Cherry Pie Recipe

There’s something magical about a freshly baked cherry pie that conjures up memories of summer afternoons and family gatherings. The sweet-tart burst of cherries encased in a flaky, golden crust is a slice of nostalgia that never gets old.

This cherry pie recipe is a celebration of simplicity and flavor, using just a handful of ingredients to create something truly special. The vibrant cherries shine through, making every bite a delightful experience that’s hard to resist.

Whether it’s a picnic or a cozy night in, this pie is the perfect companion. It’s easy to whip up and fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone in.

So, grab those cherries and let’s dive into this deliciously satisfying recipe that’s sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

To recreate this delicious Cherry Pie, gather the following ingredients that will bring out the best flavors and textures.

• 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 package pie crusts (two crusts)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for topping

Instructions

Creating a mouthwatering Cherry Pie is a delightful process that combines fresh ingredients and simple techniques. Follow these steps to ensure your pie is a success!

1. Prepare the cherries: Wash and pit 2 cups of fresh cherries, ensuring they are clean and free from any stems or pits to create a smooth filling.
2. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, mixing thoroughly to coat the cherries evenly with the ingredients.
3. Let it rest: Allow the cherry mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld and the cornstarch absorb some of the juices, creating a thicker filling.
4. Preheat the oven: While the filling is resting, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking once the pie is assembled.
5. Prepare the pie crust: Unroll the package of pie crusts and fit one crust into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently against the bottom and sides to avoid any air bubbles.
6. Add the filling: Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, making sure to spread it evenly, and then dot the filling with small pieces of 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to enhance the flavor.
7. Top with the second crust: Place the second pie crust over the filling, crimping the edges together to seal the pie. You can create slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape or make a lattice pattern for a decorative touch.
8. Sprinkle sugar: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar over the top crust to add a sweet crunch once baked, enhancing the visual appeal and flavor of the pie.
9. Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, checking occasionally to prevent over-browning.
10. Cool before serving: Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set before slicing and serving.

Tweaks and Additions

Enhance your Cherry Pie with these thoughtful tweaks and additions for an even more delicious result. From flavor boosts to texture improvements, these suggestions will elevate your pie game!

• Use a mix of cherries: Combining sweet and tart cherries can create a more complex flavor profile, balancing sweetness with a hint of tartness for a more nuanced filling.
• Add spices: Incorporating a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth and depth to the filling, enhancing the overall flavor of the pie.
• Include a splash of bourbon: A tablespoon of bourbon in the filling can add a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
• Opt for a homemade crust: Making your own pie crust from scratch can drastically improve the texture and flavor compared to store-bought options, giving you a flaky, buttery crust.
• Incorporate a cornstarch slurry: Mixing a bit of cornstarch with cold water and adding it to the filling can help thicken it further and prevent a runny pie.
• Brush with egg wash: Applying an egg wash to the top crust before baking can give your pie a beautiful golden-brown finish and a shiny appearance.
• Serve with ice cream: Offering a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top of each slice can elevate the dessert experience, adding creaminess to the sweet and tart pie.
• Experiment with toppings: Consider adding a crumb topping made of flour, brown sugar, and butter for a crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft filling.