Introduction
There’s nothing quite like How to Make a Cherry Pie to bring people together. The aroma of fresh cherries baking with hints of vanilla and almond is absolutely irresistible. This pie, with its buttery, flaky crust and sweet-tart filling, evokes nostalgia, joy, and celebration. Whether you’re a pie-making novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe will guide you through creating a delicious, homemade cherry pie that is sure to impress family and friends.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy-to-Follow: Even if it’s your first time learning How to Make a Cherry Pie, the steps are clear and simple.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The blend of sweet and tart cherries, almond extract, and a touch of cinnamon makes this pie a standout.
- Flaky Crust: This recipe includes tips for a buttery crust that’s tender and flaky.
- Customizable: Use fresh or frozen cherries and adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking.
Instructions
- Form the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add cold butter, then use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.Add apple cider vinegar and ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough forms. Divide it into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, ginger, and cinnamon. Heat over medium until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in almond extract. Set aside to cool.
- Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disc of dough and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Pour in the cherry filling, then roll out the second disc and cut it into strips for a lattice top. Lay strips over the filling and weave to create a lattice pattern, crimping the edges as you go.
- Bake: Brush the lattice with an egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if desired. Bake for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool before slicing.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 247
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 10g
- Fat: 2g (1g saturated)
- Sodium: 284mg
- Potassium: 402mg
- Fiber: 19g
- Sugar: 22g
- Vitamin A: 34IU
- Vitamin C: 12mg
- Calcium: 124mg
- Iron: 4mg
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Cherries: Fresh cherries provide the best flavor, but frozen cherries are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain well.
- Almond Extract: Enhances the flavor of cherries. Vanilla extract can be used as a substitute.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to prevent it from being runny. If unavailable, try arrowroot powder.
Essential Cherry Pie Ingredients
To make a delicious homemade cherry pie, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The star of this How to Make a Cherry Pie recipe is, of course, fresh, ripe cherries. You can use a mix of fresh and frozen cherries if desired, just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before using frozen cherries.
For easy preparation, a cherry pitter helps quickly remove pits from fresh cherries.
The pie crust forms the base of this dessert. This How to Make a Cherry Pie recipe uses an all-butter crust or a blend of butter and shortening to achieve a rich, flaky texture.
To keep the cherry pie filling thick, cornstarch is essential, as it absorbs extra juices from the cherries. Reducing the cherry juices on the stovetop before adding them to the filling also helps.
- Fresh or frozen cherries
- Homemade pie crust (all-butter or butter-shortening blend)
- Cornstarch for thickening the cherry pie filling
Expert Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: Cold dough is crucial for a flaky pie crust, so don’t skip the chilling time.
- Avoid a Soggy Bottom: Thicken the cherry filling by reducing the juices, especially if using frozen cherries.
- Prevent Over-Browning: Cover the edges of the crust with foil if they start to brown too quickly.
Variations and Customizations
- Gluten-Free Cherry Pie: Use a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan Cherry Pie: Substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative and use a flax egg for the egg wash.
- Different Flavors: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice to the filling for a unique flavor twist.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store the pie at room temperature for up to two days.
- Refrigerator: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully baked pie for up to three months. To serve, let thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes to refresh.
Serving Suggestions
A warm slice of cherry pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a little extra flavor, dust a pinch of cinnamon or drizzle with caramel sauce. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: What kind of cherries are best for this cherry pie recipe?
A: A combination of Rainier and dark sweet cherries works well. Sour cherries also add a nice tartness, though they may require more sugar. - Q: Can I use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe?
A: Both fresh and frozen cherries work well. If using frozen, be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture. - Q: How do I thicken the cherry pie filling?
A: Cornstarch is an excellent thickening agent. For added thickness, reduce the cherry juices by simmering them on the stovetop before mixing them into the filling. - Q: How do I make the lattice top crust?
A: Roll out the dough, cut it into strips, and arrange them over the pie in a lattice pattern. Crimp the edges for a polished look.
Related Recipes
If you loved this recipe for How to Make a Cherry Pie, here are a few more you might enjoy:
- Hilly’s Pumpkin Pie: A unique twist on classic pumpkin pie with layers of caramel, white chocolate ganache, and a whipped cream topping.
- Classic Apple Pie: A staple dessert with tender apples and a hint of cinnamon.
- Peach Cobbler: A comforting, summer fruit dessert with a buttery, biscuit topping.
- Berry Crumble: Mixed berries topped with a golden oat crumble.
Conclusion
Creating a homemade cherry pie from scratch is incredibly rewarding. From selecting the right cherries to weaving the lattice crust, each step adds to the final masterpiece. The combination of a flaky, buttery crust and a sweet-tart cherry filling is classic, comforting, and delicious. Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or simply as a special treat, this cherry pie will bring joy to any occasion. Give it a try, and savor each bite of this timeless dessert!
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