The Best Christmas Cranberry Pie (Toddler-Friendly, Veggie-Boosted & Family-Approved)

Ingredients for the Christmas Cranberry Pie

Pie Crust Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• ¼ tsp cinnamon
• 1 egg (or 3 tbsp milk for toddler version)
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2–4 tbsp cold water

Cranberry Warm Hug Filling:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1 medium apple, grated
• 2–4 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tbsp water
• ½ tsp orange zest
• ¼ tsp orange blossom water (optional but magical)

Veggie-Boost Version

To make your Christmas Cranberry Pie even more nutritious and toddler-approved, add:

• ½ cup grated carrot OR ½ cup mashed butternut squash OR ¼ cup sweet potato mash OR ¼ cup beet puree for bright red filling

These blend seamlessly into the cranberry mix.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Christmas Cranberry Pie

Step 1 — Make the Cranberry Filling

• Add cranberries, grated apple, honey/maple syrup, water, and orange zest to a saucepan.
• Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes until berries burst.
• Mash gently with a fork.
• Stir in your vegetable puree if using (carrot, beet, squash, or sweet potato).
• Add orange blossom water and let the filling cool.

Step 2 — Prepare the Pie Crust

• Mix flour, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl.
• Add butter and crumble until mixture resembles wet sand.
• Stir in honey and egg (or milk for toddler-safe version).
• Add cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, just until dough comes together.
• Wrap and chill for 20–30 minutes.

Step 3 — Assemble the Christmas Cranberry Pie

• Preheat oven to 180°C / 355°F.
• Roll out chilled dough and place it in a pie dish.
• Add your cooled cranberry filling.
• Top with lattice strips or holiday cut-out shapes.
• Bake 25–30 minutes, until edges are lightly golden.
• Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

Variations of the Christmas Cranberry Pie

Gluten-Free Christmas Cranberry Pie

Use:

• 1½ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• ½ cup almond flour
• ½ tsp xanthan gum if not included in your blend
• Chill dough longer for easier handling.

Dairy-Free Christmas Cranberry Pie

Swap butter for:

• coconut oil
• vegan butter

Swap milk (toddler version) for oat or almond milk.

No-Added-Sugar Toddler Version

Replace sweeteners with:

• extra grated apple
• mashed sweet potato
• pear puree

Naturally sweet & gentle.

Chocolate-Cranberry Version (Adults Love This!)

Stir into the warm filling:

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips OR 1 tbsp cocoa powder

This creates a deeper, richer holiday flavor.

Holiday-Shaped Crust Toppers

Use cookie cutters shaped like:

• Christmas trees
• Stars
• Snowflakes
• Hearts

They turn the Christmas Cranberry Pie into a festive centerpiece.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: up to 4 days
• Freezer: 2 months
• Reheat: low heat to maintain toddler-friendly softness

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Christmas Cranberry Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough and filling 24–48 hours in advance and assemble just before baking.

Is this pie safe for toddlers?

Yes — as long as you use the no-added-sugar version and cut slices into age-appropriate pieces.

Is orange blossom water required?

No, but it adds a beautiful aroma. Vanilla extract works as a substitute.

Can I use frozen cranberries?

Absolutely — frozen and fresh both work perfectly.

Will toddlers notice the vegetables?

No. They blend into the cranberry texture and color completely.

Does chocolate overpower the cranberry?

Not at all — it adds warmth and richness without losing the tart cranberry flavor.

Does this work with vegan butter?

Yes, vegan butter makes a soft, flaky crust.

Please note: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using an online nutrition calculator.

Nutrition Facts/ 1 slice:

Calories: 265 kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Sugar: 17g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Fiber: 3g | Protein: 3g | Sodium: 95mg | Vitamin C: High (from cranberries + apple)