3 Genius Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie Tricks

If you’ve been craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is about to become the new star of your kitchen. This pie has everything we busy bakers love: it’s gorgeous, it’s festive, and it delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, creamy, and crunchy. And yes—your guests will absolutely think you spent hours fussing over it (your secret is safe with me).

As someone who lives for easy, magical chicken recipes and the kind of desserts that make people close their eyes after one bite, trust me when I say: this pie is a showstopper. Whether you’re prepping for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday party, this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie will have everyone coming back for seconds… maybe thirds. No judgment here.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Let’s be real—life is busy. Between work, kids, errands, and the occasional attempt at a social life, spending hours in the kitchen isn’t always an option. That’s why I adore this pie. It’s:

• Shockingly simple thanks to time-saving shortcuts (hello, pre-made crusts and canned cranberry sauce!).
• Rich and creamy, with a velvety cream cheese layer that practically melts on your tongue.
• Bright and tangy, thanks to the cranberry topping and lemon juice.
• Texturally dreamy, with a buttery pecan crumble that adds the perfect crunch.
• Holiday-ready, but honestly delicious any time you need a dessert that does the heavy lifting for you.

If you’ve ever wished a dessert could taste like the season wrapped itself in a cozy blanket—this is it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pie Crust

• 2 pre-made pie crusts
  (Refrigerated, unroll-and-go style—my weeknight hero.)

For the Creamy Dreamy Layer

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

For the Tart & Tangy Cranberry Layer

• 2 cans whole berry cranberry sauce (16 oz each)
• 4 Tbsp cornstarch
• 2 Tbsp light brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional)

For the Golden, Buttery Crumb Topping

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

How to Make Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie (Step-by-Step)

This is where the magic happens—and yes, I’ll walk you through it just like you’re hanging out in my kitchen, stealing spoonfuls of filling when I’m “not looking.”

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Fit your pre-made crusts into two 9-inch pie pans. Give the edges a cute little crimp with your fingers or a fork. It’s the small touches that make everything feel homemade.

Pro tip: Set the pie dishes on a baking sheet lined with foil. This keeps your oven clean and makes the pies easier to move.

2. Build the Creamy Dreamy Layer

This is the heart of our Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie—rich, silky, and outrageously good.

• Beat the softened cream cheese until it’s perfectly smooth. Think cloud level smooth.
• Add the sweetened condensed milk and blend again until fully combined.
• Pour in the lemon juice and orange zest with the mixer on low.
  You’ll notice it starts to thicken like magic—this is your moment to feel like a culinary wizard.

Divide evenly between the two pie crusts and smooth the tops.

3. Mix the Cranberry Layer

In a medium bowl:

• Add the cranberry sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
• Mix until the cornstarch disappears and everything is one beautiful ruby-colored swirl.

Drop spoonfuls of this mixture over the cream cheese layer, then gently spread it out. Try not to swirl it together—we want those pretty, distinct layers.

4. Make the Magical Crumb Topping

In another bowl, stir together:

• Flour
• Brown sugar
• Chopped pecans

Pour your melted butter over the top and mix—hands are totally acceptable here—until crumbly clusters form.

Sprinkle generously over both pies. If it looks like too much topping, it isn’t. Promise.

5. Bake to Perfection

Bake for 55–60 minutes.

You’re aiming for:

• Golden brown, toasty crumbs
• Set edges
• A slight jiggle in the center

Your kitchen will smell like the holidays invited themselves in and decided to stay awhile.

If the topping browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during the last 15 minutes.

6. Let It Cool (the hardest step)

Place the pies on a wire rack and let them cool completely.

For picture-perfect slices, chill for at least 4 hours—or overnight. Waiting may be torture, but the clean slices are so worth it.

Tips for the Best Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

• Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable. Cold cream cheese = lumpy filling, and nobody wants that.
• Don’t skimp on the lemon juice. It thickens the filling and cuts the sweetness.
• The pecans are optional but magical. They add that toasty crunch that makes people ask, “What’s in this??”
• Use whole berry cranberry sauce. The bursts of actual fruit bring this recipe to life.
• Chill before slicing. I know—annoying. But trust me.

A little confession: I first made this pie during a holiday dinner when I needed a last-minute dessert that looked impressive but didn’t take three hours. My kids devoured it before I even got a slice (rude), and the adults asked for the recipe on the spot. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper in the Chicken Magic kitchen.

FAQs About Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie

Bring This Festive Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie to Your Table

If you’re searching for a dessert that marries creamy decadence with bright cranberry flavor—and does it all with minimal effort—this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie is your new best friend. It’s cozy, impressive, and unbelievably delicious.

Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or just treating yourself after a long day (we’ve all been there), this pie brings pure joy in every bite. And honestly? Watching everyone’s faces light up when they taste it might be the best part.

When you make it, come back and tell me how it went—I love hearing your stories and seeing your creations. Until then, happy baking and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious magic.

More Delicious Holiday Treats to Try

If this Cranberry Cream Cheese Crumb Pie has you craving even more festive flavors, here are a few cozy, crowd-pleasing favorites your family will love. Just tap a recipe name below and let the magic continue!

• Cranberry Pretzel Salad – A sweet-and-salty classic that always steals the spotlight at holiday gatherings.
• No-Bake Christmas Cheesecake Bites – Creamy, adorable, and ready in minutes—perfect for parties or snacking while wrapping gifts.
• Crispy Honey Roasted Butternut with Cranberries – Cozy, caramelized perfection with pops of cranberry. A must-try fall and winter side dish.
• No-Bake Grinch Pie – Festive, fun, and guaranteed to make the whole family smile.

Enjoy exploring these delicious treats—they’ll bring even more comfort and joy to your holiday table!

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