Crustless Cranberry Pie — A FAST, super EASY, no-mixer dessert that’s perfect for holiday entertaining!! Somewhere in between pie, cake, and blondies is what you get with this FESTIVE recipe! Take advantage of those fresh cranberries!!
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Crustless Cranberry Pie Recipe
This is a super easy, no-mixer cranberry dessert that’s perfect for last-minute holiday entertaining!
Anyone who reads my blog knows that I don’t have a lot of pie recipes compared to other desserts because I hate making pie crust. (I don’t even really like pie crust that much, if I’m being honest!)
Translation: this cranberry pie is a double winner. No pie crust needed to be made; and pie crust calories are saved for a better use, i.e. cheese, wine, etc.
I’ve made this pie multiple times and every time I make it and give a few pieces to someone, they text or email me later raving about it. And it’s so easy. It’s always the easy things that people seem to go for.
Love Crustless Pies?
This fall and winter, be sure to try this crustless apple pie and crustless pumpkin pie as well!
In the summer, try this blueberry version (which went viral on Facebook) and this strawberry version.
I wouldn’t call the texture totally pie-like, but I also wouldn’t call it as light as cake. It’s somewhere in between cake and a blondie with a little bit of the gooiness of pie because I underbaked it just a smidge.
The ingredients and ratios are very similar between the pie and my no-fail blondies recipe except that the pie recipe has granulated sugar and 2 eggs whereas blondies have brown sugar and 1 egg. The edges are chewier with a more tender and gooey interior. If you want it firmer, bake it longer.
I sprinkled sugar on top before baking. It adds a tiny bit of crunch, and since cranberries are so tart the sugar is welcome. If you know someone who complains that most desserts are ‘too sweet,’ then they should try this one because it’s not definitely too sweet.
It would be great to serve at brunch or after a fancy meal. I always feel like desserts in 5-star restaurants are never ultra sweet.
Ingredients for Crustless Cranberry Pie
To make this cranberry crustless pie recipe, you’ll need:
- Granulated sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Cinnamon
- All-spice
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Almond extract
- Fresh cranberries
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How to Make Crustless Cranberry Pie
Making a crustless cranberry pie is EASY! Full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post, but here’s an overview of the baking process:
- Whisk the dry ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, melt the butter before stirring in the remaining wet ingredients.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the cranberries, then turn the batter into a greased pie plate.
- Sprinkle additional fresh cranberries and sugar on top.
- Bake until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I Use Frozen Cranberries?
I’ve only made the recipe with fresh cranberries and cannot comment on the results if you use frozen.
However I did re-make the pie and used fresh cranberries in the interior and then sprinkled 1/2 cup frozen blueberries on the top with good results. It took an extra 10 minutes to cook because of the frozen blueberries on top and they released a lot of juice.
Can I Use Another Berry in This Recipe?
Perhaps. Like I mentioned previously, I have strawberry and blueberry versions of this crustless pie recipe. So play around with the fresh berries you add in and see how it turns out!
Tips for Making Crustless Cranberry Pie
Mix-ins: If you want to add white chocolate chips or nuts, either would be a welcome addition. Try adding some orange zest for another flavor direction if you want to get creative.
Almond extract: I used 1 teaspoon, but I realize that for some that could be overkill for some but not for me. I want to bathe in almond extract. If needed, add a little less almond extract to suit your tastes.
Cooling time: You must let this crustless cranberry pie cool before slicing into it. It needs time to set up, otherwise it’ll be a mess to serve.
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Crustless Cranberry Pie
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 (I have only made with fresh and cannot comment on using frozen)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9-inch round pie dish very well with cooking spray; set aside. I used a glass pie dish; baking times may vary if using metal.
- To a large bowl, add 1 cup sugar, flour, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and whisk to combine; set aside.
- To a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the butter and heat on high power to melt, about 45 seconds. Wait momentarily before adding the eggs so you don’t scramble them.
- Add the eggs, extracts, and whisk to combine.
- Pour the wet mixture over the dry and stir to combine; don’t overmix.
- Add 2 cups cranberries and stir to combine; batter is very thick.
- Turn mixture out into prepared pie dish, smoothing the top lightly with a spatula.
- Evenly sprinkle 1/4 cup cranberries over the top.
- Evenly sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over the top and bake for about 34 to 38 minutes, or until edges are set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no batter. I prefer to underbake slightly (33-34 minutes) for a more gooey center but it’s personal preference and since all ovens, climates, and berries vary, watch your pie and not the clock.
- Allow pie to cool in pie dish on a wire rack before slicing and serving.
- Optionally serve with whipped topping or ice cream. Pie will keep airtight at room temp for up to 5 days.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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More Cranberry Dessert Recipes:
Cranberry Bliss Bars (Starbucks Copycat) – Just like Starbucks except even better! Learn how to make these at home with this easy recipe!
Cranberry Bliss Seven Layer Bars — A marriage of the famous Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars with Seven Layer Bars!! White chocolate, cranberries, coconut, and so good! Fast and super easy!!
