Nantucket Cranberry Pie

Name: Nantucket Cranberry Pie
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 2 heaping cups of fresh or frozen (thawed and drained cranberries); 3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted and cooled); 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp almond extract (see notes for substitutions*); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt

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by Lily Ernst on December 5, 2024

If you’re looking for a simple yet stunning dessert this holiday season, Nantucket Cranberry Pie is the perfect choice. With its bright, tart cranberries and buttery cake topping, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious.

A slice of Nantucket cranberry pie topped with whipped cream, lemon leaf, and a fresh cranberry.

Table of Contents

What is Nantucket Cranberry Pie?

Despite its name, Nantucket Cranberry Pie isn’t a traditional pie with a crust. Instead, it’s more of a cross between a tart and a cobbler. Cranberries are layered at the bottom of a pie dish, topped with nuts, sugar, and a simple batter that bakes into a golden, buttery topping. It’s said to have originated in Nantucket, a region known for its cranberry bogs, making it a delicious way to showcase this iconic seasonal fruit.

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Effortless and impressive – It’s a beginner-friendly dessert that delivers big on flavor. Plus, the combination of tart cranberries and sweet almond cake will keep everyone coming back for seconds!
Showcase the best of the season – Cranberries are at their peak during the holidays, making this the perfect dessert to celebrate what’s in season.
Make-ahead option – This pie can be made a day in advance and stored at room temperature.

A Nantucket cranberry pie in a white ruffled pie plate on a crimson napkin.

If you love baking with fresh cranberries, you must try my Cranberry Orange Muffins, Glazed Cranberry Bread, and festive Cranberry Christmas Cake.

Or if you prefer dried cranberries, try these White Chocolate Cranberry Cookies, Cranberry Orange Scones, and Cranberry Bliss Bars (even better than Starbucks!).

Ingredients you’ll need and why:

A labelled image of all the ingredients needed to make Nantucket cranberry pie.

Cranberries: The star of the dish, fresh cranberries provide a tart, tangy base that is perfectly balanced with the sweet topping. Their vibrant color also makes the dessert visually stunning.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cranberries and batter, helping to balance the tartness while also adding a slight caramelized texture to the topping.
Chopped nuts (pecans or walnuts): Nuts add a delightful crunch and a toasty flavor that complements the softness of the cake-like topping.
All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the batter, giving the dessert its cake-like texture.
Unsalted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture to the batter, ensuring the topping bakes up tender and flavorful.
Eggs: Provide structure and bind the batter together, helping it rise slightly as it bakes, especially since there are no leavening agents used.
Almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty aroma that enhances the flavor of the cranberries and pairs beautifully with the nuts. You can substitute with vanilla extract or orange zest if you prefer.

How to make Nantucket Cranberry Pie:

(The full written and printable recipe is further below.)

Step #1) Add the cranberries to a buttered 9″ pie plate. Sprinkle the chopped nuts and sugar on top. Set aside.

Step #2) In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, eggs, and almond extract.

Step #3) Sift in the flour and salt. Use a rubber spatula and stir until just combined.

Step #4) Spoon the batter over top of the cranberries and gently spread it out evenly. Bake at 350F for 45 minutes.

How to serve:

Serve Nantucket Cranberry Pie warm with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream, or at room temperature topped with whipped cream. For a simple, elegant touch, dust it with powdered sugar before serving. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or mulled cider for the perfect holiday treat!

A slice of Nantucket cranberry pie on a pink and white plate with a piece of the pie on a fork.

Storing & freezing instructions:

Storing – Once cooled, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days.
Freezing – To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. To serve, thaw the pie in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a 325°F (165°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes to warm up.