Cherry Pie
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There’s nothing quite like a homemade cherry pie – the sweet and juicy filling bubbling under a flaky, golden crust. It’s a classic dessert that brings back memories of childhood and lazy summer afternoons. This recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to try their hand at baking homemade pies, but feels a little intimidated. The filling is made with fresh or frozen cherries, and comes together easily on the stovetop. Paired with a simple double pie crust (store-bought works great in a pinch!), this recipe is sure to become your go-to for homemade cherry pie bliss!
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Recipe
- Homemade Goodness: This recipe delivers all the nostalgia and flavor of a homemade cherry pie, without being fussy or complicated.
- Fresh or Frozen Flexibility: Craving cherry pie any time of year? No problem! This recipe works beautifully with fresh or frozen cherries, so you can enjoy it whenever the mood strikes.
- Simple Stovetop Filling: Skip the fancy equipment – the delicious cherry filling comes together easily in a pot on the stovetop.
- Perfect for Beginners: Even bakers who are new to pie-making can achieve success with this recipe’s clear instructions and easy-to-follow steps.
- Double Crust Perfection: Whether you’re a homemade crust pro or prefer the convenience of store-bought, this recipe works for both!
Ingredients Needed To Make This Cherry Pie Recipe
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
- Cherries (fresh or frozen)
- Water
- Orange zest (optional)
- Almond extract
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Cinnamon
- Double pie crust (top and bottom) – You can buy pre-made pie crusts or make your own homemade pie crust.
- Egg
- Water
Oven Temperatures
Oven temperatures can vary significantly from one oven to another. To achieve consistent results, it’s crucial to know the exact temperature inside your oven. The safest and most accurate way to determine this is by using an oven thermometer. This simple tool can help you avoid underbaking or overbaking your treats.
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How To Make This Cherry Pie Recipe
- Prep the Cherries: Get those cherries ready! If they’re fresh, remove the pits and stems. No worries if you’re using frozen – no need to thaw them first.
- Mix the Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together some water and cornstarch until it thickens up – that’s your slurry!
- Cook the Cherry Filling: In a large pot over medium-low heat, combine the cherries, orange zest (if using), cinnamon, sugar, almond extract, and the slurry. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens up nicely. Then, set it aside to cool completely.
- Preheat and Prepare the Oven: Get your oven nice and hot at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).While it preheats, grab your pie dish and line it with one of your pie crusts. Place the dish on a cookie sheet – just in case of any spills while baking!
- Fill and Top the Pie: Pour your cooled cherry filling into the bottom crust. Now, take your second pie crust and place it on top. You can get creative with the top crust design or simply cut a few slits in it to let out steam.
- Egg Wash and Bake: In a small bowl, whisk together an egg and some water to make an egg wash. Brush this over the top crust and sprinkle with sugar for a touch of sparkle. Pop your pie in the oven and bake for 15 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Then, reduce the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) and bake for an additional 30 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust – if the edges get too brown, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool and Enjoy! Once the baking time is done, take your pie out of the oven and let it cool completely before slicing in. Patience is key here – resist the urge to dig in right away!
Commonly Asked Questions
How do I know when the pie is done?
The best way to tell if your cherry pie is done is to look at the filling and crust. The filling should be bubbling slightly around the edges, and the crust should be golden brown. You can also carefully insert a toothpick into the center of the filling. If it comes out clean, your pie is good to go!
How Long Does Homemade Cherry Pie Last?
A whole, cooled cherry pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I Freeze Cherry Pie?
Yes, you can freeze cherry pie! Once your pie has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen cherry pie will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Cherry Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- pastry brush
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Cherry Pie Filling
- 6 cups cherries fresh or frozen
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tsp orange zest optional
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup sugar
- 4 tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
Pie Assembly
- Double pie crust top and bottom (store-bought or homemade pie crust)
- Egg Wash: 1 egg + 2 tbsp water mixed well
Instructions
Cherry Pie Filling
- Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit the cherries and remove the stems.
- Make the Slurry: In a bowl, mix together the water and cornstarch until a slurry is formed.
- Cook the Filling: Place a large stock pot over medium/low heat. Add the cherries, orange zest, cinnamon, sugar, almond extract, and the slurry to the stock pot. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until the sauce is thickened. Allow the filling to cool completely.
Pie Assembly
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Line a deep dish 9-inch pie dish with the first crust. Place the pie dish on a cookie sheet to catch any spills while baking.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the cooled cherry pie filling into the crust. Top with the second crust. You can add a design or, if using a solid crust, cut a few slits on top to allow steam to escape.
- Egg Wash: Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes. If the edges of the pie start to brown too much, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Cool: Remove the pie from the oven and let it rest until completely cooled.
- Enjoy your homemade cherry pie!
Nutrition
This homemade cherry pie is sure to become a new favorite! It’s the perfect dessert to impress guests or enjoy for a cozy night in. The combination of sweet and tart cherries with a buttery crust is simply irresistible.
