Cherry pie is a classic American dessert that is loved for its sweet and tart flavors. This traditional pie is made with a buttery pie crust, filled with juicy cherries, and topped with a lattice crust. It is a perfect summer treat and is often enjoyed during picnics and barbecues.
The key to making the perfect cherry pie is using ripe cherries that are sweet and slightly sour. You can use fresh cherries when they are in season, or you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available. The filling is made by combining the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to enhance the natural flavors of the fruit. Once the pie is baked, the cherries become tender and release their juices, creating a deliciously gooey filling.
Ingredients
For the pie crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the cherry filling:
- 6 cups cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The pie crust for this cherry pie is made from scratch and requires just a few simple ingredients. To make the crust, you will need all-purpose flour, salt, granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and ice water. The flour serves as the base for the crust, while the salt enhances the flavor. The granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness, and the cold butter is essential for creating a flaky texture. Finally, the ice water is used to bring the dough together.
The cherry filling is the star of the show in this pie. It consists of fresh cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. The cherries are the main ingredient and provide a vibrant and fruity flavor. The granulated sugar sweetens the filling and balances out the tartness of the cherries. Cornstarch is a thickening agent that helps create a gooey and delicious texture. Lemon juice adds a tangy element and enhances the natural cherry flavor. Lastly, vanilla extract adds a subtle hint of sweetness and rounds out the overall taste of the filling.
Step-by-step instructions for making Cherry Pie:
1. Prepare the pie crust:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle cold water over the mixture, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the cherry filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Toss until the cherries are well coated.
- Let the cherry mixture sit for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Assemble and bake the pie:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove one portion of the pie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out into a circle large enough to line the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Transfer the dough to the pie dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
- Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust.
- Roll out the second portion of the pie dough and place it on top of the cherry filling.
- Pinch the edges of the two crusts together to seal them, then cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake the pie for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving.
Expert Tips for Making Cherry Pie
When it comes to making the perfect cherry pie, professional chefs have a few valuable tips to share. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, these tips will help you achieve a delicious and irresistible cherry pie:
- Choose the right cherries: The type of cherries you use can make a big difference in the flavor and texture of your pie. Look for ripe, sweet cherries such as Bing or Rainier cherries. Avoid using tart cherries, as they can result in a sour pie.
- Prevent a soggy crust: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, it’s important to blind bake your pie crust before adding the cherry filling. This involves pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before filling it. You can do this by covering the bottom of the crust with a layer of aluminum foil and then weighting it down with pie weights or dried beans.
- Enhance the flavor: To enhance the flavor of your cherry pie, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the filling. Almond extract complements the natural sweetness of the cherries and adds a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with the fruit.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delectable cherry pie that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors and toppings to personalize your creation.
Reviews
I recently tried making a cherry pie for the first time using the recipe I found on this website, and I have to say, it turned out absolutely delicious! The crust was flaky and buttery, and the cherries were perfectly sweet and tart. I followed the recipe step by step, and it was very easy to follow and understand. The instructions were clear and concise, and the measurements were all accurate, which made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I especially appreciated the tip about letting the pie cool completely before serving, as it helped the filling set and made for a cleaner slice.
One thing I particularly liked about this recipe was the homemade crust. It was the perfect balance of crispy and tender, and it had a wonderful rich flavor that complemented the cherries beautifully. The combination of the slightly tart cherries and the buttery crust was simply divine. I also appreciated that the recipe provided options for using fresh cherries or canned cherries, so you could make the pie no matter what time of year it was. I opted for fresh cherries, and they really stole the show. They were juicy and bursting with flavor, and I could tell that they were of high quality.
The cherry pie was a hit with my family as well. They couldn’t get enough of it, and we ended up finishing the whole pie in one sitting! It was the perfect ending to our family dinner, and everyone agreed that it was one of the best cherry pies they had ever tasted. I will definitely be keeping this recipe close by and making it again in the future. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful recipe!
