The BEST Cherry Pie

This cherry pie recipe is simply the best! The BEST Cherry Pie features a sweet and juicy filling made from fresh or frozen cherries, all enveloped in a perfectly flaky and buttery crust. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to impress your family and friends with its beautiful golden-brown top and mouthwatering flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious pie with minimal effort.
• Versatile Filling: Use either fresh or frozen cherries, making it suitable for any season.
• Perfectly Flaky Crust: The butter-based crust creates a delightful texture that pairs wonderfully with the cherry filling.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual family dinner, this pie will always be a hit.
• Customizable Flavor: Add almond extract for a unique twist that enhances the cherry flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To create the BEST Cherry Pie, you’ll need some essential tools to make the process smoother. Having the right equipment will ensure your pie comes out perfect every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Pie dish
• Mixing bowls
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish helps achieve an evenly baked crust, ensuring your pie is golden brown throughout.
• Mixing bowls: Using different-sized mixing bowls allows for easy preparation of the filling and dough without any mess.
• Rolling pin: A rolling pin helps you roll out the dough evenly, which is key to achieving that desired flaky texture.

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 the Egg Wash

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

How to Make The BEST Cherry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add cold butter cubes and mix until crumbly.
3. Slowly add ice-cold water until the dough forms.
4. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In another bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, salt, and almond extract if using.
2. Mix until well combined and set aside to allow flavors to meld.

Step 3: Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. On a floured surface, roll out half of your chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
3. Place it in the prepared pie dish.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour the cherry filling into the crust.
2. Dot with butter pieces on top of the filling.
3. Roll out the second half of dough for the top crust and place over filling.
4. Seal edges by pressing them together; cut slits in top crust for steam vents.

Step 5: Bake Your Pie

1. Brush top crust with egg wash mixture of beaten egg and milk.
2. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
3. Bake in preheated oven for about 45–55 minutes or until golden brown.
4. Allow cooling before slicing.

Enjoy your slice of deliciousness with friends and family!

How to Serve The BEST Cherry Pie

Serving your cherry pie is an essential part of enjoying this delightful dessert. Pairing it with the right accompaniments enhances its flavors and makes for a memorable experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances sweetness and creaminess.

Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture that complements the tartness of the cherries perfectly.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish your pie with fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Lemon Zest

• A sprinkle of lemon zest on top can enhance the cherry flavor and add a refreshing twist.

Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cherry pie with a warm cup of coffee or tea makes for a comforting dessert experience, perfect for any time of day.

How to Perfect The BEST Cherry Pie

To achieve the best results with your cherry pie, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe cherries: Using fresh, ripe cherries will enhance the flavor and sweetness of your filling.
• Pre-bake the crust: For a flakier crust, pre-bake it slightly before adding the filling.
• Adjust sugar levels: Depending on your cherries’ sweetness, feel free to adjust sugar levels to suit your taste.
• Use cold ingredients: Keeping your butter and water cold helps create a flaky crust.
• Let it cool properly: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and prevent soupy filling.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Cherry Pie

Enhancing your meal with complementary side dishes can elevate the enjoyment of your cherry pie. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Vanilla Ice Cream
   A classic pairing, vanilla ice cream provides a creamy contrast to the tart cherries.

2. Crème Fraîche
   This tangy cream adds richness while balancing the sweetness of the pie.

3. Fruit Salad
   A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits adds freshness and vibrancy alongside your dessert.

4. Cheese Platter
   Offer a selection of cheeses like brie or goat cheese that can provide savory notes to counterbalance sweetness.

5. Scones
   Light, buttery scones can be served as part of brunch when enjoying cherry pie during midday gatherings.

6. Spiced Nuts
   Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and warmth, making them an excellent appetizer before diving into dessert.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The BEST Cherry Pie, it’s easy to make common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using too many cherries: Overloading the pie with cherries can cause it to spill over during baking. Stick to the recommended amount for the best consistency.

• Not pitting cherries properly: Leaving pits in cherries can ruin the eating experience. Ensure all cherries are pitted and halved before mixing with other ingredients.

• Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling your pie crust can lead to a tough texture. Always allow your dough to chill in the fridge before rolling it out.

• Ignoring the oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can result in an unevenly cooked pie. Preheat your oven thoroughly and keep an eye on it during baking.

• Forgetting to vent the crust: Not cutting slits in your top crust can trap steam, leading to a soggy pie. Be sure to create vents for proper air circulation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover cherry pie in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.

Freezing The BEST Cherry Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating The BEST Cherry Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the pie for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about The BEST Cherry Pie that might help you as you bake this delightful dessert.

Can I use frozen cherries for The BEST Cherry Pie?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly! Just make sure they are thawed and drained well before using them in your filling.

How do I thicken my cherry pie filling?

Using cornstarch is effective! Combine it with sugar and mix well before adding it to your cherries for optimal thickening.

What if my cherry pie crust is too crumbly?

If your crust is crumbly, it may need more water. Add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together better.

Can I customize The BEST Cherry Pie recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg or mix different types of fruit for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

Final Thoughts

This recipe for The BEST Cherry Pie offers a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a family gathering or just a treat at home. Experiment with different fruits or spices to make it your own!