Introduction
Imagine the house is quiet, the morning sun is just beginning to peek through the kitchen window, and the scent of tart berries and buttery sugar is starting to drift upstairs. That is exactly how I feel every time I pull this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie out of my oven. My grandmother used to say that any problem in life could be solved with a piece of pie and a cup of coffee. She usually focused on her famous Texas BBQ, but when the holidays rolled around, her whole cranberry sauce pie was the star of the show. I have taken those memories and added a little modern twist that my wife Emily absolutely loves. Last year, my kids, Adams and Jana, helped me crumble the topping, and ever since, it has been a staple in our home. This cranberry cream cheese crumb pie recipe is more than just a dessert, it is an invitation to slow down and savor the season with the people you love most. Grab your apron and let us get baking.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
- Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
- How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
- Pro Tips & Variations
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Serving Suggestions
- Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Storage & Reheating
- FAQ about Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
- Final Thoughts
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
When you are looking for that perfect holiday crumb pie, you want something that balances richness with a bit of bright, acidic pop. This recipe delivers exactly that. It is the kind of Thanksgiving cranberry pie that makes people stop talking and start reaching for seconds. Here is why it has become such a treasure in the Sharif household:
- The Perfect Contrast: The zing of the whole cranberry sauce cuts right through the velvet richness of the sweetened condensed milk cream cheese filling. It is a match made in heaven.
- Texture Galore: Between the flaky crust, the silky center, and that brown sugar streusel crumble on top, every bite offers a different sensation.
- Unbelievably Easy: This easy cranberry streusel pie with condensed milk is remarkably simple. You do not need professional pastry skills to make this look like it came from a high end bakery.
- Kid Friendly Fun: Jana and Adams love getting their hands messy with the topping. It is a great way to involve the kids in holiday prep without too much stress.
- Make Ahead Magic: This pie actually improves with a bit of time in the fridge, making it the ideal stress free dessert for busy family gatherings.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
To create this creamy cranberry crumb pie, gathering the right ingredients is half the battle. We want quality here, because when you use good butter and real fruit, you can really taste the difference. For more holiday inspiration, you might enjoy my cranberry orange shortbread cookies which share that same festive citrus note.
- Main Filling Components: One 8 ounce package of softened cream cheese, one 14 ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, and one 16 ounce can of whole cranberry sauce. If you want a more artisanal touch, feel free to use homemade cranberry sauce for canned.
- The Crust: One 9 inch unbaked pie crust. You can use your favorite cranberry pie recipe crust or a store bought refrigerated one for convenience.
- Binding and Flavor: One 4 ounce container of lemon juice and a tablespoon of cornstarch. The acidity of the lemon helps set the cream cheese perfectly.
- The Streusel Topping: Half a cup of brown sugar, half a cup of all purpose flour, and a quarter cup of cold, cubed butter. For a twist, you can use white whole wheat flour for all purpose to add a nuttier depth.
- Optional Additions: I often toss in some chopped walnuts or pecans or even a handful of oats into the crumble for extra crunch.
How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Oven and Crust: Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. While that is warming up, place your 9 inch pie crust into a glass pie plate, crimping the edges nicely. My daughter Jana likes to call this making the pie look like a crown. If you are feeling extra, check out this creamy cranberry crumb pie resource for more crust techniques.
- Mix the Creamy Layer: In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until it is fluffy and smooth. This is crucial for a baked cranberry cream cheese pie with crumb topping. Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, mixing until incorporated. You will see it start to thicken almost immediately.
- The Cranberry Swirl: Gently spread the whole cranberry sauce across the bottom of the pie crust. Pour that beautiful, silky cream cheese mixture over the top. As it bakes, these two layers subtly mingle, creating a gorgeous marbled effect.
- Craft the Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine your flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, work in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse sand with some pea sized bits. This is the heart of a good streusel topping pie.
- Assemble and Bake: Sprinkle the crumble generously over the filling. It might look like a lot, but trust me, you want that crunch. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You are looking for those edges to be slightly golden and the center to have just a tiny bit of jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
- Cooling the Masterpiece: This might be the hardest part, but you must let the pie cool at room temperature for at least an hour before transferring it to the fridge. This ensures the cream cheese pie sets properly so you get those clean, professional looking slices.
