
Cranberry crostata is one of my favorite company desserts. This simple confection, and yes it is a chewy confection with a flaky crust makes my guests swoon.
Though we aren't having many guests as of late, it is a perfect family pleaser, too.
But first the essentials. What exactly is a crostata? Crostata is a Latin word that means to encrust. It basically is a simple rustic Italian pie and it can be sweet or savory.
So what is a crostata vs. a galette? Kind of funny, but a galette is a French word for the same thing. So if you want to make a cranberry galette, this recipe goes both ways!
Making the filling is easy and with the addition of heavy cream makes this a rich, and totally luscious dessert.
I buy a large container so I can also whip some up for the topping. I added some maple syrup to it which made the whipped cream extra special! I also topped it with some sugared cranberries and a few maple glazed pecans.
Boiling the cream and sugar together and then adding the fruit and nuts is so simple. Refrigerating this mixture, makes this chewy confection that can then be popped into a pie crust in a moment's notice. Perfect to have on hand when you think you might have unexpected company or a strong sweet tooth.
One of the best things about this crostata is the fact that you can use a store bought pie crust. Where might you find a great premade crust? I love Trader Joe's butter crust, but I've also used a Pillsbury refrigerated crust, too!
Place this pie crust on a square cookie sheet, plop in the chilled filling, fold up the pie crust, sprinkle with sugar and nuts and you have an incredibly simple dessert.
After all, the beauty of this crostata is in its simplicity. So keep it simple, OK?
No one is the wiser because as you see, the crust is heavily sprinkled with sugar and nuts. Of course, like you see, you can always sugar some cranberries for the ultra glamourous effect.
(Below is the post from 2015)
Somehow Thanksgiving season has arrived, just as it does every year. This year though, it seems to have descended upon me quite quickly.
I think it was our weather. Denver has had a pretty good Fall and it just didn't seem to be getting seasonal. Today was 60 degrees and tomorrow will be about the same.
Wednesday though may start to bite us in the butt, but that's OK. I'm kind of ready to start hibernation!
This year my Thanksgiving will be a bit quiet. Though I am invited to my very close friend's home, where I have celebrated many Thanksgivings, it still doesn't seem the same without being surrounded by my kids and husband.
Though I have celebrated with my parents in the past, it was never a regular thing. So I'm a bit melancholy and even though I decorated for autumn, I'll probably start getting out the menorahs this week because Zoe will arrive next week, and I can't wait!
I don't think I've ever served it for Thanksgiving, though it is a perfect dessert for it. Toasted pecans and cranberries are perfect to round out a great holiday meal and this isn't too rich for a finale! It is easy to put together and to make ahead.

Needless to say Manservant was happy to take a few slices for the road. I feel for him this trip. He is actually going around the world.
First stop is Dubai, and though I've heard awesome things about it, I am sure glad to be here in my warm and cozy home. Then it is back to Korea, and then finally home, where Zoe and I will be waiting. I'm thankful for that!
Needless to say, I'll be keeping it simple this year. I hope you do too. Now is the time to spend with family. Trust me-I know.
More to Try:
Squash with Browned Butter and Sage

Tamale Cornbread Stuffing with Chorizo

Frozen Cranberry Salad

Pumpkin Chipotle Soup
I'd love it if you follow me on Pinterest and please share the crostata!
Recipe

