Oh, let me tell you—there’s something absolutely magical about cherry desserts, especially during Thanksgiving! When the leaves start to change and the air gets that crisp bite, I can’t help but think of this delightful cherry pie. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a celebration on a plate! The sweet-tart burst of fresh cherries, nestled in a flaky crust, brings a smile to everyone’s face. My family always looks forward to this treat, and it’s become a cherished tradition at our holiday gatherings. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like slicing into that golden crust and revealing all that luscious cherry goodness inside. It’s the perfect way to end a festive meal, and I promise it will steal the show at your Thanksgiving table! So, let’s dive into this simple yet scrumptious recipe that’s sure to bring joy to your celebrations!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted (Make sure they’re sweet and ripe for the best flavor)
- 1 cup sugar (Adjust slightly depending on the sweetness of your cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (This will help thicken the filling and give it that perfect pie consistency)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (A splash of brightness that balances the sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (Trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 prepared pie crust (You can use store-bought or homemade—whatever makes your life easier!)
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
Preheat the Oven
First things first—let’s get that oven preheating! You’ll want to set it to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures your pie bakes evenly and that crust gets that beautiful golden color we all love. So go ahead and get that heat cranking while we prepare the filling!
Prepare the Cherry Mixture
In a big bowl, toss together your pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. I like to give it a gentle stir, making sure all those cherries are nicely coated. The sugar will draw out the juiciness, and the cornstarch will help thicken it all up as it bakes. Trust me, the smell is going to be heavenly!
Assemble the Pie
Now it’s time to pour that luscious cherry mixture right into your prepared pie crust. Spread it out evenly, and then grab the second crust. Cover the pie, sealing the edges with your fingers or a fork—whatever feels good to you! Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust to let the steam escape. This step is key for a perfectly baked pie; plus, it gives it that rustic charm!
Bake the Pie
Pop your pie in the oven and let it bake for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the crust is golden brown and you can see the cherry filling bubbling away through those slits. That’s the moment you’ve been waiting for, my friend!
Cooling and Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, resist the urge to dive right in! Let the pie cool for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the filling set up a bit more, so it’s easier to slice. Serve it up with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for that extra touch of indulgence. It’s the perfect finishing touch to your Thanksgiving feast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this cherry pie up in no time, leaving you more moments to spend with family and friends.
- Delicious flavor: The balance of sweet and tart cherries, combined with a flaky crust, creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
- Perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings: This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, adding a festive touch to your holiday table that everyone will adore.
- Easy to make: With just a handful of simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even the novice baker can shine with this recipe.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your cherry pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some tips that I always keep in mind when I’m baking this delightful dessert:
- Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on how sweet your cherries are, you might want to tweak the sugar a bit. If they’re on the tart side, you can add a little more sugar. Just remember to taste the mixture before you pour it into the crust—this way, you’ll get the balance just right!
- Different Types of Cherries: Feel free to experiment with different varieties! Sweet Bing cherries are fantastic, but you can also use tart Montmorency cherries for a more tangy flavor. Just keep in mind that if you go tart, you might want to increase the sugar a bit more.
- Thickening Power: If you want an extra thick filling, consider adding a bit more cornstarch. Just a tablespoon or so can really help if you like a firmer pie. It’s all about your personal preference!
- Make Ahead: If you’re planning for Thanksgiving, you can prepare the cherry filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the crust and bake when you’re ready, making your holiday a little less hectic!
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: I know it’s tempting, but letting the pie cool is crucial. It helps the filling set, making for cleaner slices. Plus, the flavors meld beautifully as it cools!
By keeping these tips in your back pocket, I promise your cherry pie will be a hit at your Thanksgiving gathering! Happy baking!
Nutritional Information Section
Before we dig into this delicious cherry pie, let’s talk about the nutrition! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, but here are some typical values to give you an idea:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
These figures can help you plan your indulgences during the holiday feast. Enjoy every bite, and remember, it’s all about balance and joy in your Thanksgiving celebrations!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work beautifully in this recipe, and they can be a great alternative if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with the other ingredients. This will help prevent your pie from becoming too watery. Trust me, your Thanksgiving desserts cherry will still be just as delicious!
How do I make the crust from scratch?
Making a pie crust from scratch is easier than you might think! Start with 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour, and mix it with ½ teaspoon of salt. Cut in ½ cup of unsalted butter until it resembles coarse crumbs. Then, add 3-4 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, just until the dough comes together. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before rolling it out. It’s a fun and rewarding process that adds a personal touch to your cherry pie!
What are some variations for this cherry dessert?
Oh, there are so many fun ways to switch things up with this cherry pie! For a twist, try mixing in some almond extract for a slightly different flavor profile. You could also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm spice note. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some blueberries or raspberries along with the cherries for a mixed berry pie—yum! And for a little crunch, consider topping the pie with a crumble made of oats, flour, and brown sugar before baking. The options are endless, and each variation brings a new spin to this classic Thanksgiving dessert!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve got some leftover cherry pie? Lucky you! This dessert is just as delightful the next day, but proper storage is key to keeping it fresh. First, let the pie cool completely before storing it. This helps maintain its texture and flavor.
To store, cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It can stay at room temperature for a day, but if you want to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge where it can last for up to 4-5 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy a slice (or two!), you can eat it cold, which is delicious, but if you prefer it warm, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake it for about 10-15 minutes. This will help revive that crispy crust and warm up the cherry filling beautifully. Just keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t overheat and dry out.
If you want to freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It should keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as mentioned above. Trust me, no one will know it was ever frozen!
Drucken
Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry: 5 Reasons to Indulge Now
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delightful cherry dessert for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Zutaten
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 prepared pie crust
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Cover with another layer of crust, sealing the edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of cherries.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 45 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 35g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: thanksgiving desserts, cherry pie, holiday desserts
