Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries

Introduction

When I first made this Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries, I was a little unsure about how the flavors would come together, but it turned out to be absolutely amazing! The rich, smooth fudge layer combined with the tart, zesty cranberry layer is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. The candied cranberries on top add a beautiful festive touch and a crunchy sweetness that elevates the pie even further. It quickly became a favorite among my family, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. This dessert is a true showstopper for any holiday gathering, and I can’t wait to make it again!

Why You’ll Love Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries

This Cranberry-Fudge Pie is a perfect combination of flavors and textures that make it an unforgettable dessert. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Rich and Decadent Fudge Layer: The fudge layer is creamy, chocolaty, and indulgent, making it a dream for chocolate lovers.
• Tart Cranberry Layer: The cranberry layer adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the rich fudge, balancing out the sweetness and making each bite refreshing.
• Beautiful Presentation: The candied cranberries on top make this pie not only delicious but also visually stunning, perfect for impressing guests at any special occasion.
• Perfect for the Holidays: The flavors of cranberry and orange make this pie a great choice for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering.
• Versatile: Whether you serve it as a holiday dessert or an indulgent treat for family and friends, this pie will be the star of the show.

Ingredients

For the Candied Cranberries:

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar, divided
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

For the Pie Dough:

• 1/2 recipe Basic Pie Dough (store-bought or homemade)

For the Fudge Layer:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces 70% bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cranberry Layer:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice, divided
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For Serving:

• Sweetened whipped cream

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust:
   • Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough to a 12-inch circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Trim any excess dough, fold the edges, and crimp them.
   • Freeze the pie crust for 20 minutes. Then, line it with foil or parchment paper and fill with pie weights. Bake the crust on a foil-lined baking sheet on the bottom oven rack for 25 minutes.
   • Remove the weights, prick the bottom of the crust with a fork, and bake for another 8–10 minutes until golden. Cool completely.
2. Make the Fudge Layer:
   • Lower the oven temperature to 350°F. Melt the butter and chopped chocolate in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
   • Remove from heat and whisk in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and salt. Add the eggs, heavy cream, flour, and vanilla extract, whisking until well combined.
   • Pour the mixture into the cooled pie crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until the edges are set and the center is slightly jiggly. Cool completely.
3. Prepare the Candied Cranberries:
   • In a saucepan, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
   • Add the cranberries and simmer for 1 minute. Transfer the cranberries to a wire rack and let dry for 20 minutes.
   • Toss the sticky cranberries in the remaining 1/2 cup sugar to coat them. Place them on parchment paper and let dry for at least 1 hour.
4. Make the Cranberry Layer:
   • In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange zest, 1/4 cup orange juice, sugar, ginger, cinnamon, and salt. Simmer over medium heat for 6–8 minutes until the mixture thickens.
   • Mix the cornstarch with the remaining 2 teaspoons orange juice, add it to the cranberry mixture, and cook for 1 minute. Stir in the vanilla extract.
   • Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the cooled fudge layer. Cover with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface, and cool completely.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Top the pie with the candied cranberries. Serve with sweetened whipped cream on the side.
   • Enjoy this tart, decadent, and beautifully festive holiday dessert!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 400
• Sugar: 45g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours (including cooling time)

How to Serve

• Serve as a Dessert: This pie makes a stunning dessert for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions.
• Pair with Whipped Cream: For an extra creamy touch, serve with freshly sweetened whipped cream on the side.
• Serve with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully with the tart cranberry and rich chocolate layers.
• Garnish with Fresh Mint: For added color and flavor, garnish with fresh mint leaves alongside the candied cranberries.
• Serve at Room Temperature: This pie is best served at room temperature, but you can also chill it in the fridge for a slightly firmer texture.

Additional Tips

1. Make-Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld and the pie to set.
2. Use Frozen Cranberries: If fresh cranberries aren’t in season, frozen cranberries work just as well for both the candied and cranberry layers.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on how sweet you like your pie, you can adjust the sugar in the fudge and cranberry layers.
4. Use a Pie Shield: If your crust starts to brown too quickly, use a pie shield or cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
5. Check Consistency: When making the cranberry layer, be sure the mixture thickens before adding the cornstarch slurry to get the right texture.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make this pie gluten-free? Yes, use a gluten-free pie crust and make sure the cornstarch is gluten-free.
2. Can I use a different fruit instead of cranberries? Yes, you can substitute cranberries with other berries like raspberries or blackberries, though the flavor will change.
3. Can I make the candied cranberries ahead of time? Yes, you can make the candied cranberries up to 3 days ahead and store them in an airtight container.
4. What can I substitute for heavy cream in the fudge layer? You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the texture may be slightly different.
5. Can I use a store-bought pie crust? Yes, a store-bought pie crust can be used if you’re short on time, though homemade will give a more authentic touch.
6. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let the pie come to room temperature before serving.
7. Can I freeze this pie? Yes, you can freeze the pie (without the whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.
8. Can I omit the orange zest? Yes, you can omit the orange zest if you prefer, but it adds a wonderful brightness to the cranberry layer.
9. How do I know when the fudge layer is done? The edges should be set, and the center should still be slightly jiggly when the pie is finished baking.
10. Can I add other toppings? Yes, you can add chopped nuts, grated chocolate, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for additional flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cranberry-Fudge Pie with Candied Cranberries is a dessert that will impress everyone at your holiday table. With its balance of rich chocolate and tart cranberries, it’s both a delicious and visually stunning treat. The candied cranberries add a perfect finishing touch, making this pie a festive and indulgent dessert that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Make it for your next holiday celebration or family gathering and watch it disappear!

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