A Homemade Cherry Pie is special for many reasons. It blends sweet and tart flavors perfectly. This classic dessert reminds me of summer days, happy family times, and the sweet smell of pie in the air. It’s more than just food; it represents joyous occasions and special memories.
What makes cherry pie amazing is its simplicity and natural ingredients. You can use fresh or frozen cherries for the filling. The right balance of sweetness and tartness makes it perfect. Then there’s the crust: golden, flaky, and delicious. Waiting for the pie to bake is tough, but it’s worth it. It fills the kitchen with a scent that everyone loves.
Cherry pie isn’t just any dessert; it’s a part of our food tradition. It is celebrated in many American events. Let’s explore this classic dessert together. I promise each slice will bring joy and a touch of tradition to your meals.
The Joy of Baking My Cherry Pie
Baking a homemade pie is more than cooking; it’s a bond with my roots. When I make this cherry pie, I touch family memories and family recipes. Measuring 5 cups of cherries, 1 cup of sugar, 3 tablespoons of pineapple juice, and cornstarch brings back warm, loving memories of family times.
What’s special about this recipe is the emotional connection it holds. Every step, from heating the oven to 375°F to the pie’s cool-down, makes me think of my late mother. Her spirit lives in the mix and bake, especially during holidays like Independence Day or Christmas. It feels like celebrating her life and the happiness she gave us.
The topping’s mix of flour, oats, brown sugar, and butter adds a lovely texture and taste. It recalls joyful kitchen scenes filled with laughter and love. As the pie bakes and the crust turns golden, I feel connected to my family’s past. It’s not just about making a dessert; it’s about keeping a piece of our history and the emotional connection alive through these family recipes.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Picking the right cherry pie ingredients is key for a great cherry pie. Whether you go for fresh cherries or frozen cherries, each choice has its own benefits. We will look at the important parts that make a pie tasty and how to pick them.
You can use both fresh cherries and frozen cherries, giving you options throughout the year. Wyman’s frozen cherries are my go-to for their great taste. Choosing between sweet, tart, or both influences the pie’s final taste.
“Quality is key; the better the ingredients, the more satisfying the pie will be.”
Here’s what I use for my cherry pie:
- Pie crust: 1 (9-inch) double crust homemade pie crust (enough for 2 single crust pies).
- Cherries: 2 ½ pounds (1300g) whole fresh cherries, about 5 cups pitted, or 3 lb. pitted and halved, Wyman’s frozen cherries can be used if fresh cherries aren’t available.
- Sugar: 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar, plus more for topping, or 1 cup granulated sugar.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch or 3 Tbsp. cornstarch.
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon or juice of 1/2 a lemon.
- Vanilla extract: 1 ¼ teaspoon.
- Almond extract: 1/4 teaspoon or 3/4 tsp. almond extract.
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon or pinch of kosher salt.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon cold unsalted butter, cut into small squares.
- Egg yolk: 1 egg yolk or 1 egg, lightly beaten.
- Heavy cream: 1 tablespoon heavy cream.
- Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling.
- Spices: 1 tsp. ground ginger, 1 tsp. cinnamon.
Ingredients like pure almond extract and lemon juice really boost the pie’s taste. Good quality ingredients lead to a great dessert. The mix of these parts makes the cherry pie very appealing.
Step-by-Step Cherry Pie Recipe
Let me show you how to make a fantastic cherry pie. I’ll walk you through each step-by-step guide. Together, we will make the cherry pie of your dreams in your own kitchen.
- Prepare the Dough: Start with your go-to pie crust recipe, using cold butter. After making the dough, put it in the fridge for 1 to 48 hours.
- Preheat the Oven: Turn your oven on to 400°F (200°C) so it’s hot and ready.
- Mix the Filling: Take 6 cups of pitted tart cherries and mix them with 1 cup of sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, ½ teaspoon vanilla, ¼ teaspoon almond extract, and a bit of lemon juice. Cook it till it’s thick, which should take about 10 minutes.
- Ready the Pie Shell: Roll your chilled dough and put it in a pie plate. Brush the crust with a mix of egg and water. Then add the cherry mix inside.