Cranberry Orange Bread with Sweet Orange Glaze — Soft, easy, and loaded with big juicy cranberries! The sweet orange glaze pairs perfectly with the tart berries and it’s so good!
Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Bliss Cake – The flavors of Starbucks Cranberry Bliss Bars in a soft, easy, no-mixer cake!
Cranberry Chocolate Chip Blondies – Super soft, buttery bars packed with chewy cranberries! And there’s a chocolate overload in every bite!
Cranberry Oatmeal Crumble Bars – Fast, easy, no mixer bars with juicy cranberries and big crumbles! Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert! Soft, chewy, hearty, and so good!
Soft and Chewy Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Cookies — Super soft, buttery, and a holiday baking must-make! Very popular at cookie exchanges and everyone will want the recipe!
Layered Cranberry Jello Salad — A festive holiday layered Jello recipe with cranberries, pineapple, cream cheese, pecans, and pretzels! A nostalgic family favorite with an impressive presentation to wow your holiday guests!
Originally published December 22, 2017;December 24, 2018; and republished November 25, 2020 with updated text.
I just made this Crustless Cranberry Pie. It made the house smell so good and it was so hard to wait for it to cool down. I must say this was an amazing dessert! My husband loved it and asked for a second piece. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
I just made this Crustless Cranberry Pie. It made the house smell so good and it was so hard to wait for it to cool down. I must say this was an amazing dessert! My husband loved it and asked for a second piece. This recipe is definitely a keeper.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad you were able to find cranberries this early in the season, they can be tricky sometimes. And yes, it does make the house smell so great and I’m glad that you loved the pie!
I made the Crustless Cranberry pie and it is so delicious! I made it because I forgot to put my cranberries in my apple pie and I’m soo glad I did. I love the tartness of the cranberries and the almond flavor together. I will definitely be making this more often.
I made the Crustless Cranberry pie and it is so delicious! I made it because I forgot to put my cranberries in my apple pie and I’m soo glad I did. I love the tartness of the cranberries and the almond flavor together. I will definitely be making this more often.
Thanks for the five star review and I’m glad you will be making this more often! A happy little accident with your cranberries!
Just want to mention that I’ve made the Crustless Blueberry and Strawberry pies and absolutely loved them, means I’ll definitely make the cranberry one too and also noticed the layered dessert with coconut – think these will be on my dessert list for xmas. Thanx Averie for posting these super easy delish desserts!
Hi
The crustless cranberry pie is just like the clafouti that my aunt used to make with bing cherries. Fun and easy and good idea with the cranberries or any fruit for that matter. Done in a snap
Just want to mention that I’ve made the Crustless Blueberry and Strawberry pies and absolutely loved them, means I’ll definitely make the cranberry one too and also noticed the layered dessert with coconut – think these will be on my dessert list for xmas. Thanx Averie for posting these super easy delish desserts!
Great that you’ve made the other flavor combinations and that you will make this one too, and the layered coconut dessert!
Hi Avrie, thanks for this wonderful recipe, looks delish! I’m planning to make this for taking it to the thanksgiving dinner at my in-laws house next month. I’m not familiar with allspice, could you tell me what it comprises of and if you have a specific brand you prefer buying. Excited to bake this! Thank you.
You can just Google what all spices but it’s generally a mixture of cinnamon, not Meg, ginger, cloves, it all varies somewhat from brand to brand. I tend to buy the cheapest one to be honest!
Delicious!! My family liked this so much that I made it twice for the holidays. I omitted the almond extract due to allergies and added white chocolate chips one time. It was fantastic both times. Not too sweet and great with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!
Great!
I made this using frozen cranberries and it took an additional eight minutes in my oven. The batter was super thick and cold, so i dumped the batter into the pie dish and put it into the oven for a few minutes before spreading it and sprinkling sugar on top. Turn out nicely and is very good – not too sweet at all! Will make again.
I made this using frozen cranberries and it took an additional eight minutes in my oven. The batter was super thick and cold, so i dumped the batter into the pie dish and put it into the oven for a few minutes before spreading it and sprinkling sugar on top. Turn out nicely and is very good – not too sweet at all! Will make again.
Thanks for the 5 star review and glad that frozen berries worked great for you, and only added an additional 8 mins to the baking time.
Instead of a pie pan can a mini muffin pan be used with this recipe? Bev
I don’t really know because I haven’t tested it that way however my guess is that making this in a pie pan will offer better results. But feel free to experiment.
I am not sure what nutrition calculator you use, but your nutrition information is way off. You might want to edit that. That said, we had this on Christmas Day and it was divine!
I am not sure what nutrition calculator you use, but your nutrition information is way off. You might want to edit that. That said, we had this on Christmas Day and it was divine!
I am not sure what nutrition calculator you use, but your nutrition information is way off. You might want to edit that. That said, we had this on Christmas Day and it was divine!
Glad it was divine!
It’s an automatic program and not always perfect.