Welcome to the ultimate guide for the best cherry pie recipe! Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this classic cherry pie recipe will delight your taste buds and impress your friends and family.
Cherry pie is a beloved dessert known for its rich, sweet-tart flavor and flaky, buttery crust. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a scrumptious cherry pie from scratch using fresh or frozen cherries.
Learn how to achieve the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess with a homemade filling and a beautifully golden, crispy crust. Get ready to bake a pie that will become a family favorite and the star of any gathering.
Let’s get started on your journey to creating the best cherry pie!
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the cherry filling:
- 5-6 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the egg wash:
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
To make a cherry pie, start with the crust. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Add cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough starts to come together. Divide the dough in half, form each half into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
For the cherry filling, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes while you roll out the dough.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roll out one disk of dough on a lightly floured surface and transfer it to your pie dish. Pour the cherry filling into the pie dish.
Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the cherry filling. Trim the edges and crimp them together to seal the pie. Cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Mix the beaten egg with water and brush the top crust with the mixture. Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes.
Lower the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours before serving so the filling can set. Enjoy your homemade cherry pie!
Conclusion:
Congratulations! You’ve now mastered the best cherry pie recipe and can proudly share your culinary creation with loved ones.
This classic dessert is sure to be a hit at any occasion, and with its perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, it will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Remember, the key to a great cherry pie is using quality ingredients and taking your time to prepare the filling and crust.
Whether you enjoy it warm with a scoop of ice cream or at room temperature, this cherry pie is a timeless treat that will be cherished for years to come. Happy baking!
FAQs:
- Can I use frozen cherries for the cherry pie? Yes, you can use frozen cherries if fresh ones are not available. Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before using them in the recipe.
- How do I store leftover cherry pie? Leftover cherry pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To keep the crust crispy, cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, you can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months.