- Dot with Butter: Drop 2 tablespoons of cubed butter over the filling.
- Create the Lattice Topping: Use the leftover dough to make a 12-inch circle. Cut this into strips and weave them on the pie. You can also cover it with a whole crust.
- Apply Egg Wash: Use a brush to spread an egg wash (1 egg mixed with 2 teaspoons of water) on the lattice or crust for a golden look.
- Bake the Pie: Bake at 400°F for 30 minutes. Then, lower the heat to 375°F (190°C) and keep baking for another 60 to 90 minutes.
- Cool the Pie: Wait for at least 2 hours before you slice the pie. This makes sure the pieces keep their shape.
| Ingredient | Measurement | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Tart cherries | 6 cups | Pitted, fresh or frozen |
| Granulated sugar | 1 cup | Mixed with cherries |
| Cornstarch | ¼ cup | Thickener for filling |
| Vanilla extract | ½ tsp | Flavor enhancer |
| Almond extract | ¼ tsp | Flavor enhancer |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp | Cubed, dotted on top |
| Pie crust | 1 + 1 extra | For shell and topping |
| Egg wash | 1 egg + 2 tsp water | Brushed on top crust |
| Oven temperature | 400°F to start | Reduce to 375°F for final bake |
| Cooling time | 2 hours | Before slicing |
Top your warm cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect treat. With this step-by-step guide, you have all you need for amazing pie baking instructions. Now, you can make a delicious cherry pie anytime!
Serving and Enjoying My Cherry Pie
Serving cherry pie is as fun as making it. The amazing smell and bright look make it a great centerpiece for any dessert table. Let the pie cool for about four hours before serving. This makes sure each slice stays perfect in shape.
Using a pie server with edging helps get neat, good-looking slices.
My cherry pie is great because you can enjoy it in different ways. It tastes best at room temperature, but it’s also good cold. Adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it even tastier. It mixes different textures and brings out the cherry flavors.
Want to make your pie more eye-catching? Top it with fresh cherries or blueberries. Adding coarse sugar on the crust before baking gives it a sparkly look. If you’re having people over, you can make the pie three days ahead and keep it in the fridge.
Wrap it tight to keep it fresh. You can also keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. This ensures every piece is as enjoyable as when it was first served.
FAQ
Can I use both fresh and frozen cherries for the homemade cherry pie?
Yes, you can use both fresh and frozen cherries for the pie. This way, you can make it any time of the year.
What is the significance of this pie in family gatherings?
This cherry pie is special in our family. It’s not just food; it honors our family history and my late mom. Every pie brings back fond memories and happiness at our get-togethers.
How important is the quality of ingredients in making the perfect cherry pie?
High-quality ingredients are key. Picking the best cherries and using things like pure almond extract and fresh lemon juice makes the pie taste amazing.
What are some key techniques for making the perfect pie crust?
For a great pie crust, use cold butter and chill the dough. An egg wash gives it a golden look. These methods make the crust buttery and flaky, just right for the cherry filling.
Can I make the pie crust in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crust earlier. Just keep it cold until you need it. This trick helps get that perfect crust texture when baked.
What temperature should the cherry pie be served at?
Serve the cherry pie warm or cold. Warm pie with ice cream is cozy, while cold pie has a nice firmness. Both ways taste great.
How can I ensure each slice holds its shape?
Let the pie cool off before you cut it. Cooling down helps the filling firm up, so slices stay intact.
What are some tips for the lattice technique on the pie crust?
For a pretty lattice, make sure dough strips are even and cold. It makes the pie cook evenly and look nice.
How should I store the homemade cherry pie to maximize its longevity?
Keep the pie in a sealed container in the fridge to stay fresh. Freeze slices if you want to keep them longer.
Are there any additional flavorings I can add to the cherry filling?
Yes, adding pure almond extract and lemon juice can make the filling tastier. They highlight the cherries’ sweetness and add extra flavor.
What size pie dish is best for baking a cherry pie?
A 9-inch pie dish works best. It cooks evenly and fits plenty of filling.
Passionate about cuisine and IT!
