Cranberry chess pie

Cranberry chess pie is a delicious mix of creamy custard and tart cranberries in a flaky crust. It’s easy to make and perfect for holidays or any time you want a dessert that stands out. This pie is sure to be a hit with its balance of sweetness and tangy flavor!

You will love this cranberry chess pie because it combines the best of both worlds: the rich, creamy custard filling of a traditional chess pie with the bright, tart flavor of cranberries. The balance of sweetness and tanginess makes it a unique dessert that’s not overly heavy, while the cranberries add pops of color and a festive touch.

It’s also versatile—perfect for holidays or any occasion where you want a dessert that’s both comforting and a little unexpected. The flaky crust, creamy filling, and burst of fruitiness make it irresistible!

Ingredients

Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the filling. Make sure to use good quality butter since this is one of the key ingredients in this pie.

White Sugar: Sweetens the pie and balances the tartness of the cranberries. You can use brown sugar if you prefer.

Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and create a smooth, custard-like filling.

Cornmeal: Adds a slight texture and helps thicken the filling since we don’t use flour here.

Evaporated Milk: Adds creaminess with a hint of caramel-like flavor, without making the filling too heavy. Use regular milk instead if you like.

Pie Shell: Store bought or homemade works equally well.

Fresh Cranberries: Add a burst of tart flavor and a festive look. Its best to use fresh strawberries but

Expert tips

1. Use fresh, firm cranberries for the best tart flavor. Thaw and pat dry if using frozen to avoid excess moisture.
2. Stir cranberries into the filling and arrange extra on top for pretty look! The more the better!
3. Bake until the filling slightly jiggles in the center, as it will firm up while cooling.
4. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream to balance the tartness of cranberries. Make homemade whipped cream or if you own Ninja Creami try my Ninja Creami vanilla ice cream recipe to top your pie.

Why is it called chess pie?

The name “chess pie” has a few theories behind its origin, though none are confirmed. One popular idea is that the name came from a Southern cook who, when asked about the dessert, replied, “It’s just pie,” which may have sounded like “chess pie” in a Southern accent.

Another explanation is that the pie was traditionally stored in pie chests, and over time, “chest pie” evolved into “chess pie.” Some suggest the name could be linked to a resemblance to cheesecake, with “chess” being a corruption of “cheese,” or that the pie was considered as refined as the game of chess.

Regardless of its origin, chess pie remains a simple yet beloved Southern classic.

Leftovers

To store leftover cranberry chess pie, let it cool completely to room temperature. Cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator before serving.

More pie recipes

• Honey buttermilk pie
• Maple chess pie
• Smoked pecan pie
• Old fashioned chocolate fudge pie recipe

Hope you will like this cranberry chess pie recipe as much as we do. Rate the recipe if you made it and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions.