Cherry Pie
Cherry pie is a classic dessert that evokes memories of summer and family gatherings. With its sweet-tart cherry filling enveloped in a flaky crust, this pie is sure to impress everyone at your table. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, cherry pie is a timeless treat that celebrates the vibrant flavor of cherries. Get ready to bake a pie that will leave your guests asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Servings and Cooking Time
This cherry pie recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is around 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of cherry pie (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 38g of carbohydrates, and 2g of protein. This is based on the standard recipe and may vary slightly depending on specific ingredients used.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and extracts.
- Let the cherry mixture sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the cherry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and create a lattice top or simply cover the pie.
- Trim excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg mixed with milk.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.
Alternative Ingredients
If fresh cherries are not available, you can use canned cherries in light syrup or frozen cherries. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the cherries used. For a gluten-free option, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free pie crust.
Serving and Pairings
Cherry pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can also be enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cherry pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes. Cherry pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using unpitted cherries can ruin the texture and taste.
- Overcooking the pie filling can lead to a mushy texture.
- Not sealing the crust properly may cause leakage during baking.
- Skipping the egg wash can result in a dull crust.
- Using too much sugar can overpower the cherry flavor.
Helpful Tips
- Chill the pie crust for at least 30 minutes before rolling out.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart cherries for a balanced flavor.
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing to prevent mess.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for extra warmth.
FAQs
How do I know when the cherry pie is done?
Look for a golden crust and bubbling filling. If the juices are visibly boiling through the lattice or cracks in the crust, it’s likely done.
Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
How can I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-baking the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling can help prevent sogginess.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, but the filling may be slightly less thick.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make and bake the pie a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Cherry pie is a delightful dessert that brings a taste of summer to your table year-round. With its perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy this classic recipe and share it with loved ones for memorable moments around the dessert table.
Cherry Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon butter cut into small pieces
- 1 package pie crusts 2 crusts
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and extracts.
- Let the cherry mixture sit for 10 minutes to release juices.
- Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour the cherry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and create a lattice top or cover the pie.
- Trim excess crust and crimp the edges to seal.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg mixed with milk.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.
