There is something truly magical about combining the tart brightness of fresh cranberries with the creamy decadence of cheesecake, all wrapped in a buttery crumb crust. This Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe captures that perfect balance, making it a festive favorite that’s both visually stunning and utterly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a standout dessert to impress at a holiday gathering or simply craving a slice of comfort with a twist, this pie delivers every time with its lovely layers and vibrant flavors.

A slice of crumb-topped dessert sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. It has four visible layers: the bottom layer is a golden brown crumb crust, above it a thick pale cream layer, then a bright red berry layer with some juicy texture, and the top layer is a rough, golden crumb topping with small chunks. A silver fork rests on the plate next to the slice. Scattered cranberries and green pine sprigs add small colorful details around. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe plays a crucial role, from the tangy cranberries that provide vibrant color and zest to the soft cream cheese that lends rich, velvety texture. The combination is simple, yet essential for achieving the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in the pie.

10 oz. fresh cranberries: The star of the show, these provide tartness and a beautiful red hue.
7 tablespoons sugar: Balances the cranberries’ tartness for a sweet-tart filling.
2 teaspoons grated orange zest: Adds a fresh citrus note to brighten the cranberry mix.
½ cup water: Helps the cranberries cook down into a luscious filling.
2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: Forms the base of the buttery crumb crust and topping.
½ cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and cheesecake filling perfectly.
½ cup light brown sugar: Adds depth and a hint of molasses flavor to the crust and topping.
1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon: Warms up the crust with a cozy spice touch.
1 teaspoon baking powder: Gives a slight lift to the crust texture.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and tart flavors wonderfully.
2/3 cup unsalted butter (softened): Creates that tender, crumbly texture in the crust and topping.
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (melted): Used to enrich the crumb topping for golden crispiness.
12 oz. cream cheese (softened): The creamy heart of the cheesecake layer.
½ cup sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese filling without overpowering it.
2 teaspoons corn-starch: Helps thicken and stabilize the cheesecake layer.
1 egg (slightly beaten): Binds the cheesecake filling for a smooth, firm texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla: Adds a luscious, aromatic flavor to the filling.

How to Make Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cranberry Filling

Start by placing the fresh cranberries, sugar, orange zest, and water into a heavy saucepan. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes until the cranberries have softened and burst, creating a beautiful, chunky sauce. Set this vibrant filling aside to cool—this step fills your kitchen with a burst of citrusy, fruity aroma that hints at the pie’s deliciousness.

Step 2: Make the Crust and Topping Base

While your filling cools, preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9-inch glass pie dish. In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Add the softened butter and work it into the dry ingredients with a pastry blender or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Reserve about 2 cups of this crumbly mixture for the pie crust base and press it evenly into the bottom and sides of the pie dish. Bake for 8 minutes to set the crust, then let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

Mix the remaining crumb mixture with the melted tablespoon of butter until evenly moistened. Set this aside as the topping that will add a golden, crisp finish to your pie.

Step 4: Make the Cheesecake Filling

In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth and creamy. Add in the slightly beaten egg, mixing well to combine. Stir in the corn-starch to help keep the filling perfectly set and silky. Spread this luscious cream cheese filling evenly over the pre-baked crust, creating a velvety layer that will balance the tart cranberry topping beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Gently spoon the cooled cranberry filling over the cheesecake layer, leaving about a half-inch border free near the edges for neatness. Sprinkle the buttery crumb topping evenly over the cranberries. Place the pie in the oven and bake for 33 to 38 minutes, or until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown and the cheesecake layer is firm to the touch. Allow the pie to cool for an hour on a wire rack before refrigerating it for at least two hours to let all the layers meld together perfectly.

How to Serve Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe

Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

To make your Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe even more stunning, consider topping it with fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. Fresh mint leaves or extra orange zest add a pop of color and elevate the pie’s aroma, making each slice irresistible at first glance.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a small bowl of spiced apple compote. These accompaniments enhance the tangy-sweet tones of the cranberry while balancing the richness of the cream cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual slices on pretty dessert plates with a drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce for an extra special treat. You can even cut the pie into mini portions to serve as bite-sized delights at a party, garnished with a small mint leaf or a fresh cranberry for charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe is best stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered with plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, maintaining its creamy texture and fresh flavor without drying out.

Freezing

If you want to make this pie ahead of time or save some for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

Generally, cranberry cheesecake pie tastes best cold, straight from the fridge. However, if you prefer a slightly warmed slice, let it sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or warm gently in a low oven for just a few minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can alter the texture of the creamy filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries can be used if fresh aren’t available. Just thaw them slightly before cooking with the sugar and orange zest. They work well, though fresh cranberries provide a bit more texture.

Is this pie suitable for making ahead for a party?

Absolutely! This Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe benefits from chilling time, so making it a day in advance is perfect. It allows the flavors to meld and makes serving easier on the day of your event.

Can I make the crust gluten-free?

While the recipe calls for all-purpose flour, you can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to check that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to help achieve the right crumbly texture.

What if I’m not a fan of orange zest?

You can omit the orange zest or replace it with lemon zest for a lighter citrus note. It will still complement the tartness of the cranberries wonderfully, keeping that fresh flavor punch.

Does the cheesecake layer get too dense?

The addition of corn-starch and the egg helps keep the cheesecake layer firm yet creamy. Follow the baking times carefully, and you’ll end up with a luscious, smooth texture that’s not overly dense.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Cranberry Cheesecake Pie Recipe is like discovering your new favorite dessert that’s perfect for cozy evenings and festive celebrations alike. Its vibrant flavors, creamy textures, and buttery crust come together in such a delightful way that you’ll want to share it with everyone you know. Don’t wait for a special occasion—this pie is a wonderful treat to lift everyday moments into something truly memorable.