Introduction
Are you in search of a dessert that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart? Look no further! This Cranberry Custard Pie is guaranteed to be the star of your next gathering. With a unique ginger-infused crust and a creamy cranberry filling, this pie will not only delight your taste buds but also impress your friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¼ cup powdered sugar
¼ cup crystallized ginger, chopped
1 tablespoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
⅓ cup milk or water
3 ½ cups whole cranberries (fresh or frozen)
1 cup pure cranberry juice
¼ cup granulated sugar
A pinch of kosher salt
1 can sweetened condensed milk
3 large eggs
Prep Time
2 hours (plus chilling time)
Temps de cuisson, Temps total, Rendement
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours and 35 minutes (plus chilling time)
Yield: 8 servings
Now, let’s get baking! Start by creating the crust in your food processor and incorporating the dry ingredients. After adding the butter and forming the dough, let it chill for better flavor before rolling it out. Don’t forget to pre-bake the crust to prevent puffing. For the filling, burst those cranberries on the stove, blend them into a smooth puree, and mix with the sweetened condensed milk and eggs. Once baked, let your pie cool and chill before serving it with a layer of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Enjoy your scrumptious Cranberry Custard Pie, a delightful treat for any occasion!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Make the crust!
In your trusty food processor, combine the flour, powdered sugar, chopped crystallized ginger, ground ginger, and salt. Give this mix a whirl for about a minute until it’s nicely blended.
Add the butter and form the dough
Next, toss in those cold butter pieces and pulse five times, just enough to break them down a bit. Pour in the milk (or water) and blend until the dough forms into a lovely ball.
Chill the dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap, flatten it into a disk, and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for even better flavor.
Prepare the oven and pie crust
Once you’re ready, preheat that oven to 375°F. Roll out the chilled dough into an 11-inch circle and lovingly place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp those edges to make it look fancy.
Freeze the crust
Pop the crust in the freezer for about 10-20 minutes. To prevent it from puffing up, line it with parchment paper and add pie weights (or dried beans if you’re in a pinch!). Bake it on the lower rack for 20 minutes.
Finish baking the crust
After that, carefully remove the weights and parchment, and let it bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until it’s beautifully golden brown. Now, drop the oven temperature down to 350°F.
Prepare the cranberry filling
In a pot, combine the cranberries, cranberry juice, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, or until those cranberries burst with flavor.
Blend and strain the cranberry mixture
Blend the mixture until it’s smooth, then strain it to get about 2 cups of that luscious cranberry puree.
Mix the custard
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk and eggs until well combined. Gradually fold in that beautiful cranberry puree.
Fill the pie crust
Pour the filling into your baked pie crust and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the middle still has that slight wobble.
Cool and set the pie
Once baked, let your pie cool on a wire rack before popping it in the fridge for at least 4 hours to set.
Serve and enjoy
Serve it chilled, and why not top it with some sweetened whipped cream? Your taste buds will thank you!
Notes
Additional chilling time
Chilling the dough overnight enhances the flavors and makes rolling easier.
Using frozen cranberries
If using frozen cranberries, there’s no need to thaw them before cooking.
Adjusting sweetness
Feel free to adjust the sugar in the cranberry filling to suit your taste preference.
Storing leftovers
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered for up to 3 days.
Cook Techniques
Making Pie Crust
In a food processor, blend dry ingredients until well mixed. Add cold butter until slightly broken down, then incorporate milk (or water) to form a dough.
Chilling the Dough
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and flatten it into a disk. Chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight for enhanced flavor.
Baking the Crust
Preheat to 375°F, roll out the dough, place it in a pie plate, and crimp the edges. Freeze the crust briefly before blind-baking it with weights.
Preparing Cranberry Filling
Cook cranberries, cranberry juice, sugar, and salt until the cranberries burst. Blend and strain to create a smooth puree.
Mixing Filling Ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk and eggs. Gradually fold in the cranberry puree until well combined.
Baking the Filled Pie
Pour the filling into the baked crust and bake until the edges are set while the center remains slightly wobbly.
Cooling and Serving the Pie
Cool the pie on a wire rack and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. Serve chilled, optionally topped with whipped cream.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using.
How long will the pie last in the refrigerator?
The Cranberry Custard Pie will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when properly sealed.
Can I substitute the sweetened condensed milk?
You can use evaporated milk or a dairy-free alternative, but this may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Is this pie suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the pie, but it’s best to do so without the whipped cream topping. Wrap it well and consume within 1-2 months for the best quality.
Can I add spices to the filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor of the cranberry filling nicely.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Custard Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of sweet and tart, making it a showstopper for any occasion. The combination of a ginger-infused crust and creamy cranberry filling is sure to impress your friends and family, leaving everyone craving another slice. The balance of flavors and the refreshing taste make this pie not just a treat but a memorable dessert experience. Enjoy every bite, and happy baking!
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