Pro Tips & Variations
Cooking is an art, and every artist likes to experiment. If you want to elevate your Cranberry Crumb Pie, here are a few things I have learned over the years while baking for the kids and Emily. Sometimes I serve this alongside my perfect meringue kisses recipe for a truly decadent holiday dessert table.
- Temperature Matters: Always ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. If it is cold, you will end up with tiny lumps in your filling. I usually take it out of the fridge an hour before I start.
- Spiced Crumble: Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of ground ginger to your brown sugar streusel crumble for a warm, cozy aromatic profile. It pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Nutty Crunch: If Jana is not around (she is not a fan of walnuts), I love adding toasted pecans to the topping. It adds a smoky, earthy flavor that compliments the sweetness.
- Gluten Free Option: You can easily swap the pie crust for a gluten free version and use a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend for the streusel. It works remarkably well.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some fresh orange zest directly into the cranberry layer. It adds a bright note that elevates the whole cranberry streusel pie experience.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Serving Suggestions
A pie this good deserves a supporting cast. When I serve this cranberry cream cheese crumb pie recipe during the holidays, I like to offer a variety of pairings. For those who like a mix of sweet and salty, my easy homemade butter toffee pretzels recipe makes for a great snack on the side of the dessert plate.
You can also go the classic route with a huge dollop of homemade whipped cream. I like to fold a little bit of vanilla bean paste into my whipped cream to make it feel extra special. If you want to see how the pros do it, check out the Eagle Brand cranberry streusel pie for more inspiration on using condensed milk effectively.
Another fun idea is to serve small slices of this pie with a side of sharp cheddar cheese. My grandmother always did this in Texas, and while it sounds strange, the saltiness of the cheese brings out the hidden depths of the cream cheese. For the kids, a glass of cold milk is the only pairing they ever ask for.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Storage & Reheating
If you find yourself with leftovers, which is a rare occurrence with the Sharif family, you need to store them correctly to maintain that Cranberry Streusel Pie texture. Because of the dairy content, this pie must be kept in the refrigerator.
- Refrigerator Storage: Wrap the pie plate tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. The crust might soften slightly over time, but the flavor remains top notch.
- Freezer Instructions: You can freeze this pie! Once it is completely cooled, wrap it in double layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It will keep for about 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: If you prefer a slightly warm slice, pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds. However, I personally think this baked cranberry cream cheese pie with crumb topping is best served cold or at room temperature to appreciate the creamy filling.
FAQ about Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of sauce?
While the whole cranberry sauce provides a specific texture and sweetness, you can certainly make a quick compote using fresh cranberries, sugar, and a splash of water, cooking it down until the berries burst. Just ensure it is cooled before adding it to the pie.
Is this the same as a cranberry cheesecake?
It is very similar in flavor! However, the addition of the sweetened condensed milk cream cheese filling and the pie crust makes it lighter than a traditional, dense New York style cheesecake. It is more like a hybrid dessert.
What can I use if I do not have a pastry blender for the streusel?
No worries at all! Just use two forks to cut the butter into the flour and sugar, or even better, use your clean hands to rub the mixture together until it clumps. That is how Jana likes to do it.
Final Thoughts
There is a special kind of magic that happens in the kitchen when you are baking for the people you love. As I reflect on all the holidays spent around our table, it is rarely the perfectly decorated house or the expensive gifts I remember. It is the sound of Adams laughing, the concentrated look on Jana’s face as she sprinkles the brown sugar streusel crumble, and the quiet smile Emily gives me when she takes that first bite. This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is a piece of that joy, and I am so happy I could share it with you today. If you enjoyed this journey into festive baking, please leave a comment below or share your photos on Pinterest. Do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more recipes that bring the family together. Happy baking, everyone!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your 9-inch unbaked pie crust into a glass pie plate, crimping the edges nicely.
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy and smooth. Slowly pour in the sweetened condensed milk while continuing to beat. Add the lemon juice and cornstarch, mixing until incorporated.
- Gently spread the whole cranberry sauce across the bottom of the pie crust. Pour the cream cheese mixture over the top.
- In a small bowl, combine flour and brown sugar. Using a pastry blender or fingers, work in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand with pea-sized bits. Optionally mix in walnuts, pecans, or oats.
- Sprinkle the streusel topping generously over the filling. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until edges are golden and center has a slight jiggle.
- Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to set properly.