I recently tried making a Cherry Pie for the first time, and it was an absolute delight. The recipe I found was easy to follow, and the end result was a beautiful, golden-brown pie with a mouthwatering cherry filling. The crust was flaky and buttery, and the cherries were perfectly sweet and tart. It was the perfect balance of flavors, and my family couldn’t get enough of it.
I must say, though, that pitting all those cherries was quite time-consuming. However, it was definitely worth the effort. The filling was full of juicy cherries that added brightness to each bite. I also loved the touch of almond extract in the filling, as it added a subtle, nutty flavor that complemented the cherries perfectly.
The cherry pie was also a visually stunning dessert. When I cut into it, the vibrant red filling oozed out, and it looked absolutely scrumptious. I served it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and the combination of the warm pie and cool ice cream was heavenly. I will definitely be making this cherry pie again, and even my picky eaters couldn’t resist a second slice!
I recently tried making a cherry pie using a recipe I found online, and let me tell you, it was absolutely delicious! The combination of the sweet and tart cherries with the flaky crust was perfection. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was definitely worth the effort.
The crust turned out beautifully golden and crispy, providing the perfect contrast to the juicy cherry filling. The recipe called for a mixture of fresh and frozen cherries, which gave the pie a nice balance of flavors. I also appreciated that the recipe didn’t call for an excessive amount of sugar, allowing the natural sweetness of the cherries to shine through.
I served the cherry pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top, and it was a match made in heaven. The creamy ice cream complemented the tartness of the cherries perfectly, creating a truly irresistible dessert. I received rave reviews from my family and friends who were lucky enough to have a slice, and there were absolutely no leftovers!
If you’re a fan of cherries, I highly recommend giving this cherry pie recipe a try. It’s a classic dessert that is sure to impress, whether you’re serving it at a special occasion or simply enjoying a slice with a cup of coffee. I can’t wait to make this pie again and share it with my loved ones.
As a huge fan of pies, I was thrilled to come across the recipe for Cherry Pie. The article provided clear and concise instructions, making it easy for me to follow along and create a delicious dessert. The crust turned out perfectly flaky and golden brown, which is just how I like it. The filling was bursting with sweet and tangy cherry flavor. Each bite was a delightful combination of the buttery crust and the juicy cherries.
The article also included some helpful tips and suggestions, which enhanced the overall baking experience. I appreciated the suggestion to let the pie cool before serving, as it allowed the flavors to fully develop and the filling to set. The recipe was also flexible, giving me the freedom to add a touch of almond extract to the filling, which complemented the cherries beautifully. Additionally, the article had some alternative serving suggestions, such as pairing the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. These recommendations added a nice touch and made the dessert even more enjoyable.
I have made Cherry Pie multiple times now, and it has quickly become a family favorite. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to special celebrations. The recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, making it accessible to even those with limited baking experience. The end result is a mouthwatering pie that is sure to impress and satisfy any sweet tooth. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try, as it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire!
I recently tried making a cherry pie for the first time, and I must say, it was a delicious adventure! The recipe I found was simple to follow, and the end result was absolutely mouthwatering. The combination of sweet, juicy cherries and flaky, buttery crust was simply heavenly.
The filling had the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, and the cherries were perfectly cooked – not too mushy and not too firm. The crust was golden brown and had a wonderful, buttery flavor. It was the perfect vessel for the luscious cherry filling. I couldn’t resist sneaking a taste straight from the oven, and it was worth every burn on my impatient tongue!
This cherry pie quickly disappeared when I shared it with my family. They couldn’t get enough of it, and I was proud to receive such rave reviews for my first attempt at baking a pie. It was a labor of love, but the end result was well worth it. I’ve now become a convert to the world of homemade pies, and I can’t wait to experiment with different fillings and crusts. Cherry pie will always hold a special place in my heart, as it introduced me to the joy of pie baking and tasting. I highly recommend giving this recipe a try – it’s sure to become a family favorite!
