Ah, cherry pie! It’s like a warm hug on a plate, isn’t it? This classic dessert has a special place in my heart, reminding me of summer picnics and family gatherings. There’s just something magical about biting into that flaky crust and tasting the burst of fresh cherries, sweetened just right. Trust me, using fresh cherries elevates this recipe to a whole new level. You’ll find that perfect balance of tart and sweet, all enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or just a cozy night in, this cherry pie is sure to steal the show!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
How to Prepare Cherry Pie
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated! You’ll want to set it to 425°F (220°C). This is super important because a hot oven helps create that beautiful, flaky crust we all crave. So, don’t skip this step! Just let it heat up while you prepare the filling.
Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your lovely fresh cherries with 1 cup of sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I love this part because you can really get in there and mix everything together until the cherries are well coated. The cornstarch will help thicken everything up while baking, giving you that perfect, gooey filling. Just set it aside while you work on the crust.
Assemble the Pie
Now, let’s roll out that pie crust! If you’re using store-bought, just follow the instructions on the package. If you’re feeling adventurous and making it from scratch, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thick. Place the crust in your pie dish, making sure it comes up the sides nicely. Pour in that cherry mixture and dot it with 1 tablespoon of diced butter. This little bit of butter adds richness to your filling! Now, cover it with another crust, seal the edges by crimping them with your fingers (or a fork if you prefer), and don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust for steam to escape. We want to let that steam out so the crust doesn’t get soggy!
Bake the Cherry Pie
Alright, it’s time to bake! Pop your pie in the oven and let it bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it, especially towards the end. The crust should turn a lovely golden brown, and you might see some cherry filling bubbling through the slits—this is a great sign that it’s almost ready!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, take it out and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is crucial because it helps the filling set up nicely. Trust me, waiting is worth it! Serve your cherry pie warm or at room temperature, and for an extra treat, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Enjoy every delicious bite!
FAQ About Cherry Pie
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just fine, and they’re often easier to find. Just remember to thaw and drain them before mixing so your filling isn’t too watery.
What’s the best way to store leftover cherry pie?
To keep your pie fresh, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cool before wrapping!
How do I make the crust flaky?
Using cold butter and keeping your ingredients chilled is key! Also, don’t overwork the dough—mix just until combined for that perfect flaky texture.
Can I substitute the sugar?
Yes! If you prefer a lower-sugar option, try using honey or a sugar substitute, but adjust to taste since sweetness levels can vary.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a classic cherry pie that brings back nostalgic memories.
- Using fresh cherries makes all the difference in flavor!
- The flaky crust is so satisfying to bite into.
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for last-minute dessert cravings.
- Simple ingredients mean you can whip this up any time.
- Great for gatherings—everyone will want a slice!
- Serve it warm with ice cream for an extra special treat.
- This pie is as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for impressing guests!
Tips for Success
To achieve the best cherry pie, start with fresh, ripe cherries—this really enhances the flavor! If you find they’re a bit tart, don’t hesitate to adjust the sugar to your taste. Remember, every cherry variety has its own sweetness level. For a flaky crust, keep your butter cold and handle the dough as little as possible; overworking it can lead to a tough texture. Also, letting the pie cool completely before slicing will help the filling set, making it easier to serve. Trust me, these little tips can take your cherry pie from good to absolutely incredible!
Nutritional Information
Each slice of this delicious cherry pie contains approximately 250 calories, with 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy this sweet treat while being mindful of your serving size!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftover cherry pie (though I doubt it!), storing it is a breeze. Just cover it loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight.
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie in for about 15-20 minutes. This way, the crust will crisp up beautifully without losing that delicious filling. Enjoy your cherry pie magic all over again!
Print
Cherry Pie: 7 Irresistible Secrets for Blissful Flavor
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic cherry pie made with fresh cherries and a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, diced
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Roll out the pie crust and place it in a pie dish.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the crust and dot with butter.
- Cover with another crust, seal edges, and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust sugar according to cherry sweetness.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cherry pie, dessert, baking, fruit pie
