Cherry Pie – Recipes From A Pantry

This juicy cherry pie, with its rich, vibrant filling, makes the perfect dessert for virtually any occasion.This particular pie is one for the recipe books: it’s a blend of sweet and tart flavors encased in a flaky, golden crust that crumbles just right with every bite.

Suitable for vegetarian diets.

With its irresistible blend of tart cherries nestled in a flaky crust, Cherry pie is a timeless dessert that evokes warmth and nostalgia with every bite. This pie embodies the perfect harmony of sweet and tangy flavors, from its vibrant red filling to its golden-brown lattice top.

For many people, food brings back memories of childhood or a certain place in time. A fresh cherry pie is one of those recipes. The smell of cherries and the feel of working with the crusts almost saturates your senses. Not to mention the actual flavor once you take that first bite—mmm-hmmm good! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart and satisfies cravings every time.  

Cherry pie is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed on various occasions, including Memorial Day, 4th of July, or any patriotic gathering, due to its vibrant red color and sweet-tart flavor.

It’s also a classic choice for Thanksgiving or Christmas, adding a festive touch to holiday feasts with its comforting and nostalgic appeal.

Why Make This Recipe

• It’s Nostalgic – For many, cherry pie is not just a dessert but a reminder of cherished moments like Memorial Day picnics.
• Irresistible Flavor – The perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors creates a delightful taste explosion with every bite.
• It Hits the Spot – Few desserts compare to sinking your teeth into a slice of perfectly crafted pie.

Ingredient Notes

• Pie Crusts –  You can use store-bought pie crusts or make your own using flour, butter, salt, and water. For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust recipe.
• Fresh Cherries – Fresh cherries should be pitted and halved. Fresh cherries can be substituted with frozen tart cherries. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain them before using.
• Sugar – Use traditional granulated sugar or substitute with other sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Adjust the amount based on your preference and the sweetness of the cherries.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch can be replaced with tapioca starch or all-purpose flour as a thickening agent for the filling.
• Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice adds acidity and brightness to the pie filling. You can use bottled lemon juice as a substitute.
• Unsalted Butter – Butter adds richness to the filling. You can use margarine or a vegan butter substitute for a dairy-free version.
• Brown Sugar – This is optional and used for sprinkling on top of the pie crust before baking. You can omit it or use granulated sugar instead for a different texture.

How To Make Cherry Pie

Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.

Step 1 – Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F / 180 degrees C. Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a large bowl.

Step 2 – Grease a 9-inch round pie dish with 1 tablespoon of butter. Line the dish with one of the pie crusts, leaving the excess crust hanging outside.

Step 3 – Fill the pie crust with the cherry mixture. Use a star cookie cutter to cut out star shapes for the second crust. Lay the crust on the pie filling and add the star decorations. Seal the edge with the excess crust. Press with your fingers or with a fork.

Step 4 – Brush 1 tablespoon of butter over the crust and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake for 25 minutes in the lowest part of the oven, then move to the middle and bake for another 15 minutes.

Expert Tips

• Choose ripe, plump cherries for the best flavor. Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier work well for pies, but you can also use tart cherries like Montmorency if you prefer a more tangy flavor. Consider using a combination of sweet and tart for the perfect flavor balance.
• Taste your cherries before adding sugar to the filling. Depending on the sweetness of the cherries and your personal preference, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. Tart cherries or sour cherries may require more sugar than sweet cherries.
• If time allows, marinate the cherries in the sugar and lemon juice for about 30-60 minutes before continuing with the pie. This pulls out the natural juices from the cherries and makes a richer filling.
• Replace the cornstarch with tapioca flour to thicken the filling. Tapioca flour provides a clearer, more transparent filling and a smoother texture.
• Enhance the flavor of the homemade cherry pie filling by adding a touch of almond extract, vanilla extract, or a sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg. These subtle additions elevate the taste and aroma of the pie.
• Use an egg wash (a beaten egg mixed with a little water or milk) instead of butter before sprinkling with sugar and baking. This gives the pie a beautiful golden color and a shiny finish.

Delicious Variations 

• Cherry Crumble Pie – This twist on the classic involves topping the cherry filling with a crumbly mixture of flour, sugar, butter, and oats, adding a delightful crunch to every bite.
• Cherry Custard Pie – Combine cherries with a creamy custard filling made from eggs, cream, and sugar for a decadent and luxurious dessert experience.
• Chocolate Cherry Pie – Incorporate chocolate into your pie by adding cocoa powder to the crust or sprinkling chocolate chips over the cherry filling before baking, creating a delightful combination of flavors.

Prep And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Assemble the pie and refrigerate it unbaked for up to 24 hours, then bake it when ready to serve. 
• Store – Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 5 days or at room temperature for 2 days.
• Freeze – Tightly wrap the pie in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before storing in the freezer.
• Reheat – Reheat in the microwave or the oven until warmed through. You can also eat it at room temperature.

FAQs 

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