🥧 Cranberry Ice Cream Pie: Tangy, Creamy, and Utterly Divine

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from 1,900 fans)
📸 700+ photo shares | ☀️ Updated [October 2025]

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that perfectly marries contrasting flavors and textures, and this Cranberry Ice Cream Pie is exactly that kind of wonder! Imagine sinking your spoon into a luscious, velvety ice cream base swirled with pockets of bright, tart cranberry, all nestled in a buttery, crunchy graham cracker crust. Each bite is a delightful dance between sweet and tangy, creamy and crisp, making it an absolute showstopper for holiday gatherings, cozy family dinners, or simply a refreshing treat on a warm evening. It’s a dessert that feels both effortlessly elegant and wonderfully comforting, promising to bring smiles and satisfied sighs with every spoonful.

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Quick Glance

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 8
💥 Vibe: Tangy, Creamy, Refreshing

Jump Ahead

• What You’ll Need
• How to Make Cranberry Ice Cream Pie
• Fun Twists & Serving Ideas
• Reviews
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recipe Note

What You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Cranberry Ice Cream Pie is almost as simple as enjoying a slice! Most items are pantry staples, ensuring you can whip up this delightful dessert with ease. Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy treat:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 full sheets)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 pints (approximately 4 cups) vanilla bean ice cream, softened
• 1 cup cranberry sauce (homemade or good quality canned whole berry)
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional, for garnish or swirling)
• Whipped cream, for serving
• Fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional)

How to Make Cranberry Ice Cream Pie

Creating this stunning pie is a breeze, perfect for even the busiest of days. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous, ready-to-freeze dessert in no time!

1. Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and sugar. Pour in the melted butter and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
2. Press into Pan: Press the crumb mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. You can use the back of a spoon or your fingers. For a firmer crust, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely. Or, simply chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.
3. Soften Ice Cream: Allow your vanilla ice cream to soften on the counter for about 10-15 minutes, or until it’s pliable enough to stir but not fully melted.
4. Swirl Cranberry: In a large bowl, gently fold the cranberry sauce into the softened ice cream. Swirl just enough to create beautiful ribbons of cranberry without fully mixing it in. If using, fold in half of the orange zest now.
5. Fill the Crust: Spoon the cranberry ice cream mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
6. Freeze to Set: Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, until firm.
7. Serve and Garnish: Before serving, let the pie sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften slightly for easier slicing. Garnish with a dollop of whipped cream, a sprinkle of fresh cranberries, and the remaining orange zest, if desired. Slice with a warm knife for clean cuts.

Fun Twists & Serving Ideas

This Cranberry Ice Cream Pie is truly versatile! Here are a few creative ways to make it your own or elevate the serving experience:

• Gingersnap Zing: Swap out the graham cracker crust for a gingersnap crust! The spicy kick of ginger pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
• White Chocolate Dream: Drizzle melted white chocolate over individual slices just before serving for an extra layer of sweetness and elegance.
• Nutty Crunch: Fold ½ cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the ice cream mixture for added texture and a lovely nutty flavor.
• Warm Compote Contrast: Serve slices with a small side of warm cranberry compote for a delightful temperature contrast that truly makes the cranberries sing.
• Boozy Berry Blast: For an adult twist, stir a tablespoon of orange liqueur or Grand Marnier into your cranberry sauce before swirling it into the ice cream.

Reviews

Our readers can’t get enough of this Cranberry Ice Cream Pie! Here’s what they’re saying:

“Absolutely stunning! Made this for our holiday dinner, and it was the star of the dessert table. The tang from the cranberries with the creamy vanilla is just perfect. So easy to make too!” – Wanda L., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I’m not usually a pie person, but this one converted me! It’s so refreshing and light, even after a big meal. My kids loved helping with the swirling part. Will definitely make again!” – Mark T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A genius recipe! I used homemade cranberry sauce with a hint of orange, and it took this pie to another level. The crust was divine. Five stars all the way!” – Madona P., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

FAQ

Got questions? We’ve got answers to help you master your Cranberry Ice Cream Pie!

Q: Can I use store-bought cranberry sauce?
A: Absolutely! A good quality canned whole berry cranberry sauce works perfectly and saves time. If it’s very thick, you might want to give it a quick stir to loosen it slightly before swirling.

Q: How long does the pie need to freeze to be firm enough?
A: We recommend at least 4-6 hours for it to be scoopable and hold its shape well, but overnight is ideal for a really firm, easy-to-slice pie.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Yes, this pie is an excellent make-ahead dessert! You can prepare it up to 3-4 days in advance and keep it tightly covered in the freezer. Just remember to let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Any leftover slices should be wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in an airtight container in the freezer. They’ll keep well for up to a week.

Conclusion

There’s a special kind of warmth that comes from sharing a homemade dessert, and this Cranberry Ice Cream Pie is truly designed to create those cherished moments. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary – a dessert that’s both comforting and invigorating, elegant and approachable. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, let your kitchen fill with the promise of something delicious, and create a little slice of joy for your loved ones. We can’t wait for you to taste the magic!

Recipe Note

For the cleanest slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each cut. This will help you achieve beautifully crisp edges and prevent the ice cream from sticking.