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A close-up side view of a slice of layered cranberry fudge pie on a white plate. The pie has a thick graham cracker crust, a rich dark chocolate fudge layer, a creamy white cheesecake layer, and is topped with a generous amount of glossy, whole-berry cranberry sauce.

Cranberry-Fudge Pie


  • Author: Emma Hart
  • Total Time: 315
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This Cranberry-Fudge Pie is an elegant, multi-layered showstopper perfect for the holidays. It combines the rich, decadent flavor of a dark chocolate fudge with the bright, tart, and festive flavor of homemade cranberry sauce, all nestled in a flaky, golden crust. The bottom layer is a simple, no-bake chocolate ganache that sets into a firm, fudgy base, topped with a vibrant, jewel-toned cranberry gelée.


Ingredients

Scale

For The Pie Crust:
1 1/4 cups (142 g) Golden Wheat Flour
1 tablespoon confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 cup (46 g) vegetable shortening, chilled
4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
3 tablespoons (43 g) orange juice
2 to 3 tablespoons (28 g to 43 g) ice water

For The Fudge Layer:
1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
2/3 cup (152 g) heavy cream

For The Cranberry Topping:
4 cups (397 g) cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 1/4 cups (248 g) granulated sugar
1 cup (227 g) cranberry juice, divided
2 teaspoons unflavored gelatin


Instructions

Make and Bake the Pie Crust:
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, confectioners’ sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in the chilled shortening and cold butter until crumbly. Drizzle in the orange juice and ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Roll out the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Crimp the edges, prick the bottom with a fork, line with parchment and pie weights, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes. Remove the weights and bake for another 10 minutes until golden. Let cool completely.

Make the Fudge Layer:
Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Heat the heavy cream until it just simmers, then pour it over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 2-3 minutes, then whisk until smooth. Pour the ganache into the cooled pie crust and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until firm.

Create the Cranberry Topping:
In a saucepan, combine the cranberries, granulated sugar, and ¾ cup of cranberry juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened.

Add the Gelatin and Finish:
While the cranberries simmer, sprinkle the gelatin over the remaining ¼ cup of cold cranberry juice and let it “bloom” for 5 minutes. Remove the hot cranberry sauce from the heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin until dissolved. Let the topping cool slightly, then pour it over the firm fudge layer. Refrigerate for at least another 2 hours, until the cranberry layer is set.

Notes

Chill the Layers:
It is very important that the fudge layer is completely firm before you pour the warm cranberry topping over it. This prevents the layers from mixing and ensures beautiful, distinct layers in the finished pie.

Blooming Gelatin:
“Blooming” the gelatin by sprinkling it over a cold liquid is an essential step. It allows the gelatin granules to soften and dissolve evenly, preventing clumps and ensuring a proper set.

Storage:
This pie must be stored, covered, in the refrigerator due to the fudge and gelatin layers. It will last for up to 4 days and is best served chilled.

  • Prep Time: 30
  • Cook Time: 45
  • Category: Dessert, Pie
  • Method: Baking, No-Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 45g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cranberry fudge pie, chocolate cranberry pie, holiday dessert, layered pie, no-bake filling, make-ahead dessert