Cherry Pie Recipe

Cherry pie is a classic dessert that brings a burst of sweet and tart flavors wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust. Perfect for summer gatherings, family dinners, or a simple treat, this cherry pie recipe is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious cherry pie that everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Crust:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small cubes
¼ to ½ cup ice water

For the Filling:

4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
1 cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces

For the Top:

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

2. Prepare the Filling:

In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss until the cherries are well coated.

3. Assemble the Pie:

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
On a lightly floured surface, roll out one of the dough discs into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing the excess dough to hang over the edges.
Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust and dot with the small pieces of butter.
Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal. You can also cut the dough into strips and create a lattice pattern for a beautiful presentation.
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

4. Bake the Pie:

Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 20 minutes at 425°F (220°C). Then, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.

5. Cool and Serve:

Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the filling set and make slicing easier.

6. Enjoy:

Serve your homemade cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for Success

Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but if they’re not in season, frozen cherries are a great alternative. Just be sure to thaw and drain them before using.
Keep Ingredients Cold: Keeping the butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust. If the dough gets too warm while you’re working with it, pop it back in the fridge for a few minutes.
Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The lemon juice balances the sweetness of the cherries and enhances their natural flavor.
Be Patient: Letting the pie cool completely before slicing ensures that the filling sets properly and doesn’t spill out when you cut into it.

Final Thoughts

Making a cherry pie from scratch may seem daunting, but with this straightforward recipe, you’ll be able to create a beautiful and delicious pie that’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process, and savor each bite of your homemade cherry pie!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy cherry pie? Let us know in the comments below!