The BEST Cherry Pie

This cherry pie recipe is simply the BEST Cherry Pie you will ever make! With its sweet and juicy cherry filling, this dessert is perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to holiday dinners. The flaky, buttery crust adds a delightful texture, while the beautiful golden brown color will impress your guests. Whether you use fresh or frozen cherries, this cherry pie is sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries and a hint of almond extract creates an irresistible flavor profile.
• Easy to Make: Even novice bakers can follow this straightforward recipe and achieve great results.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt the recipe based on the fruit available, making it perfect year-round.
• Beautiful Presentation: A shiny egg wash gives the pie a professional look that will impress anyone who sees it.
• Perfect for Sharing: This recipe yields 8 generous servings, making it ideal for gatherings with family and friends.

Tools and Preparation

Before you get started on making The BEST Cherry Pie, gather your tools and prepare your workspace. Having everything ready will streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish ensures even baking and helps maintain the shape of your pie.
• Rolling pin: This tool is essential for rolling out your dough to achieve that perfect flaky crust.
• Mixing bowls: Properly sized mixing bowls help you combine ingredients without spills, keeping your workspace tidy.

Ingredients

To create The BEST Cherry Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Cherry Filling:

• 6 cups sweet cherries (2 pounds, pitted and halved)
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (see note)
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for dotting on the filling)

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
• 7 tablespoons ice-cold water

For Topping:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon milk
• Coarse sugar or granulated sugar (for sprinkling, optional)

How to Make The BEST Cherry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries with granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract if using.
2. Gently stir until all cherries are evenly coated with the mixture. Set aside for about 15 minutes to allow juices to develop.

Step 2: Make the Pie Crust

1. In another bowl, mix flour, granulated sugar, and salt together.
2. Add cold butter cubes into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time until dough forms. Be careful not to overmix!

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Divide dough in half; shape each half into a disc. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. On a floured surface, roll out one disc into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Place rolled-out dough into your pie dish; trim excess hanging over edges.
2. Pour cherry filling into crust; dot with unsalted butter.
3. Roll out second disc of dough; place over filling. Seal edges by crimping with fingers or a fork.

Step 5: Bake Your Cherry Pie

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Brush top crust with beaten egg mixed with milk for shine; sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
3. Bake for about 25 minutes at high heat; reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake an additional 40 minutes or until filling bubbles.

Enjoy every slice of The BEST Cherry Pie!

How to Serve The BEST Cherry Pie

Serving your cherry pie perfectly can enhance its deliciousness. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this dessert.

A La Mode

• Serve a warm slice of cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination. The creaminess of the ice cream balances the tart cherries beautifully.

Whipped Cream

• Add a dollop of fresh whipped cream on top of each slice. This light and airy topping complements the rich flavors of the pie.

With Fresh Berries

• Garnish your cherry pie slice with fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries. This adds color and extra fruity flavor to each bite.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle a bit of rich chocolate sauce over your slice. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs nicely with the tart cherries.

Served Cold

• Enjoy your cherry pie chilled for a refreshing take during warm months. Refrigerate it for a couple of hours before serving for a cool dessert experience.

How to Perfect The BEST Cherry Pie

Getting the best results from your cherry pie is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Cherries: Whenever possible, opt for fresh sweet cherries for the filling. They provide the best flavor and texture.

• Chill Your Dough: Keep your pie crust dough cold before rolling it out. This helps create that flaky texture we all love in a great pie crust.

• Thicken Filling Properly: Adjust the cornstarch if needed based on the juiciness of your cherries. Too much juice can make your filling runny.

• Egg Wash for Shine: Brush an egg wash over the crust before baking. This gives it a beautiful golden brown finish that looks irresistible.

• Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling, making it easier to serve without spilling.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Cherry Pie

Pairing side dishes with your cherry pie can elevate any meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream offers a perfect contrast to the tartness of cherry pie.

2. Cheese Platter: Serve assorted cheeses like brie and gouda for a savory balance against sweet flavors.

3. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits refreshes the palate between bites of rich cherry pie.

4. Nutty Granola: Offer crunchy granola as a side; its nuttiness complements the sweetness while adding texture.

5. Lemon Sorbet: A tangy lemon sorbet serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying slices of cherry pie.

6. Coffee or Tea: Brewed coffee or herbal tea makes an excellent beverage pairing, enhancing flavors and providing warmth alongside dessert.

7. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For cookie lovers, serve warm chocolate chip cookies alongside for an indulgent treat combo.

8. Pecan Pie Bites: Mini pecan pies add another layer of sweetness and crunch, creating an appealing dessert spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making cherry pie can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert.

• Boldly skip the pitting: Not removing the pits from cherries can lead to an unpleasant surprise when biting into the pie. Always ensure all cherries are pitted before use.

• Boldly neglecting to chill your butter: Using warm butter will make your pie crust tough instead of flaky. Cut your butter into cubes and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

• Boldly ignoring the balance of sweetness: Adding too much sugar can overpower the natural flavor of cherries. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries for a balanced filling.

• Boldly rushing the resting period: Skipping the resting time for the dough can result in a tough crust. Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.

• Boldly overfilling your pie: Overloading with filling can cause spills and an uneven bake. Stick to the recommended amount for perfect results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cherry pie in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing The BEST Cherry Pie

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil for best results.
• The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating The BEST Cherry Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid. Warm for about 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The BEST Cherry Pie.

How do I know when my cherry pie is done?

The BEST Cherry Pie is done when the crust is golden brown and juices bubble from the filling, indicating it’s cooked through.

Can I use frozen cherries for The BEST Cherry Pie?

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to your filling mixture.

What is the secret to a flaky pie crust?

The secret lies in using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough. Avoid overworking it to keep it tender and flaky.

How do I prevent my cherry pie from being runny?

Using cornstarch helps thicken the filling, preventing excess juice from making your crust soggy. Letting it cool before slicing also helps!

Final Thoughts

The BEST Cherry Pie is a delightful blend of sweet cherries nestled in a flaky crust, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm or cold, this versatile dessert can be customized with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even topped with ice cream or whipped cream. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try, and enjoy every bite!