Imagine a dessert that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and juicy flavors in one irresistible pie. Our Cherry Cranberry Pear Pie is not just a dessert; it's a culinary masterpiece that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary dining experience. With its vibrant mix of seasonal fruits and a golden, flaky crust, this pie is guaranteed to become the star of any gathering, from family dinners to holiday celebrations.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even baking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine pitted cherries, cranberries, and sliced pears. Gently toss the fruits to mix evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, cornstarch, and ground cinnamon until well blended.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the fruits and add lemon juice. Carefully fold the ingredients together, ensuring all fruits are coated with the sugar mixture.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, allowing some overhang around the edges.
- Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly and ensuring a smooth surface.
- If desired, create a lattice top or cover with a second pie crust, cutting small vents for steam to escape. Crimp the edges to seal.
- Optional: Brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg + 1 tablespoon water) for a golden, glossy finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips
- Fruit Selection: Choose ripe, fresh fruits for the most intense flavor. Look for cherries that are firm and dark, cranberries that are plump and deep red, and pears that yield slightly when gently pressed.
- Crust Perfection: Keep your pie crust cold before rolling to ensure a flaky texture. If possible, chill the dough for at least 30 minutes before preparing.
- Even Baking: Placing the pie on the lower oven rack helps prevent a soggy bottom and ensures the crust gets crisp and golden.
- Prevent Overflow: Using a baking sheet underneath catches any potential fruit drips and prevents messy oven cleaning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely (about 2 hours) before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes cutting easier.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this pie from delicious to absolutely divine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 15mg
