The Juiciest Cherry Pie Recipe for Sweet Summer Gatherings

Sweet summer memories burst through my favorite cherry pie recipe, a delightful dessert that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Ripe cherries dance with buttery pastry, creating a nostalgic symphony of flavor.

Wild orchards whisper their secrets into each carefully crafted slice.

Rustic and comforting, this classic treat promises pure happiness in every bite.

Crisp, golden crust embraces juicy crimson fruit with delicate precision.

Seasonal ingredients shine brightest when transformed into this magnificent dessert.

Prepare to fall in love with a pie that celebrates pure, simple joy.

Ingredients Inside Cherry Pie Filling & Crust

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for a tender and flaky crust, choose unbleached for best texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, flaky layers with cold temperature crucial for success.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the crust.
• Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to the pie crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind ingredients without developing gluten.

• Sweet Cherries, Sour Cherries: Primary fruit filling with balanced sweet and tart flavor, fresh or frozen work well.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create syrup with fruit juices.
• Cornstarch: Thickens fruit filling and prevents runny texture.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and helps prevent fruit browning.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to cherry flavor.
• Almond Extract: Provides complementary nutty undertone to cherries.

• Egg: Creates golden, shiny crust when used as wash.
• Coarse Sugar: Adds decorative crunch and sparkle to pie top.
• Unsalted Butter: Enriches flavor when dotted on filling.

Cherry Pie Baking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Complete the pie crust recipe through its initial preparation stages.

Ensure the dough is properly chilled and ready for rolling.

Step 2: Combine Cherry Filling

• Fresh cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Thoroughly mix all ingredients until well combined.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Shape Bottom Crust

Roll out the first chilled dough disc into a circular shape approximately 12 inches wide.

Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring smooth placement.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer cherries into the crust, reserving the liquid.

Return the pie to the refrigerator.

Step 4: Reduce Cherry Juices

Pour the reserved cherry liquid into a small saucepan.

Simmer over low heat until the liquid thickens slightly.

Allow the reduced syrup to cool for 5 minutes, then gently pour over the cherries.

Add small butter dots across the filling.

Step 5: Preheat Oven

Heat the oven to 400°F, preparing for baking.

Step 6: Create Lattice Top

Roll the second dough disc into a 12-inch circle.

Slice the dough into strips and weave a beautiful lattice pattern across the pie.

Trim excess dough and crimp the edges decoratively.

Step 7: Prepare Pie Exterior

Brush the lattice top with egg wash.

Sprinkle coarse sugar over the surface for added texture and shine.

Step 8: Bake To Perfection

Bake the pie for 20 minutes at 400°F.

Reduce temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 30-40 minutes.

Look for a golden crust and bubbling juices that persist for at least 5 minutes.

Use a pie crust shield after the initial 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.

Step 9: Cool And Serve

Allow the pie to cool completely for 3-4 hours before slicing.

This resting period helps the filling set and enhances flavor development.

Pie Tips For Cherry Filling Perfection

• Choose sweet, firm cherries at peak ripeness for the most intense, natural flavor and perfect texture in your pie filling.
• Use a slotted spoon when transferring cherries to prevent excess liquid from making the bottom crust soggy and ensure a perfectly set filling.
• Wrap pie crust edges with aluminum foil or use a pie shield during baking to prevent over-browning and maintain a beautiful golden color.
• Cook reserved cherry juices slowly over low heat to create a rich, glossy syrup that enhances the pie's overall consistency and flavor.
• Allow the pie to cool completely for 3-4 hours, which helps the filling set and makes slicing clean and precise.

Cherry Pie Stays Juicy and Delicious Cold

• Store leftover cherry pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the cut surface to prevent drying.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and maintain a crisp crust.
• Let refrigerated pie sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and restore texture.

What Goes With Cherry Pie

• Boost Vanilla Ice Cream Pairing: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cherry pie, creating a classic dessert combination that balances the pie's tartness with cool, smooth sweetness.
• Complement Bourbon Selection: Pour a smooth bourbon like Maker's Mark, which enhances the pie's rich cherry flavors and provides a warming counterpoint to the sweet-tart filling.
• Elevate Whipped Cream Topping: Craft a homemade whipped cream with a hint of almond extract, mirroring the pie's almond notes and adding a light, airy texture to each decadent bite.
• Match Sparkling Rosé: Select a chilled sparkling rosé wine that offers crisp acidity to cut through the pie's richness, while its berry undertones complement the cherry flavor profile.