Cranberry Crostata with Toasted Pecans
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 60 Minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This cranberry crostata is the perfect Fall dessert. Chock full of dried cranberries and toasted walnuts or pecans, this dessert is delicious!
Ingredients
1 prepared pie crust (I buy them rolled in the box)
Filling:
1 c heavy cream
¼ c sugar plus 1 T for top of crostata
1 c dried cranberries
1 ½ c toasted walnuts or pecans plus 2 T chopped for top of crostata
¼ t cinnamon
½ t vanilla or maple extract
Instructions
Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat.
When hot, stir and dissolve the sugar. Bring to a boil then adjust the heat and allow to simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and add the cranberries, nuts, cinnamon and extract. Stir to combine.
Line a 9″ pie pan with plastic wrap. Transfer the filling to the pie pan, spreading the mixture to the edges. Chill until ready to assemble.
When mixture is chilled, preheat oven to 375. Roll out the dough according to package directions and place on a sheet of parchment paper.
Invert the chilled cranberry and nut mixture onto the pie crust. Fold up edges of pie dough around the filling, leaving a 4″ window of filling. Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl whisk an egg yolk. Brush over the crostata. Sprinkle with nuts, then sprinkle with 1 T of sugar. Place crostata while still on parchment onto the baking sheet.
Place in oven and bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden. Cool for about 15 minutes before serving.
Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
Notes
*Does not include chilling time for cranberry mixture.
*Does not include time for cooling.
*For a less chewy confection bake for the shorted amount of time.
DeniseL says
And I follow on pinterest as deniseleb!
DeniseL says
I'm an email subscriber.
DeniseL says
My favorite pie is Dutch Apple or French Silk. I can't decide which!
ChgoJohn says
This must have looked beautiful on your Thanksgiving table, Abbe. It certainly looks the part. I hope you had a wonderful holiday with your family.
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
I hope you had an enjoyable Thanksgiving, Abbe! I'm sure you're getting ready for your daughter to visit and that will be so exciting. Your crostada looks like something I would love! Oh boy, my favorite pie? It has to be one that I make with a mixture of berries and almonds. It's wonderful!
Seyma Bennett Shabbir says
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Seyma Bennett Shabbir says
EMail subscriber 2!! seyma_bennett
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EMail subscriber!! seyma_bennett
Seyma Bennett Shabbir says
My favorite pie is a Peach Pie/Cobbler. Your pie looks amazing!! I have not seen a recipe like this before. I will have to try it! [email protected]
latabledenana says
Pretty!
Beth says
Your crostata looks fantastic! My favourite pie would be any kind of fruit pie - but don't enter me in the contest since I don't live in the U.S.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sippity Sup says
Well Ig ot here after the holiday but I hope your quiet celebration was fabulous. XOGREG
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This is autumn perfection! It looks so good. I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
Hi Abbe, beautiful crostata, so sorry about your family this year. My favorite pie is peanutbutter (kind of strange right?) and I already follow you. Have a great time with your daughter!
Anu-My Ginger Garlic Kitchen says
Wow! How gorgeous and delicious this crostata looks. Cranberries and nuts are the perfect combination. Can't wait to try this.
Anna and Liz Recipes says
This crostata sounds amazing! We love them too and the cranberries and nuts are perfect for Thanksgiving!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Karen Harris says
Lovely dish. I wish we were going to be around so we could share some of this with you and maybe a glass of prosecco or four. Well we'll just have to get together for lunch soon. it seems like someone I know is having a birthday in the next few weeks.
All That I'm Eating says
This looks fantastic, what a lovely sounding dessert with the cranberries and pecans.
Ali says
I follow on twitter @sockmonkeydiva
Ali says
I subscribe to This is how I Cook!
Ali says
My favorite pie is cherry pie!
traveler says
Favorite pie is Lemon.
traveler says
Email subscriber.
traveler says
What a delectable treat. Ideal for all day long. Simply divine. Butternut Squash is my favorite especially as soup. Enjoy Thanksgiving.
Chris Scheuer says
This does sound like a perfect holiday dessert. Or a snack. Or breakfast. Yum, I know I could enjoy this any time of the day. Have a blessed Thanksgiving despite not having your family there. I know you will be thrilled when they return home!
Kitchen Riffs says
Thanksgiving really seems early this year, even though it's not (a bit late, actually). Still, I'm not ready! Somehow it still seems like October. Anyway, this is such a nice dish -- tons of flavor. Definitely ready for that!
latanya t says
pinterest follower
latanya t says
email subscriber #2
latanya t says
email subscriber
latanya t says
love cherry pie
Tricia Buice says
I love crostatas and this one is lovely. Nuts and cranberries are perfect! Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends - I know you will miss your family.
Liz Berg says
Looks heavenly, Abbe! Wishing you a glorious Thanksgiving---I'm glad you'll be with friends!!! xoxo
P.S. My favorite squash is pumpkin. And I subscribe and follow you on SM, too 🙂
Angie Schneider says
Cranberry, walnuts and buttery crust...what could be more delicious than this glorious rustic crostata? It looks heavenly, Abbe.