Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie : Crustless, Sweet & Simple!

If you’re craving a festive dessert that’s both easy to make and big on flavor, this Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie is the perfect pick. With tart cranberries, buttery almond flavor, and a soft cake-like top, this crustless cranberry pie is ideal for holiday gatherings or a last-minute treat. You don’t need a rolling pin or pie crust — just mix, pour, and bake.

Whether you’re hunting for low sugar cranberry recipes or looking for a classic holiday dessert with a twist, this baked cranberry dessert in a pan checks every box. It’s fuss-free, naturally beautiful, and wonderfully delicious — perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall occasion.

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What Is a Nantucket Cranberry Pie? A Holiday Favorite Explained

Despite its name, Nantucket cranberry pie is more of a cranberry cake-meets-pie hybrid. It skips the traditional pie crust and uses a simple batter poured over fresh cranberries and chopped nuts. As it bakes, the topping forms a golden, cake-like crust that’s tender and buttery.

Popularized as a New England treat, this pie highlights the tart, juicy bite of cranberries, making it a standout among cranberry recipes keto-friendly (with a few tweaks). It’s also incredibly versatile, making it a staple in many households looking for Pyrex round cranberry casserole recipes that bake beautifully and look stunning when served.

Ingredients for Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie

This classic cranberry dessert uses everyday ingredients, which means no complicated shopping list or prep.

• 2 cups fresh cranberries (rinsed and halved)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts (or pecans)
• 1 cup granulated sugar (see swaps below for low sugar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• Pinch of salt

This combination creates the ideal blend of sweet and tart, soft and crisp — everything you want in a crustless cranberry pie.

Want something equally cozy with a fruity twist? Try this apple crisp with oatmeal for another heartwarming dessert.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

Making this recipe is super simple, and you probably already have the tools you need:

• 9-inch round Pyrex or ceramic baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

This is the kind of dish you can bring to gatherings directly in your Pyrex round casserole — no fuss, no transferring needed.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make This Baked Cranberry Dessert in a Pan

1. Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish.

2. Prepare the Cranberry Layer

Spread the halved cranberries and chopped walnuts evenly in the bottom of the baking dish.

3. Mix the Batter

In a bowl, whisk the eggs with sugar, melted butter, vanilla, and almond extract. Add the flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth.

4. Pour and Bake

Pour the batter over the cranberries and nuts. Use a spatula to gently spread it to the edges. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

5. Cool and Serve

Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

This also pairs wonderfully with a warm drink like lavender lemonade or even cinnamon pumpkin butter bread if you want to build a full dessert spread.

How to Make It Low Sugar or Sugar-Free: Keto Cranberry Dessert Tips

Want to turn this into a keto cranberry cake recipe or fit it into a low sugar cranberry dessert plan? Here are a few easy swaps:

• Replace the sugar with granulated erythritol or monk fruit sweetener (1:1 ratio)
• Use almond flour in place of all-purpose flour for a keto-friendly option
• Add extra chopped nuts for texture and richness
• Use unsweetened cranberries if you’re watching your sugar intake

Need more low-carb inspiration? These keto peanut butter chocolate fat bombs make a great follow-up treat.

Tips for the Perfect Crustless Cranberry Pie Texture

• Don’t overmix the batter — a gentle hand keeps the pie soft and tender.
• Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother blending.
• Let the pie rest before slicing for neater cuts.
• If you prefer a more golden crust, bake an extra 5 minutes.

Want a breakfast-inspired twist on dessert? Try these pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes for a sweet and savory balance.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips for Pyrex Round Cranberry Casserole Recipes

This pie looks beautiful right out of the oven. Serve it:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
• Dusted with powdered sugar for an elegant finish
• With a drizzle of maple syrup if you want more sweetness

Present it in your Pyrex dish or a festive ceramic pie plate. Add some sugared cranberries or mint sprigs for a holiday-ready look.

Want another warm, spoonable dessert? Don’t miss this cozy pumpkin dump cake.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Leftovers

This dessert stores well and tastes even better the next day.

• Store covered at room temperature for 1 day
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15–30 seconds

You can also freeze the pie (wrapped well) for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently to refresh the texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Nantucket Cranberry Pie

• Using too much flour can make the pie dry. Measure with a spoon and level method.
• Skipping the almond extract means missing out on signature flavor.
• Not halving the cranberries might lead to uneven texture.
• Overbaking results in a tough top. Keep an eye on the color.

Want something savory for contrast? Serve it after a meal with garlicky kale and white beans or ground turkey and peppers stir-fry.

Variations: From Sweet Potato Apple Cranberry Casserole to Keto Cake

This recipe is versatile and can be modified in creative ways:

• Swap cranberries for chopped apples or pears
• Add orange zest for brightness
• Make a layered dessert with a crust and this batter on top
• Combine with sweet potato or try a sweet potato apple cranberry casserole idea

For a different texture, experiment with pumpkin or almond flour-based cakes like these pumpkin protein muffins.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Cranberry Pie (Drinks & Sides)

This pie plays well with others! Pair it with:

• Creamy side dishes like cheesy mashed potato puffs
• A savory entrée like baked chicken legs
• Light salads like cucumber dill salad

For drinks, go for:

• Apple cider
• Cinnamon tea
• Strawberry cream soda

Want to bring balance to your holiday spread? Include fruit dip with a fruit board to contrast the tartness of the cranberry.

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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Cranberry Recipes Keto and More

Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes! No need to thaw — just toss them in with a sprinkle of flour to prevent sinking.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free flour.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use plant-based butter. It works beautifully.

Is this a true pie or a cake?
It’s more like a cake baked in a pie dish, but that’s part of its charm!

Can I make this with sugar-free cranberries?
Yes — use dried unsweetened cranberries or freeze-dried ones for a more keto-friendly twist.

Who This Pie Is For: Holiday Bakers, Busy Cooks, and Dessert Lovers

This Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie is for:

• Holiday hosts needing a no-fuss dessert
• Anyone craving low sugar cranberry recipes
• Fans of classic flavors with a twist
• New bakers who want a no-crust, no-stress option

Looking for more no-fuss desserts? Try these muffin tin mini apple pies that are perfect for parties and portion control.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

With its simplicity and bold holiday flavor, this Easy Nantucket Cranberry Pie is a go-to recipe for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy fall day. Whether you bake it for yourself or share it with a crowd, this pie brings warmth, tartness, and buttery sweetness together in a way few desserts can.

If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more seasonal recipes that make holidays even sweeter!

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