Delight in the luscious sweetness of ripe cherries encased in a golden, flaky crust with this Classic Cherry Pie recipe. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a timeless dessert, this pie is a perfect blend of tart and sweet flavors. Let’s dive into creating a homemade cherry pie that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 5 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of cherries)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, for dotting
For Assembly:
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pie Crust:
- In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and pulse until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Make the Cherry Filling:
- In a large bowl, gently mix together the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract (if using), and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Roll Out the Pie Crust:
- On a floured surface, roll out one of the chilled pie crust disks into a circle large enough to line a 9-inch pie dish. Transfer the crust to the pie dish, trimming any excess dough.
- Fill the Pie:
- Spoon the cherry filling into the pie crust. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll Out the Top Crust:
- Roll out the second pie crust disk and place it over the cherry filling. Trim the excess dough, leaving a slight overhang. Press the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal. You can crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Vent the Pie:
- Cut slits or create a decorative pattern in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Apply Egg Wash:
- Beat the egg and brush it over the top crust for a golden finish. Sprinkle granulated sugar over the crust.
- Bake:
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cherry pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to set.
Optional Tips:
- Serve the pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful pairing.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with other filling ingredients.
Enjoy the nostalgic joy of a Classic Cherry Pie, where the vibrant flavors of fresh cherries combine with the comforting embrace of a flaky crust. This pie is a timeless celebration of sweet simplicity that can be shared with loved ones or enjoyed alone on a quiet evening. Slice this masterpiece and let the sweet aroma and taste transport you to a world of homemade goodness. 🍒🥧✨.