Crustless Cranberry Pie

This Crustless Cranberry Pie is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for the holiday season or any time you want to enjoy the tangy-sweet flavor of cranberries. With a soft, cake-like texture and a hint of warm spices, this pie is sure to be a hit. The best part? No need for a crust, making it a fuss-free treat!

Ingredients

• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, divided
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste
• ½ to 1 teaspoon almond extract, or to taste
• 2 cups plus 1/4 cup fresh cranberries, divided (use fresh cranberries for best results)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a 9-inch round pie dish very well with cooking spray; set aside. Note: I used a glass pie dish; baking times may vary if using metal.

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, cinnamon, allspice, and salt. Whisk until well combined; set aside.

1. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:

• In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter by heating on high power for about 45 seconds. Allow the butter to cool slightly to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Add the eggs, vanilla extract, and almond extract to the melted butter. Whisk until well combined.

1. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:

• Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender texture.
• Gently fold in 2 cups of cranberries. The batter will be thick.

1. Prepare the Pie for Baking:

• Transfer the batter into the prepared pie dish, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
• Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cranberries over the top.
• Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar evenly over the cranberries.

1. Bake the Pie:

• Bake for about 34 to 38 minutes, or until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter. For a gooey center, consider underbaking slightly (around 33-34 minutes). Baking times may vary based on your oven, climate, and the moisture content of the berries, so keep an eye on the pie rather than strictly adhering to the clock.

1. Cool and Serve:

• Allow the pie to cool in the pie dish on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Optionally, serve with whipped topping or ice cream.

1. Storage:

• The pie will keep airtight at room temperature for up to 5 days.

Tips

• Fresh Cranberries: This recipe is best with fresh cranberries. If you must use frozen, do not thaw them first to prevent excess moisture from altering the pie’s texture.
• Spice Variations: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. Nutmeg or cloves could be interesting additions.
• Serving Suggestions: This pie pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• Baking Dish: Using a glass pie dish helps to evenly bake the pie and achieve a nice golden color, but a metal dish can be used if you adjust the baking time accordingly.

Enjoy this simple yet flavorful Crustless Cranberry Pie, perfect for any occasion!