If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert that perfectly balances sweet and savory, look no further than the delightful Brie and cranberry crinkle pie. This unique pie combines creamy Brie cheese with tart cranberries wrapped in a tender, crinkled crust, making it a standout treat for holidays, family gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without stress. With its beautiful crinkled appearance and irresistible flavors, the Brie and cranberry crinkle pie is destined to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet and savory harmony: The blend of creamy Brie with tangy cranberries creates a flavor duo that excites your taste buds in every bite.
Eye-catching presentation: The crinkled top crust adds a rustic yet elegant look that makes this pie perfect for special occasions and casual dinners alike.
Simple ingredients, complex flavors: Despite its sophisticated taste, the recipe uses straightforward ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
Versatile dessert option: Serve it warm or at room temperature to suit any season or menu.
Easy to customize: Variations for dietary preferences keep this pie adaptable and fun to experiment with.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Building the perfect Brie and cranberry crinkle pie is all about harnessing simple, quality ingredients that each add something special — from the smooth richness of Brie to the vibrant tang of fresh cranberries. Having these essentials makes this pie both approachable and memorable.

Brie cheese: Choose a creamy wheel of Brie for that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Fresh or frozen cranberries: Tart and juicy, they provide the necessary zing and color contrast.
Pie crust dough: Use your favorite pre-made or homemade dough to achieve that flaky, crinkly finish.
Sugar: Balances the tartness of cranberries and enhances the overall sweetness.
Lemon zest: Adds a bright citrus note that elevates the flavors.
Egg wash: Brushed on top to create a beautiful golden-brown crust with appealing crinkles.
Optional spices: Cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth if desired.

Variations for Brie and cranberry crinkle pie

One of the greatest joys of the Brie and cranberry crinkle pie is how easily it can be tailored to your preferences or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make the dish uniquely yours without losing its signature charm.

Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
Vegan option: Substitute Brie with a plant-based creamy cheese and use a vegan pie crust.
Spiced up: Incorporate a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to add warmth and complexity.
Sweet boost: Drizzle honey over the cranberries before baking for added sweetness.
Herb infusion: Mix in fresh thyme or rosemary with the Brie for an earthy, aromatic flavor.

Why Brie and cranberry crinkle pie delights

How to Make Brie and cranberry crinkle pie

Step 1: Prepare the pie crust

Begin by rolling out your pie dough on a floured surface, cutting it into two even circles—one for the bottom and one for the top. Transfer the bottom crust gently into your pie pan, ensuring it fits snugly without stretching.

Step 2: Mix the cranberry filling

In a bowl, combine fresh or thawed cranberries with sugar and lemon zest, stirring gently to coat evenly. If using spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, add them now to infuse the mixture.

Step 3: Layer the Brie

Slice the Brie into thin pieces and arrange it on the bottom crust in an even layer, creating a creamy base for the tangy cranberries.

Step 4: Add the cranberry filling

Spread the cranberry mixture evenly on top of the Brie, letting the juices meld with the cheese during baking for a luscious interior.

Step 5: Top with the crinkled crust

Place the second dough circle over the filling. Using your fingers or a fork, gently crinkle the edges to seal the pie and create its signature texture. Brush the crust with egg wash to help it brown beautifully.

Step 6: Bake to perfection

Bake the pie at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles slightly through the cracks. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Brie and cranberry crinkle pie

Use room temperature Brie: It slices more easily and melts evenly during baking.
Don’t overfill: Leaving some space under the crust prevents spills and messy edges.
Chill your dough: Cold dough bakes flakier and holds the crinkled shape better.
Egg wash for shine: Applying an egg wash ensures a golden, irresistible crust.
Let it rest before slicing: This helps the filling set and makes cleaner slices.

How to Serve Brie and cranberry crinkle pie

Garnishes

Top the pie with fresh cranberry halves or sprigs of rosemary for an inviting, festive look that complements the pie’s flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or a warm cup of spiced tea to create a balanced meal or snack that enhances the pie’s rich and fruity notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices on rustic wooden boards or alongside light whipped cream for an elegant touch perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Brie and cranberry crinkle pie covered in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Wrap the whole pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries for this pie?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work perfectly—just thaw and drain any excess water before mixing to avoid a soggy crust.

Is Brie a strong-tasting cheese?

Brie has a mild, buttery flavor that melts smoothly, making it ideal for balancing with the tart cranberries without overpowering the dish.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

Yes, substitute dairy Brie with vegan cream cheese varieties and use a dairy-free pie crust to enjoy a delicious dairy-free version.

How do I get the crinkle effect on the crust?

Simply use your fingers to pinch and press the edges lightly before baking—this keeps it rustic and charming without needing special tools.

Can this pie be served cold?

Yes, Brie and cranberry crinkle pie tastes wonderful at room temperature or chilled, making it flexible for different serving preferences.

Final Thoughts

Brie and cranberry crinkle pie is a captivating dessert that brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of elegance to any table. Once you try this luscious blend of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and flaky crust, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Gather your ingredients, get baking, and enjoy sharing this cozy, irresistible delight with loved ones.

Brie and cranberry crinkle pie

Print Recipe

Brie and cranberry crinkle pie is a cozy and crowd-pleasing dessert that masterfully combines creamy Brie cheese with tart cranberries encased in a tender, crinkled pie crust. This harmonious sweet and savory pie offers a rustic yet elegant presentation, making it perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or casual dinners. Featuring simple, quality ingredients and easy preparation, this pie serves warm or at room temperature and invites numerous customizations for dietary preferences.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese

1 wheel (8 oz) creamy Brie cheese, sliced thin

Fruit Filling

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries (if frozen, thawed and drained)
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg

Pie Crust

2 circles of pie crust dough (pre-made or homemade), about 9 inches each
1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Optional Variations

Chopped pecans or walnuts (1/4 cup) for texture
Pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to add warmth
Honey drizzle (1-2 tablespoons) over cranberries before baking
Fresh thyme or rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped) mixed with Brie
Vegan alternatives: plant-based creamy cheese and vegan pie crust

Instructions

Prepare the pie crust: Roll out your pie dough on a floured surface and cut it into two even 9-inch circles. Gently transfer one circle into a pie pan, fitting it snugly without stretching.
Mix the cranberry filling: In a bowl, combine the cranberries with sugar and lemon zest. Add optional spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if using, and stir gently to evenly coat the berries.
Layer the Brie: Slice the Brie into thin pieces and arrange an even layer on the bottom pie crust, forming a creamy base.
Add the cranberry filling: Spread the cranberry mixture evenly over the Brie layer, allowing the juices to mingle with the cheese during baking.
Top with the crinkled crust: Place the second dough circle over the filling. Seal the edges by gently crinkling with your fingers or a fork to create the signature texture. Brush the entire top crust with beaten egg wash to ensure a golden-brown finish.
Bake to perfection: Bake the assembled pie in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling bubbles slightly through the crust cracks. Cool the pie for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Use room temperature Brie for easier slicing and even melting.
Do not overfill the pie to prevent spills and messy edges.
Keep dough cold to promote flakiness and help the crinkle hold its shape.
Egg wash adds shine and helps achieve a golden crust.
Allow the pie to rest before slicing for cleaner pieces and better filling set.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 pie)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 18g
Sodium: 210mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Brie pie, cranberry pie, sweet and savory dessert, holiday pie, crinkled crust pie, easy pie recipe, festive dessert