Cherry Pie with Fun Filling Options

• Gluten-Free Cherry Pie: Replace traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for a celiac-friendly crust that maintains flaky texture.
• Vegan Cherry Pie: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash alternative like maple syrup, and create crust with vegan shortening for dairy-free option.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Pie: Swap granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, reduce total sugar quantity, and use tart cherries to minimize added sweetness while keeping natural fruit flavor.
• No-Bake Freezer Cherry Pie: Skip traditional baking method, use graham cracker crust, mix cherries with cream cheese, and freeze for a chilled summer dessert version that requires no oven time.

FAQs

• What type of cherries work best for this pie?

Sour cherries like Montmorency are ideal because they provide a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, creating a more complex flavor profile compared to sweet cherries.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Thaw and drain them completely before using to prevent excess liquid in the pie filling, which could make the crust soggy.

• Why do I need to let the pie cool for 3-4 hours?

Cooling allows the filling to set properly, helping the juices thicken and making it easier to slice clean, neat pieces without the filling running everywhere.

• How do I know if my pie is fully baked?

Look for golden brown crust and bubbling juices that continue to bubble for at least 5 minutes, which indicates the filling has reached the right temperature and consistency.

What Cherry Pie Does Better Than Store Bought

• Craft a Classic Dessert: Enjoy creating a traditional cherry pie that brings nostalgia and comfort to your kitchen.
• Quick Weekend Baking Project: Perfect weekend activity that transforms simple ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal kitchen skills required.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare pie components in advance and refrigerate, allowing flexible cooking times and stress-free entertainment planning.
• Crowd-Pleasing Sensation: Delivers impressive visual appeal with its beautiful lattice top and glossy fruit filling that guarantees smiles from family and guests.

Cherry Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet summer nostalgia blooms in this classic Cherry Pie, capturing the heartwarming essence of homemade desserts. Juicy cherries nestled in a buttery, flaky crust promise a delightful journey through pure, wholesome comfort that calls you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust:

• 2 Homemade Pie Crust or All Butter Pie Crust

Filling Ingredients:

• 4.5 cups halved & quartered pitted fresh cherries (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
• 2/3 cup (135 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (28 grams) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed

Egg Wash and Optional Topping:

• 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) milk
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on crust

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Instructions

1. Craft the pie crust according to the recipe, ensuring it is thoroughly chilled and prepared.
2. Combine fresh cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract in a mixing bowl, creating a vibrant filling. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
3. Gently roll out the first chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circular shape, carefully transferring it to a 9-inch pie dish. Using a slotted spoon, arrange the cherry mixture into the crust, preserving the liquid separately.
4. Transfer the reserved cherry liquid to a small saucepan, simmering over low heat until it thickens into a glossy syrup. Allow the syrup to cool for approximately 5 minutes, then delicately pour over the cherries and softly toss. Dot the surface with small butter pieces.
5. Preheat the oven to a precise 400°F, preparing for baking.
6. Transform the second dough disc into a 12-inch circle, then slice into elegant strips. Weave these strips into a classic lattice pattern atop the pie, trimming and crimping the edges for a professional finish.
7. Enhance the pie’s appearance by brushing the lattice with egg wash and sprinkling coarse sugar for a glistening, textured crust.
8. Initiate baking at 400°F for 20 minutes, then reduce temperature to 375°F. Continue baking for 30-40 minutes until the crust achieves a golden hue and cherry juices bubble consistently for at least 5 minutes. Protect the edges with a pie crust shield during the latter part of baking to prevent excessive browning.
9. Exercise patience by allowing the pie to cool completely for 3-4 hours before slicing, ensuring perfect texture and set filling.

Notes

• Choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor and natural sweetness without adding too much sugar.
• Drain excess liquid from cherries to prevent a soggy bottom crust, using a slotted spoon ensures a perfect pie texture.
• Chill the pie dough thoroughly before rolling to create a flakier, more tender crust that holds its shape better during baking.
• Add a sprinkle of almond flour or ground nuts to the bottom crust to absorb excess fruit moisture and prevent sogginess.

• Prep Time: 3 hours
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 292
• Sugar: 17 g
• Sodium: 48 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg