This cherry pie recipe is simply the BEST Cherry Pie you’ll ever make! With its sweet and juicy filling made from fresh or frozen cherries, paired with a perfectly flaky and buttery crust, this dessert shines at any occasion. Whether it’s a summer picnic, a holiday feast, or a casual family dinner, this pie is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the golden brown crust brushed with egg wash adds a beautiful finish you won’t want to miss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and buttery crust creates an irresistible dessert.
- Easy to Make: This recipe breaks down each step clearly, making it simple for bakers of all levels.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can use fresh or frozen cherries based on your preference or availability.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: From gatherings to quiet evenings at home, this pie fits all occasions.
- Beautiful Presentation: The shiny crust and vibrant cherry filling make for an eye-catching dessert.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking the BEST Cherry Pie, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Food processor
- Rolling pin
- 9-inch deep dish pie dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Food processor: This helps combine ingredients quickly for a perfect crust without overworking the dough.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out the dough evenly to fit your pie dish.
- Pastry brush: Perfect for applying egg wash evenly across the crust for that golden shine.
Ingredients
- 6 cups sweet cherries (2 pounds, pitted and halved)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting on the filling)
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 7 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- Coarse sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
How to Make The BEST Cherry Pie
Step 1: Make the Cherry Filling
- Place the pitted, halved cherries in a large bowl.
- Add the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract (if using).
- Stir until well combined and set aside while preparing the crust.
Step 2: Make the Pie Crust
- In a food processor, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
- Pulse briefly to mix the dry ingredients.
- Add cold butter cubes and pulse until pieces are small like peas.
- Pour in ice-cold water and pulse just until dough begins to form; it may be slightly crumbly.
- Transfer dough onto a floured surface; shape into a ball and divide in half. Wrap one half in plastic wrap; refrigerate.
- Roll out the second half into a round about 12 inches in diameter, then transfer it to a pie dish.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Stir the cherry mixture again before pouring it into the pie crust along with all juices from the bowl.
- Cut butter into small cubes and scatter over cherry filling.
- Roll out remaining dough into another round for topping; you can either cover it whole or create a lattice top as desired.
Step 4: Brush with Egg Wash & Bake
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and milk; brush over the top of the crust lightly.
- Chill pie in refrigerator for about 20 minutes while preheating oven to 400°F.
- Bake at 400°F for first 20 minutes; reduce heat to 350°F for an additional 40–50 minutes until filling is bubbly.
- Cool at room temperature for at least three hours before serving.
Enjoy your delicious slice of The BEST Cherry Pie!
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How to Serve The BEST Cherry Pie
Serving The BEST Cherry Pie is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some ideas to elevate your pie presentation and taste.
A la Mode
- Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice of cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances sweetness with creaminess.
Fresh Whipped Cream
- Whipped Topping: Add freshly whipped cream on top of each slice for a light, fluffy texture that complements the rich cherry filling.
Drizzle of Chocolate Sauce
- Chocolate Delight: A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the pie adds an unexpected twist, making it even more indulgent.
Nuts and Cherries
- Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle some chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts on top for added crunch and flavor contrast.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Beverage Match: Serve your pie alongside a cup of hot coffee or tea to enhance the flavors and provide a cozy experience.
Fruit Garnish
- Colorful Accompaniment: Add fresh cherries or mint leaves as a garnish for an appealing presentation and extra freshness.
How to Perfect The BEST Cherry Pie
To ensure your cherry pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cherries when in season. They provide the best flavor and texture compared to canned or frozen cherries.
- Check Sweetness: Taste the cherries before adding sugar. Depending on their natural sweetness, you may want to adjust the sugar amount.
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to pile in extra cherries, overfilling can lead to bubbling over during baking. Stick to the recommended amount for best results.
- Allow Cooling Time: Letting the pie cool completely allows the filling to set properly. This ensures clean slices when serving.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. This helps achieve an evenly baked crust.
- Use Egg Wash Generously: Apply egg wash carefully for a beautiful golden crust. It enhances both appearance and texture.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST Cherry Pie
Pairing side dishes with your cherry pie can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some options to consider.
- Cheese Plate: A platter of assorted cheeses complements the sweetness of cherry pie with savory notes.
- Salad Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the dessert.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring warmth and flavor, creating a comforting meal.
- Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside tender grilled chicken for a protein-rich option that rounds out your meal nicely.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can provide a hearty contrast to the sweet cherry filling.
- Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad with herbs offers a healthy side that brightens up your plate.
- Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad introduces additional textures and flavors that complement cherry pie well.
- Fruit Compote: A simple fruit compote can enhance the fruitiness of the dessert while adding vibrant color to your table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making The BEST Cherry Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Ignoring the cherries’ quality: Always use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. If fresh cherries aren’t available, choose high-quality frozen or canned options.
- Overmixing the pie crust: Overmixing can lead to tough crusts. Mix just until combined for a flaky texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the pie before baking helps maintain its shape and prevents shrinkage. Don’t skip this step!
- Not letting it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps thicken the filling and keeps it from being runny.
- Underestimating bake time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your pie and adjust baking time as needed to ensure a bubbly filling.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing The BEST Cherry Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating The BEST Cherry Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes The BEST Cherry Pie?
The combination of sweet cherries, a flaky crust, and balanced sugar creates an irresistible dessert that many adore.
Can I use frozen cherries for cherry pie?
Yes! Frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
To avoid a soggy bottom crust, you can pre-bake (blind bake) it slightly or sprinkle cornstarch on the bottom before adding the filling.
Can I customize The BEST Cherry Pie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
The BEST Cherry Pie is not just delicious but also versatile. With its sweet and juicy filling nestled in a flaky crust, it’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, you can easily customize it with different fruits or spices to suit your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
The BEST Cherry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8
Description
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with this Cherry Pie recipe, hailed as the best you’ll ever make! This delightful pie features a luscious filling made from fresh or frozen cherries, perfectly complemented by a flaky and buttery crust. Whether you’re celebrating at a summer picnic, enjoying a holiday feast, or simply sharing a sweet treat with family, this cherry pie is sure to impress. The golden brown crust brushed with egg wash not only adds flavor but also presents an inviting finish that will leave everyone wanting more. Get ready to savor each slice of this classic American dessert!
Ingredients
- 6 cups sweet cherries (2 pounds, pitted and halved)
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
- 7 tablespoons ice-cold water
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: almond extract, coarse sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and optional almond extract. Mix well and set aside.
- For the crust, pulse together flour, sugar, and salt in a food processor. Add cold butter cubes and pulse until crumbly. Gradually add ice-cold water until dough forms.
- Roll out half of the dough into a circle and fit it into a pie dish. Pour the cherry filling into the crust and dot with butter.
- Roll out the remaining dough for the top (whole or lattice) and place it over the filling. Brush with an egg wash.
- Chill for 20 minutes while preheating your oven further.
- Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F; then reduce heat to 350°F and bake for an additional 40–50 minutes until bubbly.
- Allow cooling for at least three hours before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 305
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 37mg
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