Cranberry Cream Pie II

The crust is graham crackers studded with pecans. The filling is whipped cream and cream cheese with a splash of orange liqueur. And the topping is a sweetened fresh cranberry sauce. Chill and decorate with whole cranberries and a sprig of mint.

• Preparation Time: 30 mins
• Cooking Time: 60 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 533 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• ⅓ cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons water
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon water
• ⅓ cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons orange liqueur (Optional)
• 2 ½ cups cranberries

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Step 2

To Make Crust: In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 2 tablespoons white sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix well, then stir in melted butter or margarine. Mix until ingredients are thoroughly combined. Press mixture into pan. Bake in preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool to room temperature.

Step 3

To Make Cream Cheese Filling: In medium mixing bowl, whip cream cheese until fluffy. Mix in confectioners' sugar. Scrape sides of bowl. Add vanilla extract. Add orange liqueur if desired. Mix well.

Step 4

In a separate bowl, beat whipping cream until soft peaks form. Fold into cream cheese mixture. Spoon filling into cooled crust. Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and chill at least 3 hours.

Step 5

To Make Cranberry Topping: In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, 1 cup white sugar, and 1 tablespoon water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture comes to a full boil and cranberries begin to pop. Remove from heat. Mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water together in a small bowl, until smooth, then stir into cranberry mixture. Return pan to heat. Cook until mixture boils and thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Step 6

Spread cranberry topping over cream cheese filling. Chill pie thoroughly before serving.