Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pear Pie Recipe
This pie delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The pears become soft and tender while the cranberries add a bright pop of freshness. Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice make every bite comforting and flavorful. The lattice crust gives the pie a bakery-style appearance that looks impressive but is easier to make than it seems.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 pie dough crusts
4 bosc pears
2 cups cranberries
1 teaspoon orange zest
1 cup brown sugar
3 tablespoons corn starch
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: 1 egg
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Place one pie crust into a pie plate and set aside.
Peel, core, and slice the pears. Add the pear slices to a large mixing bowl.
Add the cranberries, orange zest, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, kosher salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl. Mix everything together until evenly combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust. It is fine if the filling slightly mounds over the pie plate.
To create the lattice top, cut the second pie crust into strips about ½ to 1 inch wide. Lay 5–6 strips across the top of the pie. Fold back every other strip and place a new strip perpendicular to them. Return the folded strips over the new strip. Repeat the process with alternating strips until the lattice pattern is complete.
Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crusts together. Trim away any excess dough with a butter knife. Add decorative touches if desired.
For an optional egg wash, whisk together 1 egg and ¼ cup water. Brush the mixture over the lattice crust for a golden finish.
Bake the pie at 400°F for 10 minutes.
Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 50–60 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 8 servings.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Variations
Try adding chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch and richness.
You can substitute apples for some of the pears if you prefer a mixed fruit pie. Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples work especially well.
For extra citrus flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice to the filling.
If you enjoy a sweeter pie, sprinkle coarse sugar over the egg-washed crust before baking.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover pie covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in a 300°F oven for about 10–15 minutes until heated through. This helps keep the crust crisp.
You can also freeze the baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
What type of pears work best for this pie?
Bosc pears are ideal because they hold their shape well during baking and have a rich flavor.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly. There is no need to thaw them first.
Why should the pie cool completely before slicing?
Cooling allows the filling to set properly so the slices hold together better.
Can I use store-bought pie crust?
Yes, store-bought pie crust works well and saves time.
How do I keep the crust edges from burning?
Cover the edges loosely with foil or a pie shield if they brown too quickly.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, this pie can be baked a day in advance and stored covered until ready to serve.
What does the egg wash do?
The egg wash gives the crust a shiny, golden-brown appearance.
Can I make this pie without a lattice top?
Absolutely. You can use a full top crust and cut small slits for ventilation.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown and the filling should be visibly bubbling.
What can I serve with Cranberry Pear Pie?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or caramel sauce pair beautifully with this pie.
Conclusion
Cranberry Pear Pie is a delicious combination of sweet pears, tart cranberries, warm spices, and flaky crust. Its beautiful presentation and comforting flavors make it a standout dessert for holidays and gatherings. Whether served warm with ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this pie is sure to become a favorite seasonal treat.
