Oh my goodness, there’s just something magical about baking a homemade cherry pie! The smell of fresh cherries mingling with the buttery aroma of a flaky crust is absolutely irresistible. I remember the first time I made this pie—it was a sunny afternoon, and I had just picked a basket full of cherries. Trust me, using fresh cherries makes all the difference; they burst with flavor and sweetness that you just can’t get from a can. Every slice is a little piece of joy! I love how simple yet delicious this dessert is, and it always brings back fond memories of family gatherings. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into the delightful world of cherry pie making—you won’t regret it!
Ingredients List
You’ll want to gather these simple, fresh ingredients to make your cherry pie shine:
- 2 cups fresh cherries (pitted): Make sure to choose ripe, juicy cherries for the best flavor. You can also use frozen cherries if fresh aren’t available, but give them a good drain before using.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: This will sweeten the cherries perfectly. Feel free to adjust it based on how sweet your cherries are!
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the cherry filling and keeping it nice and gooey.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: It adds a lovely brightness to the pie and balances the sweetness of the cherries.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: This extra touch enhances the overall flavor and makes it even more delightful.
- 1 tablespoon butter: A small dollop of butter on top of the filling before covering it will add richness to the pie.
- 1 double pie crust: You can use store-bought for convenience or make your own from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous!
How to Prepare Cherry Pie
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making this delicious cherry pie! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful pie to impress your friends and family.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your pie crust gets that perfect golden-brown finish.
- While the oven is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine your pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed and the sugar starts to dissolve. You’ll want those cherries to be coated evenly!
- Next, pour that luscious cherry mixture into one of your pie crusts. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every slice gets a fair share of that juicy goodness.
- Now, for the buttery touch! Dot the cherry filling with small pieces of butter. This little extra step adds a richness that you won’t want to skip.
- Carefully cover the filling with the second pie crust. If you’re using a store-bought one, it might be a bit easier. Gently press the edges of the crusts together to seal them. Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust to let the steam escape—this is crucial to avoid a soggy pie!
- Pop your pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden and the cherry filling is bubbling up through those slits. Yum!
- Once it’s out of the oven, let your cherry pie cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner slices. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion!
- The use of fresh cherries gives it a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- You’ll impress friends and family with your baking skills—just wait for those compliments!
- The flaky crust pairs beautifully with the sweet, gooey cherry filling.
- It’s a classic dessert that brings back warm, nostalgic memories with every slice.
Tips for Success
Here are a few handy tips to make sure your cherry pie turns out absolutely perfect!
- Adjust the sugar: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you might want to tweak the amount of sugar. Taste the filling before pouring it into the crust—if it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar!
- Chill your pie crust: If you’re making your own crust, don’t forget to chill it before rolling it out. This helps prevent shrinkage during baking and keeps it flaky.
- Seal it well: Make sure to press the edges of your crusts together firmly to prevent any filling from leaking out while baking. A good crimp can also make your pie look extra fancy!
- Watch the bake time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your pie! If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with foil to prevent burning.
- Let it cool: Resist the urge to slice into your pie right away! Allowing it to cool will help the filling set, giving you those beautiful, clean slices.
Nutritional Information
While I absolutely love sharing my cherry pie recipe, it’s important to remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Here’s a general overview of what you can expect per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
Keep in mind, these values are approximate and can change based on your variations, like using less sugar or a different crust. Enjoy your pie guilt-free and savor every delicious bite!
FAQ About Cherry Pie
I know you might have some burning questions about making the perfect cherry pie, so let’s tackle a few of the most common ones!
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your filling.
How do I prevent a soggy crust?
To keep your crust nice and flaky, make sure to cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape. Pre-baking the bottom crust for a few minutes can also help!
What if my filling is too runny?
If your filling turns out too runny, it might be due to excess moisture from the cherries or not enough cornstarch. Just be sure to mix the cornstarch thoroughly with the sugar before adding it to the cherries.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance! Just keep it covered in the fridge and bake it the day you plan to serve it for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
What’s the best way to serve cherry pie?
Serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is my favorite! The creamy ice cream perfectly complements the sweet and tart cherry filling.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your leftover cherry pie is super easy! Just cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days—if it lasts that long! When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, you can eat it cold straight from the fridge, or if you prefer it warm, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will help to revive that flaky crust and warm up the delicious cherry filling. Trust me, there’s nothing like a warm slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your cherry pie, I can’t recommend topping it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream enough! The creamy, cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, sweet cherry filling. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, a dollop of freshly whipped cream is also divine. For a fun twist, try serving it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added crunch. No matter how you serve it, this cherry pie is sure to be a showstopper!
Print
Cherry Pie: 7 Magical Steps to Blissful Baking
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious cherry pie made with fresh cherries and a flaky crust.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 double pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla.
- Pour the cherry mixture into one pie crust.
- Dot with butter.
- Cover with the second pie crust and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries.
- Adjust sugar based on cherry sweetness.
- Serve with ice cream for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 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: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: cherry pie, dessert, baking










