Hey y’all! If you’re looking for a pie that’s bursting with sweet-tart flavor, vibrant colors, and cozy aromas, this Cranberry Orange Pear Pie is your new must-bake favorite. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any chilly evening—luscious pears and cranberries mingle with zesty orange, all tucked in a buttery crust. Ready to impress your guests or just treat yourself? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- Vibrant blend of juicy pears, tart cranberries, and fresh orange for irresistible flavor balance.
- Gorgeous presentation with ruby-red fruit filling—sure to wow any crowd.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert for busy holidays or relaxed weekends.
- Easy enough for beginners, impressive enough for special occasions.
- Delicious served warm with ice cream or chilled for picnic treats.
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- 1 double 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 medium ripe pears (Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 cups)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest from 1 large orange
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)
How to Make Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out your bottom pie crust and gently fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Place the dish in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the filling.
Step 2: Make the Cranberry Orange Pear Pie Filling
In a large bowl, combine the sliced pears, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. Toss until the fruit is evenly coated and the mixture looks glossy.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie
Spoon the filling into the chilled pie crust. Dot the top of the fruit with cubed butter. Roll out the second crust, place it over the filling, and trim and crimp the edges. Cut several vents in the top, or create a lattice topping for a stunning look. Brush the crust with beaten egg, then sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Bake the Cranberry Orange Pear Pie at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for 35-40 minutes more, or until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. If the crust edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil. Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours for best slicing.
Notes: Tips for the Best Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- For an extra juicy filling, let the pears and cranberries sit with sugar and juice for 10-15 minutes, then stir in cornstarch.
- Use a glass pie dish for easier doneness checks—you’ll see the crust turning golden underneath (King Arthur Baking).
- Want more about fresh cranberries? Check out this cranberry guide.
Variations on Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- Ginger Streusel Top: Swap the second crust for a streusel topping with oats and crystallized ginger.
- Nutty Crunch: Add 1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts or pecans to the filling for extra crunch.
- Apple Swap: Substitute apples for half the pears for a mixed fall fruit pie.
Required Equipment for Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- 9-inch pie dish (glass or ceramic preferred)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Rolling pin
- Sharp knife or peeler
- Pastry brush
- Foil or pie crust shield
Storage Instructions for Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
Store leftover pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 1 day, or cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Serving & Pairing Recommendations
This Cranberry Orange Pear Pie is stellar served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy with hot spiced tea, mulled wine, or fresh-brewed coffee for a cozy treat. For a festive touch, pair with a Pear Gimlet cocktail!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- Use firm but ripe pears for the ideal balance of texture and sweetness (USA Pears Guide).
- Chill your pie dough before baking to help achieve extra flaky layers.
- Let the baked pie rest until completely cool—this ensures the filling sets and slices cleanly.
FAQ: Cranberry Orange Pear Pie
- Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?
- Yes! No need to thaw—just use them right from the freezer.
- What pears are best for Cranberry Orange Pear Pie?
- Bartlett, Anjou, or Bosc work beautifully; just avoid overly soft pears.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time?
- Absolutely—bake the pie 1-2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature or in the fridge.
Ingredients
- 1 recipe double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 large ripe pears, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out half of the pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
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2In a large bowl, combine sliced pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, flour, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and salt. Toss to coat.
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3Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pie crust and dot with unsalted butter.
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4Roll out the remaining pie crust and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges. Cut a few slits in the top for steam to escape.
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5Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
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6Bake for 50-55 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly. Cool before serving.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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