Oh, cherry pie—there’s just something about it that feels like home, right? I remember the first time I baked one with my grandma in her cozy kitchen. The sweet, tangy aroma of fresh cherries filling the air was pure magic! This classic cherry pie has a flaky crust that perfectly cradles that luscious, juicy filling. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a cozy winter dinner. Trust me, once you take that first bite, with the cherries bursting with flavor, you’ll see why this cherry pie is a timeless favorite. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful treat!
Ingredients for Cherry Pie
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
How to Prepare Cherry Pie
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). You want that heat ready to work its magic on your pie!
- While the oven is warming up, wash and pit those beautiful cherries. Getting rid of the pits is super important—nobody wants a surprise crunch!
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cherries with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir gently until everything’s well mixed, and the cherries are nicely coated.
- Now, grab your pie crust and place it in a pie pan. Don’t worry if it’s store-bought—it’ll still taste amazing!
- Pour that gorgeous cherry mixture into the crust, making sure it’s evenly distributed. Then, dot the top with small pieces of butter for that extra richness.
- If you’re feeling fancy, you can cover it with another pie crust or create a lovely lattice top. Just make sure to vent it so the steam can escape!
- Slide your pie into the oven and bake it for about 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and you can see the filling bubbling through.
- Once it’s done, let the pie cool for at least an hour. I know it’s tempting to dive in right away, but this helps the filling set up nicely for those perfect slices!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Recipe
- It’s a classic dessert that brings back warm memories and smiles.
- Simple to prepare, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Fresh cherries create a vibrant, sweet-tart filling that’s simply irresistible.
- The flaky crust is a delight to bite into, adding that comforting texture.
- It’s versatile—great for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday feasts!
Tips for Success with Cherry Pie
Okay, let’s talk about how to make your cherry pie absolutely stellar! First, for a flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold—this helps create those lovely, airy layers. You can even chill your mixing bowl and utensils for good measure! When rolling out your pie crust, don’t overwork the dough; just roll it until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Now, about that filling—don’t skip the cornstarch; it’s key to achieving the perfect consistency, keeping your filling from being too runny. And remember, letting the pie cool before slicing is crucial—it gives the filling time to set. Trust me, these little details make all the difference in your cherry pie experience!
Variations of Cherry Pie
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your cherry pie! For a delightful twist, try mixing in some raspberries or blueberries with the cherries for a berry medley explosion of flavor. You could also experiment with adding spices—just a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the filling to a whole new level. If you’re a fan of tropical flavors, why not throw in some diced pineapple for a refreshing change? And for those who love a bit of tang, consider adding a splash of almond extract along with the vanilla. Each variation brings a unique flair while keeping that cherished cherry goodness intact!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Cherry Pie
Storing your leftover cherry pie is super easy! Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to keep that delicious flavor and moisture intact. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days—if it lasts that long, of course! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice again, you can simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes to warm it up. This way, you’ll get that lovely, fresh-baked taste all over again. Yum!
Nutritional Information for Cherry Pie
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful cherry pie. Each slice contains approximately 250 calories, with 10 grams of fat, 18 grams of sugar, and 2 grams of protein. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it gives you a good idea of what to expect. Enjoy your pie guilt-free, knowing it’s a treat worth savoring!
FAQ about Cherry Pie
Got questions about cherry pie? I’ve got answers! Here are some common ones I often hear:
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in your pie.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with tapioca starch or even all-purpose flour. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different.
How can I tell when my pie is done baking?
Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling! If you see those lovely bubbles peeking through the crust, it’s a sure sign your cherry pie is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, you can make the pie a day ahead! Just cover it well and store it in the fridge. It’s even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just reheat it before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste!
What should I serve with my cherry pie?
A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream pairs beautifully with cherry pie. It adds a delightful creaminess to balance the tartness of the cherries!
Cherry Pie: 7 Reasons to Love This Classic Dessert
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A classic cherry pie with a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling.
Zutaten
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pie crust
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Wash and pit the cherries.
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt.
- Place the pie crust in a pie pan.
- Fill the crust with the cherry mixture.
- Add small pieces of butter on top.
- Cover with another pie crust or create a lattice.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until crust is golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust sugar based on cherry sweetness.
- Let pie set for a better slice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 18g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 4g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 38g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 15mg
Keywords: cherry pie, dessert, baking
