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. 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. In the summer, try this blueberry version (which went viral on Facebook) and this strawberry version. 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:
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.
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! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! 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.
