There’s something incredibly joyful about making a sour cherry pie. The moment you pop open that jar of bright, tart cherries or pour them out of a bag from the freezer, you just know you’re in for a treat! This *best sour cherry pie recipe* holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of summer days spent picking cherries with my family. The unique tang of the sour cherries perfectly balanced with a touch of sweetness is simply divine. Trust me, when you take that first bite and the flavors explode in your mouth, you’ll understand why this pie is a crowd-pleaser! Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, so you can enjoy this delightful dessert any time the craving strikes. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this classic American favorite!
Ingredients for the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sour cherries – If you can, use fresh cherries for the best flavor, but frozen works just as well if you’re in a pinch.
- 1 cup sugar – This sweetens the tart cherries, but feel free to adjust based on how tart your cherries are!
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – This helps thicken the filling, ensuring it’s not too runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds a lovely brightness that enhances the cherry flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A hint of vanilla takes the flavor to the next level.
- 1 tablespoon butter – A few small pats on top of the filling add richness as it bakes.
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts) – You can use store-bought for convenience, but homemade is always a treat if you have the time!
How to Prepare the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Getting started on this pie is a breeze! First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, grab a large mixing bowl and toss together the sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until the cherries are well-coated—it’s like a little cherry party in there!
Next, lay one of the pie crusts into your pie dish. Make sure it’s nice and snug; you don’t want any gaps! Pour that luscious cherry mixture right into the crust, spreading it out evenly. Now, for a touch of magic, sprinkle small pieces of butter over the cherry filling. This will melt and soak into those cherries, adding a rich flavor.
Cover with the second pie crust and seal those edges firmly. I like to crimp them with my fingers for a rustic look, but you can use a fork if you prefer. Don’t forget to cut some slits in the top crust! This lets steam escape and keeps the pie from turning into a bubbling mess. Now, pop it into the oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, until the crust is beautifully golden brown and you can smell that delightful cherry aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Once it’s done, let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set up a bit more. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make, perfect for bakers of all skill levels!
- The combination of tart cherries and sweet filling creates a flavor explosion.
- It’s a classic dessert that’s always a hit at gatherings and family dinners.
- Homemade sour cherry pie brings back nostalgic memories of summer.
- Serve it warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!
Tips for Success with the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
To really nail this sour cherry pie, here are some of my top tips! First off, always taste your cherries before mixing in the sugar. If they’re super tart, you might want to add a bit more sugar to balance it out. Also, make sure to let your pie cool for at least 30 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set and makes slicing a breeze—nobody likes a soupy pie!
When it comes to the crust, don’t skip the slits! They’re crucial for letting steam escape, preventing a soggy top. If you want a beautifully golden crust, brush it with a little egg wash before baking. And if you’ve got some extra time, try chilling your pie before baking; it helps the crust hold its shape better. Trust me, these little tricks will take your pie from good to absolutely amazing!
Variations of the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Ready to get creative with your sour cherry pie? There are so many fun ways to switch things up! For a little warmth, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling—trust me, it adds a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, mix in some raspberries or blueberries with the sour cherries for a delightful twist that brightens up the pie.
Want to play around with the crust? Consider using a graham cracker crust for a fun, no-bake option or even a coconut crust for a tropical vibe. And if you’re gluten-free, a nut-based crust can be a fantastic alternative! The possibilities are endless, so don’t hesitate to experiment and make this pie your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
If you find yourself with leftovers (which, let’s be honest, is a bit of a miracle with how delicious this pie is!), storing your sour cherry pie is super easy. Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. I recommend letting it cool completely before wrapping it up, so it stays nice and fresh.
When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, you can reheat it in the oven for that freshly-baked taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave individual slices for about 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overdo it—nobody likes rubbery pie! Enjoy it warm, perhaps with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence!
Nutritional Information for the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
When you indulge in a slice of this delightful sour cherry pie, here’s a rough idea of what you’re treating yourself to: approximately 250 calories per slice, with 10g of fat and 2g of protein. You’ll also find around 38g of carbohydrates, including 20g of sugar. Keep in mind, these are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every delicious bite guilt-free!
FAQ about the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Can I use frozen sour cherries? Absolutely! Frozen sour cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them a bit to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
How can I tell when the pie is done? Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling. If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
What can I do if my filling is too runny? If you find your filling is a bit runny, you can add a bit more cornstarch next time or let the pie cool longer before slicing. The filling will set as it cools!
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It’ll still taste fresh and delicious!
What’s the best way to serve sour cherry pie? I love serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It adds that perfect creamy contrast to the tart cherries!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear about your experience with this *best sour cherry pie recipe*! Did you try any fun variations? How did it turn out for you? Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts, and if you enjoyed the pie, don’t forget to rate the recipe! Also, feel free to snap a picture and share it on social media—let’s spread the cherry pie love!
Drucken
The Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe to Savor in 30 Minutes
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Ertrag: 8 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A delicious and easy recipe for sour cherry pie.
Zutaten
- 2 cups fresh or frozen sour cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Place one pie crust in a pie dish.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the crust.
- Add small pieces of butter on top of the filling.
- Cover with the second pie crust and seal the edges.
- Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries for the best flavor.
- Adjust sugar based on the tartness of the cherries.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 50 minutes
- Kategorie: Dessert
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 20g
- Natrium: 150mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 38g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 15mg
Keywords: sour cherry pie, best sour cherry pie recipe, cherry dessert
