Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie: 10 Irresistible Holiday Perks

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If you’ve been craving a dessert that tastes like the holidays gave you a warm hug, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is about to become your new obsession. It’s sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy—and let’s be honest—exactly what busy home cooks like us need when life is already doing the most.

Whether you’re juggling work, kids, errands, or just trying to keep up with that never-ending laundry mountain, this recipe steps in like a culinary lifesaver. And yes, we’re talking about Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie—a dessert that practically bakes itself while making your entire home smell like a cozy winter memory.

As someone who lives for easy, “set-it-and-forget-it” comfort food (hi, I’m Mounia!), I love recipes that feel special but don’t demand hours in the kitchen. This pie checks every box: simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a show-stopping payoff. Let’s dive in, friend.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

This pie is all about balance—creamy and bright, sweet and tangy, soft and crunchy. It’s the kind of dessert that turns ordinary evenings into something worth celebrating.

Here’s why it wins hearts every single time:

It’s beginner-friendly. Even if you’ve burned boxed brownies before… you’ve got this.
It uses simple pantry staples. If you can operate a mixer and open a can, you’re set.
**It works for any occasion—**holidays, potlucks, “just because,” or those nights when a little sugar therapy feels necessary.
Two pies! Yes, TWO. One to serve, one to hide for later. (Zero judgment.)

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pie Crust

2 pre-made pie crusts
(From the refrigerated section—my favorite shortcut! Or use your homemade crust if you love rolling dough.)

Creamy Dreamy Layer

16 oz cream cheese, softened
28 oz sweetened condensed milk
½ cup fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 orange

Tart & Tangy Cranberry Layer

2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce
4 Tbsp cornstarch
2 Tbsp light brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

Golden Crumb Topping

½ cup melted salted butter
⅔ cup all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp light brown sugar
½ cup chopped pecans

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Here’s where the magic happens! I’ll walk you through each step like we’re baking shoulder-to-shoulder in my kitchen—minus the inevitable flour on the floor.

1. Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Unroll your pie crusts into two 9-inch pie pans. Give the edges a little decorative crimp with your fingers or a fork for that “Yes, I did make this” look.

Pro tip: Set the pie pans on a foil-lined baking sheet. This makes them easier to carry and catches any sneaky drips.

2. Create the Creamy Layer

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Don’t rush this—it’s what keeps your filling silky and dreamy.

Add the sweetened condensed milk and mix again until the texture is velvety and lump-free. Scrape down the bowl.

With the mixer on low, add the lemon juice and orange zest. Watch the mixture thicken right before your eyes. That’s your first “oh wow” moment.

Divide this mixture evenly between the two pie shells. Smooth the tops with a spatula.

3. Whip Up the Cranberry Layer

Grab a medium bowl and combine:

Whole berry cranberry sauce
Cornstarch
Brown sugar
Cinnamon (if using)

Stir until the cornstarch fully disappears. Drop spoonfuls of this ruby-red mixture over the cream layer, then gently spread it out. No swirling here—we want two distinct, gorgeous layers.

4. Make the Crumb Topping

In another bowl (yes, your sink will be full later, but it’s worth it), mix:

Flour
Brown sugar
Chopped pecans

Pour in the melted butter and use your hands to create small, pebble-like crumbles. Sprinkle generously over the cranberry layer. Don’t be shy—you want a thick, golden blanket.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 55–60 minutes, until the crumbs are golden brown and the edges of the filling are set. Your kitchen will smell like a festive dream.

If the crumb topping browns too quickly, loosely tent the pies with foil.

6. The Hardest Step: Let It Cool

Remove the pies and let them cool completely on a wire rack. For clean, picture-perfect slices, chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight if you can stand the wait. (I rarely can.)

Helpful Tips for the Best Pie Ever

Forgot to soften the cream cheese?
Microwave in 15-second bursts. Don’t melt it—we want soft, not soupy.
Cranberry layer looking too thick?
That’s the cornstarch doing its job. It’ll settle beautifully while baking.
Want extra crunch?
Add a handful of oats to the crumb topping. It’s like cobbler and pie had a delicious little baby.
Avoid runny slices:
Let it cool fully. Trust me. Slicing too early is like cutting into lava—tasty, but chaotic.

A Little Story from My Kitchen

This recipe actually saved me during one of those weeks where my to-do list felt like it had a to-do list. I needed a holiday dessert that looked impressive but didn’t require me to morph into Superwoman.

The first time I made it, I remember standing in the kitchen thinking, “Why does this feel too easy?” Then I took the first bite—creamy, tangy, crumbly perfection—and realized I’d struck gold.

Since then, it’s been my go-to for gatherings, bake sales, and honestly? A Tuesday night when I need some edible joy.

A close-up slice of Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie with a creamy filling, vibrant cranberry topping, and golden crumb layer on a white plate. — This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie slice shows off its creamy center, bright cranberries, and irresistible crumb topping.

FAQs About Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, it’s even better chilled. Make it 1–2 days ahead for peak flavor and texture.

Can I freeze it?

Yes! Freeze after baking and cooling. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.

Can I substitute the cranberry layer?

If you’re out of whole berry cranberry sauce, jellied cranberry works—it just won’t have that pretty berry texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Store slices covered in the fridge for up to 5 days. (They won’t last that long.)

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of pre-made?

You sure can! But the pre-made ones keep things quick and stress-free—my favorite kind of cooking.

Bringing It All Together

This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is the dessert you turn to when you want something comforting, beautiful, and incredibly easy. It brings together bright cranberry flavor, silky cream cheese filling, and buttery pecan crumbs in a way that somehow tastes nostalgic and fresh all at once.

Whether you’re baking for the holidays, hosting friends, or treating yourself after a long week, this pie delivers pure cozy joy in every bite.

Now go grab those pie crusts and let the magic happen. Your kitchen—and your taste buds—are in for a delightful treat.

Craving More Sweet Treats? Try These Next!

If this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie won your heart (and your taste buds), you’re in for a treat—because I’ve got even more delicious desserts that bring the same cozy, comforting vibes. Whether you’re building a holiday dessert table, baking for friends, or just sneaking a little “me-time” sweetness after a long day, these recipes are absolute gems you’ll want to save.

Keep the festive magic going with this refreshing and creamy No-Bake Christmas Peppermint Pie—perfect when you want dessert without turning on the oven.
If you love bright, zingy flavors, these Cranberry Lemon Bars will steal your heart with their tangy-sweet goodness.
For something extra lush and fluffy, treat yourself to the cloud-like Marshmallow Whip Cheesecake—it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
And when you’re in the mood for something playful and festive, these adorable Grinch Cookies bring pure holiday joy with every bite.