Cranberry Custard Pie: A Flavorful Dessert You’ll Love

The holidays are a time for indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your favorite desserts while staying on track with your Weight Watchers plan. Cranberry Custard Pie is the perfect combination of tart cranberries and a creamy custard filling, all in a lightened-up version that’s low in points but high in flavor. Whether you’re serving it at Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy weekend dinner, this pie will be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or a sweetener of your choice)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup skim milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 pre-made whole wheat pie crust (or use a homemade low-point crust)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick cooking spray.

Prepare the Cranberries

1. If using frozen cranberries, make sure they’re thawed and drained.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the cranberries with 1/4 cup of the sugar (or sweetener). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cranberries begin to soften and burst, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Make the Custard Filling

1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, skim milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch with the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar. Add this to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth and well-combined.

Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the cooked cranberries evenly in the bottom of the prepared pie crust.
2. Pour the custard mixture over the cranberries, filling the pie dish.
3. Use a spoon to gently swirl the cranberries into the custard for a marbled effect.

Bake

1. Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the custard is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This helps the custard set fully and gives the flavors time to meld together.

Serve

1. Slice the pie into 8 servings. Serve chilled or at room temperature. For extra flair, garnish with a dollop of whipped topping or a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving.

Nutritional Information

(Per Serving: 1 slice of pie)

• Calories: ~180
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• WW Points: ~5 (depending on the type of crust used)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Lightened-Up and Delicious: This recipe takes all the flavors of a traditional cranberry custard pie and makes it more WW-friendly without sacrificing taste.
2. Perfect for the Holidays: With its vibrant red cranberries and creamy custard, this pie makes a stunning addition to any holiday table.
3. Lower in Points: Thanks to the use of skim milk and a simple whole wheat crust, you can indulge in this dessert without worrying about your points.
4. Family-Friendly: Everyone, from kids to adults, will love the sweet and tart combination in each bite.

Tips for Success

• Crust Options: You can use a store-bought whole wheat pie crust for a quick option, or make your own with reduced-fat ingredients for even fewer points.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to develop and making it an excellent option for holiday meal prep.
• Topping Ideas: For a fun twist, top the pie with a small amount of low-fat whipped cream or even a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar just before serving.
• Customize: If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can adjust the amount of sugar or use a sweetener like Stevia or Truvia to cut down on added sugars.

Serving Suggestions

• Holiday Feast: Serve this cranberry custard pie as a perfect complement to your holiday meal. It pairs wonderfully with turkey, stuffing, and roasted vegetables.
• Brunch Spread: Make it part of a festive brunch alongside lighter dishes like fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, and savory egg casseroles.
• Post-Dinner Dessert: Pair this pie with a cup of herbal tea or coffee for a satisfying end to your evening.

Custard Pie is the ideal dessert for anyone looking to enjoy a classic holiday treat without straying from their healthy eating goals. Its creamy custard filling, paired with the tartness of fresh cranberries, delivers a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a guilt-free indulgence, this pie will be the highlight of your table. Enjoy this delicious dessert without compromising on your weight loss journey!