Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie is a savory-sweet dessert that combines the creamy richness of Brie cheese with the tartness of cranberry sauce, all wrapped in a flaky, golden pie crust. The crinkle crust adds a beautiful texture and an extra layer of buttery crunch, while the creamy Brie melts perfectly into the cranberry filling, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a great choice for holiday gatherings or special occasions.
I first made Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie when I was looking for a unique holiday dessert that combined both savory and sweet elements, and it became an instant favorite. The Brie cheese was wonderfully creamy, and the cranberry sauce added just the right amount of tang to balance the richness of the cheese. What I love most about this recipe is how effortlessly impressive it is—the crinkle crust looks gorgeous and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
What’s great about Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie is how versatile it is. You can serve it as a savory appetizer, a light dessert, or even as a side to your holiday meal. You can also experiment with different cheeses or fruit preserves to tailor the flavors to your liking. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering, a dinner party, or just a cozy treat, this pie is sure to impress and delight your guests!
Perfect for:
- Holiday gatherings
- Dinner parties
- Thanksgiving or Christmas
- Special occasions
- Cheese lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie will become your new favorite dessert:
- Unbeatable Flavor Combination: The rich, creamy brie pairs perfectly with the tart cranberry, creating a balanced and decadent flavor profile.
- Elegant Crinkle Finish: The crinkled top of the pie adds a sophisticated touch, making it look as impressive as it tastes.
- Flaky and Buttery Crust: The buttery, flaky crust melts in your mouth, providing the perfect contrast to the creamy filling.
- Sweet and Tangy Cranberry Compote: The cranberry compote is the star, offering a vibrant, tangy sweetness that cuts through the richness of the brie.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: This pie elevates any event, from holidays to dinner parties, adding an element of elegance.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: Despite its impressive appearance, this pie is easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare the pie in advance and bake it just before serving for a stress-free dessert.
- Customizable Toppings: You can adjust the cranberry compote to your liking, adding orange zest or other spices for a personal twist.
- Vegetarian Delight: A perfect option for vegetarians, combining savory cheese and fruit in a unique dessert.
- Cheese Lovers’ Dream: If you love brie, this pie is a creamy, indulgent treat you won’t want to miss.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Preparation Time: 1 hour
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Chilling Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 8g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 22g
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- ¼ cup cold water
The Brie Filling:
- 8 oz brie cheese, rind removed and cut into cubes
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
For the Cranberry Compote:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 cinnamon stick
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Powdered sugar
Ingredient Highlights
- Brie Cheese: The creamy texture of brie adds a luxurious richness to the pie.
- Fresh Cranberries: The tartness of cranberries perfectly balances the sweetness of the filling.
- Thyme: A touch of thyme in the filling adds an aromatic depth to the brie.
- Honey: The honey in the filling brings a subtle sweetness that complements the brie’s richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Crust:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the chilled butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Slowly add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Chill Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll the dough into a 10-inch circle. Place it into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges. Set aside.
Prepare the Brie Filling:
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the brie cheese cubes and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add Cream and Honey: Stir in heavy cream and honey, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in fresh thyme leaves. Set aside.
Prepare the Cranberry Compote:
- Cook Cranberries: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, lemon zest, and the cinnamon stick. Cook over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Assemble the Pie:
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the brie filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Cranberry Compote: Spoon the cranberry compote over the brie filling, spreading it out to cover the entire surface.
- Create the Crinkle Effect: Use a fork to gently crinkle the edges of the pie crust for an elegant, rustic look.
Bake the Pie:
- Bake the Pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.
- Cool the Pie: Allow the pie to cool for 1 hour to set before serving.
Serve:
- Garnish and Slice: Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and a dusting of powdered sugar. Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.
How to Serve
Here are 9 serving suggestions for Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie:
- As a Holiday Dessert: Serve at Thanksgiving or Christmas as a festive and indulgent treat.
- With a Cheese Platter: Pair slices with a variety of cheeses for an elegant cheese board experience.
- On Special Occasions: Perfect for any celebratory occasion, from birthdays to dinner parties.
- For Brunch: Serve as part of a decadent brunch spread, paired with fresh fruit.
- With a Dollop of Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream adds extra indulgence.
- As a Savory Dessert: Balance the sweetness with a savory component, like prosciutto or a small salad.
- With Balsamic Glaze: Drizzle a little balsamic glaze over the pie for an added touch of complexity.
- For Afternoon Tea: Serve individual slices for a delightful tea-time treat.
- As a Gift: Package slices as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure a tender, flaky crust.
- Allow the Pie to Cool: Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set properly.
- Serve at Room Temperature: For the best flavor, serve the pie at room temperature or slightly chilled.
- Thicken Cranberry Compote: If the compote is too runny, cook it for a few more minutes to thicken it.
- Substitute with Other Berries: Feel free to use mixed berries or raspberries if you prefer a different flavor.
Recipe Variations
- Goat Cheese and Cranberry Pie: Substitute brie with goat cheese for a tangier flavor.
- Spiced Pear and Brie Pie: Replace cranberries with spiced pears for a fall-inspired version.
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free option.
- Almond Crust: Swap out the traditional crust for an almond flour crust for added nuttiness.
- Spiced Cranberry: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the cranberry compote for a spiced twist.
- Vegan Option: Use a dairy-free cheese alternative and vegan butter to make this pie plant-based.
- Caramelized Onion Brie Pie: Add caramelized onions to the brie filling for a savory-sweet variation.
Special Equipment
- Pie Dish: A 9-inch pie dish for an even bake.
- Rolling Pin: To roll out the pie dough.
- Pastry Cutter: For cutting the butter into the dough to ensure a flaky texture.
- Saucepan: For making the cranberry compote and brie filling.
- Fork: For crinkling the edges of the crust for a decorative finish.
- Cooling Rack: To cool the pie after baking.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just thaw them and reduce any excess moisture. - How long will this pie last?
The pie will last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. - Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead. Just bake it and refrigerate until ready to serve. - Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving. - Can I skip the thyme in the brie filling?
Yes, you can omit the thyme or substitute with rosemary or sage for a different herb. - How can I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Bake the pie crust for 5-10 minutes before adding the filling to help prevent sogginess. - Can I make the crust gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. - How can I add more flavor to the cranberry compote?
Add a splash of brandy or orange liqueur to the compote for extra depth. - Can I serve this pie warm?
It’s best served at room temperature or slightly chilled for the best texture. - Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, you can use a pre-made pie crust for a quicker version.
Conclusion
Brie and Cranberry Crinkle Pie is a sophisticated and indulgent dessert that brings together the creamy richness of brie and the bright, tangy flavor of cranberries. With its flaky crust and elegant crinkle finish, it’s sure to impress at any special occasion. Whether for holidays, dinner parties, or just because, this pie is a delicious way to treat yourself and your guests to something truly special.