cranberries. The cinnamon sugar topping adds a caramelized golden crust that is beautifully crisp and aromatic.

This pie is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of fall and winter flavors. Whether served at Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gatherings, or a relaxed weekend baking session, this pie brings people together and fills the home with warmth.

Why I Love This Recipe

• The sweet + tart balance is perfection
• Cinnamon aroma fills the entire house while baking
• Seasonal and festive — ideal for holiday tables
• Uses simple ingredients found in any kitchen
• Stunning to serve thanks to the glossy cranberry pops

It’s a dessert that tastes like joy and comfort in every bite!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• A refreshing twist on the traditional apple pie
• Cranberries prevent it from being too sweet — everyone loves it!
• Can be made ahead for easy entertaining
• Works with homemade or store-bought pie crust
• Delicious warm, room temperature, or chilled

One bite and you’ll understand why this pie becomes a yearly tradition!

Recipe Details

• Prep time: 25–30 minutes
• Baking time: 55–65 minutes
• Cooling time: 2 hours
• Total time: about 3 hours

• Servings: 8 slices
• Calories per serving: approximately 360–420 calories

Course : Dessert

Cuisine : American

Ingredients

For the Pie Filling:

• 5 cups apples (Granny Smith & Honeycrisp mix recommended), peeled + sliced
• 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 tbsp cornstarch (or 4 tbsp flour)
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 tbsp butter, cut into small pieces

For the Crust:

• 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade for top and bottom)

Cinnamon Sugar Topping:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon

Optional garnish: Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Prepare the Apples & Cranberries

1. Peel, core, and slice apples evenly.
2. Toss apples + cranberries with sugars, lemon juice, spices, salt, and cornstarch.
3. Allow to rest 10 minutes so flavors blend.

Step 2 — Assemble the Pie

1. Place bottom crust into a 9-inch pie dish.
2. Pour filling inside; distribute evenly.
3. Dot the butter all over the filling.
4. Top with the second crust — lattice or full cover.

Step 3 — Add Cinnamon Sugar

1. Mix egg + milk and brush over the top crust.
2. Sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously.

Step 4 — Bake

• Bake at 200°C / 400°F for 20 minutes
• Reduce heat to 180°C / 350°F and bake 30–40 minutes
• Pie is ready when crust is deep golden and juices bubble

Step 5 — Cool Before Serving

• Cool at least 2 hours to allow filling to thicken properly

How to Serve

• Serve warm or room temperature
• Pair with:
  • Vanilla ice cream
  • Whipped cream
  • Hot apple cider or coffee
• Dust with extra cinnamon for aroma & elegance

Recipe Tips for Success

• Mix of tart and sweet apples gives best flavor
• Cranberries may be used frozen — no need to thaw
• If crust edges brown too quickly → cover with foil
• Ensure cooling time—prevents runny slices
• Add 1 extra tablespoon cornstarch if apples are very juicy

Delicious Variations to Try

Version	What Changes
Crumble Top Pie	Replace top crust with cinnamon oat streusel
Boozy Holiday Pie	Add 2 tbsp orange liqueur or bourbon to filling
Maple Apple Cranberry Pie	Swap half the sugar for maple syrup
Gluten-Free Pie	Use a gluten-free pie crust + cornstarch thickener
Nutty Crunch Pie	Add chopped pecans or walnuts over cranberries

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigerate (baked)	3–4 days	Cover with foil or airtight wrap
Freeze (unbaked)	Up to 3 months	Freeze fully assembled, bake from frozen + add 10–15 extra mins
Freeze (baked)	2 months	Cool fully → wrap tightly → thaw overnight

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie dish
• Rolling pin (if using homemade crust)
• Pastry brush (for egg wash)
• Pie shield or foil strips
• Mixing bowls

FAQ

Q: Can I use dried cranberries?
A: Yes — but reduce sugar slightly and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first.

Q: Why is my filling watery?
A: Either it needed more cooling time or more thickener.

Q: Can I use just one crust?
A: Absolutely — make a crumble topping instead!

Q: Best apples for pie?
A: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji work best.

Conclusion

This Apple Cranberry Pie with Cinnamon Sugar blends comforting apple pie traditions with the bold, festive twist of cranberries. It’s a show-stopping dessert that feels homemade and heartfelt, with flavors that brighten every celebration.

Once you try it, you’ll want it on your table every holiday season — guaranteed!