Christmas Pie

Why You’ll Love Christmas Pie Recipe

This Christmas Pie brings together the best flavors of the season—sweet dried fruits, crunchy nuts, warm spices, and a hint of orange. It’s easy to make, especially if you use a store-bought crust, and it can be made ahead of time for convenience. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday dinner or enjoying a slice by the fire, this pie feels like a warm hug in dessert form.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 prepared pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 1/2 cups dried cranberries or raisins

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup brown sugar

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce

• 1 tablespoon orange zest

• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, combine dried cranberries or raisins, chopped nuts, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, applesauce, orange zest, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.

4. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the sugars dissolve and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

5. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

7. Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Calories: Approximately 310 kcal per slice

Variations

• Use a lattice or decorative crust top for a festive presentation.

• Add finely chopped dried apricots or dates for extra depth.

• Substitute the orange juice and zest with lemon for a slightly different citrus twist.

• Add a splash of rum or brandy to the filling for an adult version.

• Use a gluten-free crust to make it gluten-friendly.

• Try it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm slices in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes or microwave individual slices for 20–30 seconds until warm.

FAQs

What kind of dried fruit works best in this pie?

Dried cranberries and raisins are traditional, but you can also use chopped dates, figs, or apricots for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Can I freeze Christmas Pie?

Yes. Once baked and cooled, wrap the pie tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What type of pie crust works best?

A buttery, flaky crust—either homemade or store-bought—works beautifully. A graham cracker or nut-based crust can also be a fun twist.

Can I make this pie nut-free?

Absolutely. Just omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you need a nut-free version.

Is there a substitute for applesauce?

Mashed ripe bananas or pear puree can work, but applesauce adds a balanced sweetness and moisture that complements the spices.

How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?

Cooking the filling before adding it to the crust helps it thicken. Letting it cool slightly before baking also ensures a firmer set.

Do I need to blind bake the crust?

No blind baking is needed for this recipe since the filling is pre-cooked and the pie bakes thoroughly in the oven.

Can I use orange extract instead of fresh orange juice?

Yes, but use it sparingly—1/4 teaspoon of orange extract can replace the fresh juice for flavor.

What can I serve with Christmas Pie?

It pairs beautifully with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Christmas Pie is a simple yet festive dessert that brings together the best holiday flavors in every bite. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet moment with a warm drink, this spiced fruit and nut pie is bound to become a seasonal favorite. Make it once, and it might just become a holiday tradition for years to come.