Thanksgiving is all about gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and of course, indulging in delicious desserts! One of my all-time favorites is this *thanksgiving desserts cherry* recipe that brings a burst of flavor and nostalgia to the table. I remember my grandmother making cherry pie every year, filling the house with the sweetest aroma. It just wouldn’t feel like the holidays without it! This recipe is not only easy to whip up, but it also highlights the natural sweetness of fresh cherries, balanced perfectly with a hint of almond. Trust me, when you serve this warm pie with a dollop of whipped cream, it’ll be the star of your Thanksgiving feast! Let’s dive into the delicious details of how to make this cherry pie that everyone will adore.
Ingredients for Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved for easy eating
- 1 cup granulated sugar, to sweeten that cherry goodness
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, for a zesty brightness
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract, because who doesn’t love vanilla?
- 1 pre-made pie crust, saving you time and effort (totally okay to cheat here!)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch, to thicken the filling just right
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, adding a nutty twist that pairs beautifully with cherries
How to Prepare Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s get into the fun part—making this delightful cherry pie! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll end up with a gorgeous dessert that everyone will be raving about.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is super important because it ensures that your pie bakes evenly and the crust gets that beautiful golden color. Trust me, no one wants a soggy bottom!
Step 2: Prepare the Cherries
Next up, grab those fresh cherries! Wash them under cool water and then pit them. If you’re like me and can’t resist snacking on a few while you work, go ahead and indulge! Once pitted, slice them in half for easier eating and a lovely presentation.
Step 3: Mixing the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and almond extract. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together. The cornstarch is key here, as it’ll help thicken the cherry juices as they bake. Don’t worry if it looks a little messy—just make sure all the cherries are coated well!
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Now, it’s time to pour that luscious cherry mixture into your pre-made pie crust. Make sure to distribute the filling evenly so every slice gets a delicious bite! If you want to get fancy, you can even lattice-top the pie with extra crust, but I’m all about simplicity here.
Step 5: Baking the Pie
Pop your pie into the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it, and you’ll know it’s done when the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
Once it’s done baking, take it out and let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This cooling time allows the filling to set up a bit more, making it easier to cut those perfect slices. Serve it warm with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Tips for Success with Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
I want you to feel like a pie-making pro, so here are my top tips to ensure your cherry pie turns out absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little pointers can make a big difference in your baking game.
- Adjust the Sugar: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you might want to adjust the amount of sugar. If you’re using particularly sweet cherries, feel free to cut back on the sugar a bit. On the flip side, if your cherries are a little tart, adding an extra tablespoon of sugar can balance that out beautifully.
- Frozen Cherries Work Too: If fresh cherries aren’t available, don’t stress! Frozen cherries can be a great substitute. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the filling to avoid extra moisture. They’ll still give you that delightful cherry flavor!
- Don’t Overmix: When you’re mixing the filling, be gentle! You want to coat the cherries without breaking them up too much. Overmixing can lead to mushy pie filling, and nobody wants that!
- Let it Cool: Although it’s tempting to dive right in after baking, let your pie cool for at least 15 minutes. This helps the filling set and makes serving a breeze. Plus, you’ll avoid that dreaded cherry lava effect when you slice it!
- Experiment with Spices: Want to jazz it up a bit? Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, cozy twist. It’s a small change that can elevate the flavor profile beautifully!
Common Questions About Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
Can I use frozen cherries?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries are a fantastic substitute if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the filling. This will help prevent your pie from getting too watery. The flavor will still be delightful, and you’ll have that lovely cherry goodness in every bite!
How do I store leftovers?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which I hope you do!), store your cherry pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. That way, you’ll get that fresh-baked taste all over again!
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
You bet! This cherry pie can be made a day in advance, which is perfect for Thanksgiving prep. Just follow all the steps up to baking, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. On the day you plan to serve it, remove it from the fridge and bake as directed. If you want to save even more time, you can prepare the filling ahead and assemble the pie just before baking. It’s all about making the holidays a little less hectic!
Nutritional Information for Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
When it comes to enjoying this delicious cherry pie, it’s nice to know what you’re getting! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per slice (1/8 of the pie). Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially with sugar and crust options.
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
So, indulge a little—this cherry pie is not just a treat for your taste buds but also a delightful addition to your Thanksgiving feast! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share with loved ones!
Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful cherry pie, let’s talk about how to make your dessert experience even more special! Here are some ideas for serving it up that’ll leave your guests raving and wanting more.
- Whipped Cream: You can’t go wrong with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top! It adds a light, airy texture that beautifully complements the rich cherry filling.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of warm pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creaminess melting into the warm cherries is pure bliss!
- Chocolate Drizzle: Feeling a little adventurous? A drizzle of chocolate sauce over the whipped cream or ice cream can add a decadent touch that pairs surprisingly well with cherries.
- Fresh Mint: A sprig of fresh mint not only adds a pop of color but also a refreshing flavor contrast that brightens up the dish.
- Caramel Sauce: If you love a sweet and salty combination, drizzle some caramel sauce over the pie. It creates a lovely depth of flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Pair your cherry pie with a warm cup of coffee or a soothing herbal tea. The warm beverages accentuate the flavors of the pie and make for a cozy finish to your meal.
Whatever you choose, these serving suggestions will elevate your cherry pie from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Happy feasting!
Final Thoughts on Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry
I can’t emphasize enough how much joy this *thanksgiving desserts cherry* recipe brings to my holiday table! I truly hope you give it a try and experience the burst of flavors and nostalgia that comes with each slice. There’s something magical about baking a pie from scratch and watching your loved ones savor every bite. I’d love to hear about your own cherry pie adventures! Did you make any fun tweaks? How did it turn out? Please share your experiences and any questions you might have in the comments below. Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps others in our cooking community. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get baking! Happy Thanksgiving!
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Thanksgiving Desserts Cherry: 5 Ways to Indulge Completely
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious cherry desserts perfect for Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Wash and pit the cherries.
- In a bowl, combine cherries, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cornstarch, and almond extract.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the pie crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the filling is bubbly and crust is golden.
- Allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Use frozen cherries if fresh are not available.
- Adjust sugar based on cherry sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: thanksgiving desserts cherry










