Oh, the joy of Thanksgiving desserts! There’s just something magical about gathering around the table with loved ones, and nothing says festive quite like a cherry pie, if you ask me. I remember my grandmother used to make the most incredible cherry dessert, filling the house with that sweet, tangy aroma. It was always the star of our Thanksgiving feast, and let me tell you, the way everyone’s eyes lit up at the first slice was priceless. Trust me, *thanksgiving desserts cherry* not only brighten the table but also bring back those cherished memories with every bite!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups pitted fresh cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because a properly preheated oven ensures that your pie bakes evenly and gets that beautiful golden crust. So, while the oven warms up, you can get everything else ready!
Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the fresh pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and pure vanilla extract. I like to use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. You want to make sure that every cherry is coated in that sweet mixture, but be careful not to mash them—those juicy cherries should stay whole for that delightful burst of flavor!
Assemble the Pie
Now it’s time to pour that luscious cherry mixture into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure to spread it evenly so every slice has the perfect amount of filling. I usually use a spoon to scoop it in and then gently shake the pie plate to distribute it nicely. Trust me, nothing’s worse than a slice with too much filling on one side!
Bake the Pie
Slide that beautiful pie into the oven and let it bake for about 30–35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the filling starts to bubble up through the crust. Keep an eye on it, and if the crust edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with a strip of foil to prevent burning. The smell will be intoxicating, and you’ll be itching to dig in!
Cool and Serve
Once your pie is out of the oven, let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. This cooling time helps the filling set up a bit, making it easier to slice. And for the ultimate treat, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream on top! Wow, it’s the perfect finishing touch for this classic cherry dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 15 minutes, so you can focus on other Thanksgiving delights!
- Made with fresh, juicy cherries for that authentic taste that sings of summer.
- Deliciously sweet and slightly tart, this pie is a crowd-pleaser that satisfies every palate.
- Super easy to follow, even for beginners—no fancy techniques required!
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s a show-stopper that brings everyone together around the dessert table.
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your cherry pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries are key! Look for ones that are plump, firm, and a deep red color. If they’re slightly tart, that’s even better because they’ll balance out the sweetness of the sugar.
- Taste before mixing: Don’t skip this step! Take a moment to taste a few cherries before you mix them with sugar. If they’re too sweet, you might want to adjust the sugar amount a bit. The goal is to create a balanced flavor that shines through in every bite.
- Watch your cornstarch: Cornstarch is what helps thicken your filling, so make sure to measure it accurately. Too much and your filling could be gummy; too little and it might be runny! Stick to the 2 tablespoons for the perfect consistency.
- Don’t rush the cooling: I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the pie cool for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice without everything oozing out. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Experiment with spices: If you want to elevate your cherry filling, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg! It adds a lovely warmth that complements the cherries beautifully.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this delightful cherry dessert and impressing your guests at Thanksgiving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After that glorious meal, you might find yourself with some cherry pie leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store your pie, simply cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, but trust me, it usually doesn’t last that long because it’s just too delicious!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place a slice of pie on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with foil to prevent the crust from browning too much. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes until it’s warmed through. This method helps keep that flaky crust nice and crispy while the filling gets all warm and inviting again.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave, but be careful! Heat it in 15-second intervals to avoid making the crust chewy. Nobody wants that! And if you can, serve it with a fresh dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream right after reheating—oh wow, it’s a treat!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful cherry pie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients you use:
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 2g
This cherry dessert is not only delicious but also a relatively light option for your Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy every bite knowing you’re savoring a sweet treat that won’t leave you feeling too heavy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries can work in a pinch, but be sure to thaw and drain them first to get rid of excess moisture. This will help keep your filling from becoming too watery. Just remember, fresh cherries will give you that unbeatable flavor and texture, but frozen can still be a great option!
How do I know when the pie is done?
You’ll know your cherry pie is ready when the filling is bubbling up through the crust and the edges are a lovely golden brown. If the crust starts to brown too fast, just cover the edges with a bit of foil to prevent burning. You want that beautiful bubbling action to get that perfect deliciousness!
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can definitely prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just be sure to assemble and bake the pie on the day you plan to serve it for the best results. If you want to make the entire pie ahead, you can bake it and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just remember to let it cool completely before storing!
What should I serve with cherry pie?
Oh, the options are endless! I highly recommend a dollop of whipped cream for that classic touch, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for some extra indulgence. You could also try drizzling a little chocolate sauce or caramel for a twist! Trust me, your guests will love these pairing options.
Can I use a different type of fruit?
Sure thing! While cherry pie is a personal favorite, you can swap in other fruits like blueberries, apples, or peaches. Just adjust the sugar and cornstarch based on the sweetness and juiciness of the fruit you choose. Each fruit brings its own unique flavor to the table!
Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry: 5 Ways to Savor Sweetness
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry dessert for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Pour cherry mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the filling bubbles.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for best flavor.
- Serve with whipped cream.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving desserts cherry
