Easy Crustless Cranberry Pie Recipe
Introduction: Why You’ll Love This Crustless Cranberry Pie
If you’re searching for a dessert that’s simple, delicious, and just a little bit different from the classics, you’re in the right place. Crustless Cranberry Pie is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—it’s quick to whip up, uses basic pantry staples, and delivers a festive burst of tart cranberries with every bite.
Unlike traditional pies, there’s no finicky dough to roll out or fussing with a crust. Instead, this recipe creates its own soft, buttery base and a slightly crisp golden top as it bakes. That means less stress for you, more flavor for your guests, and a dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or simply craving a sweet-tart treat on a cozy winter evening, Crustless Cranberry Pie is the perfect solution. It’s rustic, charming, and versatile—you can dress it up with whipped cream or keep it simple and enjoy it warm straight from the pan.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Crustless Cranberry Pie
One of the best parts about this recipe is how short and approachable the ingredient list is. You won’t need anything fancy—just a few basics and a bag of cranberries.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (or frozen, unthawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
That’s it! The cranberries bring their natural tartness, while the sugar balances them beautifully. Almond extract is the secret flavor booster here—it pairs wonderfully with cranberries and makes this dessert taste like it took way more effort than it actually did.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Crustless Cranberry Pie
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or round cake pan with butter or non-stick spray. You don’t need to line it with parchment since the pie holds together well, but you can if you want easy cleanup.
Step 2: Add the Cranberries
Spread the cranberries evenly across the bottom of your greased pie dish. If some of them are large, you can cut them in half to distribute the tartness more evenly.
Step 3: Mix the Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir until smooth.
The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s exactly what you want.
Step 4: Pour and Spread
Pour the batter over the cranberries in the pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so all the cranberries are covered. Some berries might peek through the top, and that’s perfectly fine. They’ll burst during baking and create pretty ruby-red spots across the surface.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pie in your preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are fine).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This gives it time to set so it won’t crumble apart. Serve warm with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra festive touch.
Tips for the Best Crustless Cranberry Pie
Here are a few tricks I’ve picked up that will help you nail this recipe every time:
- Don’t skip the almond extract. It might seem optional, but it really enhances the cranberry flavor and makes the pie taste special.
- Use melted butter, not softened. Melted butter gives the batter its rich, moist texture. Just make sure it’s cooled slightly so it doesn’t scramble the eggs.
- Balance the tartness. If you love a sweeter dessert, sprinkle an extra tablespoon of sugar over the cranberries before adding the batter. For a sharper tang, reduce the sugar in the batter slightly.
- Add texture. A handful of chopped walnuts, pecans, or sliced almonds can be sprinkled over the cranberries before pouring on the batter. This adds crunch and pairs beautifully with the tart fruit.
- Don’t overbake. Like brownies, this pie is best when it’s slightly soft in the center. Overbaking can make it dry.
Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
One of the beauties of Crustless Cranberry Pie is how versatile it is. You can adjust it to fit your tastes or whatever you have on hand.
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Use melted coconut oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Egg-Free: Substitute 2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water).
Variations
- Cranberry Orange Pie: Add 1 tablespoon orange zest and replace half the vanilla extract with orange extract. Cranberries and orange are a match made in heaven.
- Nutty Cranberry Pie: Stir ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for a crunchier bite.
- Apple-Cranberry Twist: Add 1 cup diced apples to the cranberries at the bottom of the pan before pouring on the batter.
- Chocolate Cranberry Pie: Fold ½ cup dark chocolate chips into the batter for a decadent twist.
Serving Suggestions
Crustless Cranberry Pie is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more indulgent:
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of homemade whipped cream adds lightness that balances the tart cranberries.
- With Ice Cream: Vanilla, cinnamon, or even caramel ice cream turns this into a true crowd-pleaser.
- With Custard Sauce: Pouring a little warm custard over the top makes it extra comforting.
If you’re serving it for a holiday dinner, you can even dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar for a snow-dusted look that’s perfect for winter gatherings.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the practical advantages of this recipe is how well it keeps.
- Room Temperature: Cover and keep for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap the whole pie (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven at 300°F before serving.
This makes Crustless Cranberry Pie a great make-ahead dessert for the holidays—you can bake it the day before and just reheat when needed.
Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Total Time: About 55 minutes
- Servings: 8 slices
Why This Recipe Works So Well
Unlike traditional pies that require a flaky crust (and lots of time and effort), Crustless Cranberry Pie is all about simplicity. The thick batter naturally forms a base and a golden top, leaving you with something that looks and tastes like a pie without the hassle.
The tart cranberries balance the sweet batter beautifully, creating layers of flavor in every bite. And because the recipe is so flexible, you can easily tweak it to suit your preferences—sweeter, nuttier, or even with a citrus twist.
It’s the kind of dessert that feels special enough for a holiday but easy enough for a casual weeknight treat.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Holiday Dessert
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s festive, low-maintenance, and always a crowd-pleaser, Crustless Cranberry Pie deserves a permanent place on your holiday menu. It’s proof that sometimes the simplest recipes are the most rewarding. With just a handful of basic ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, you’ll have a dessert that tastes homemade, looks impressive, and makes everyone ask for seconds.
One of the best things about Crustless Cranberry Pie is its versatility. You can serve it warm with whipped cream or ice cream, enjoy it at room temperature with coffee, or even save a few slices to snack on during the week. It’s a pie that never feels heavy or overly sweet—the tart cranberries balance the buttery base so perfectly that each bite feels refreshing and satisfying.
This recipe also works beautifully for every kind of occasion. Whether you’re serving it at a Thanksgiving feast, bringing it to a Christmas party, or baking it on a cozy winter evening just for yourself, it always delivers. And since it freezes well and keeps for several days, you can easily prepare it in advance, making holiday baking less stressful and more enjoyable.
Once you try Crustless Cranberry Pie, it’s bound to become one of those go-to recipes you return to year after year. It’s easy, comforting, and festive—a dessert that captures the essence of the season without keeping you stuck in the kitchen all day. So grab a bag of cranberries, preheat your oven, and treat yourself to this simple but unforgettable pie.
