Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe

The Sweetest Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe for Summer Joy

Sweet summer memories dance through my homemade cherry pie recipe, a delightful journey into comfort and nostalgia.

Juicy red cherries burst with sunlight-ripened flavor from local orchards.

Grandma’s secret techniques blend perfectly with modern baking approaches.

Delicate pastry crusts promise a golden, flaky embrace around luscious fruit filling.

Baking this pie feels like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug.

Crisp edges and bubbling center signal a dessert that whispers pure delight.

Prepare to experience a slice of happiness that connects generations through one incredible treat.

Homemade Cherry Pie That Never Disappoints

Savor Simplicity: An Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Experience

  • Quick Kitchen Magic: This cherry pie recipe transforms basic ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal culinary skills required, perfect for bakers of all levels.
  • Time-Friendly Delight: From prep to baking, the entire process takes roughly 1.5 hours, making it an achievable weekend baking project that doesn't consume your entire day.
  • Family Gathering Champion: The classic cherry pie brings nostalgic comfort, creating memorable moments around the table with its irresistible aroma and traditional charm, ideal for summer gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoyed at room temperature, this pie satisfies sweet cravings and impresses guests without demanding complex techniques.

What You Mix Into Homemade Cherry Pie

Pie Crust:
  • Homemade Pie Crust, All Butter Pie Crust: Flaky foundation for the cherry pie, provides a rich and tender base with buttery flavor. Freshly made crust offers superior taste and texture compared to store-bought options.
Filling Base:
  • Fresh Cherries, Frozen Cherries: Sweet and tart fruit that creates the pie's core flavor. Fresh cherries work best when in season, while frozen can be used year-round.
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling and balances the fruit's natural tartness. White sugar provides clean, pure sweetness.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling, preventing a runny texture. Helps create a perfect pie consistency.
Egg Wash and Topping:
  • Egg, Milk: Creates a golden, shiny crust when brushed on pie surface. Whole milk provides the best sheen.
  • Coarse Sugar: Optional topping that adds crunch and sparkle to the pie crust. Provides a beautiful, professional-looking finish.

Homemade Cherry Pie Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust Dough

Create a delightful homemade pie crust using your favorite recipe.

Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap each disc in plastic wrap, and refrigerate to keep cool and firm.

Step 2: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F.

Take one dough disc and roll it out carefully, then gently drape it into a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring it nestles perfectly along the bottom and sides.

Step 3: Create Luscious Cherry Filling

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and combine your ingredients:
  • Fresh cherries
  • Granulated sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Vanilla extract
  • Almond extract

Stir everything together until the cherries are beautifully coated and the mixture looks glossy and inviting.

Step 4: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the cherry mixture into your prepared pie crust.

Dot the top of the filling with small butter cubes to add extra richness and flavor.

Step 5: Add the Top Crust

Roll out the second dough disc and carefully place it over the cherry filling.

Trim the edges and use your fingers to create a beautiful crimped seal that locks in all the delicious juices.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Brush the top crust with an egg wash for a gorgeous golden shine.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top if you want some extra crunch and sweetness.

Cut several slits across the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the filling begins to bubble temptingly.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely.

This allows the filling to set and makes slicing much easier.

Serve and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight!

Pro Tips for Homemade Cherry Pie

  • Select ripe, plump cherries without bruises or soft spots for the most flavorful pie filling.
  • Chill the assembled pie for 15-20 minutes before baking to help the crust maintain its crisp structure and prevent shrinking.
  • Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust to absorb excess fruit moisture and keep the base crisp.
  • Cover the pie crust edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly during baking to prevent burning while ensuring the filling cooks completely.
  • If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain thoroughly to reduce extra liquid that might make the pie filling too runny and compromise the crust's texture.

Homemade Cherry Pie – Preserve Flavor and Texture

  • Store leftover cherry pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and texture.
  • Keep pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon, ensuring it stays covered to prevent drying out.
  • Warm slices in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering loosely with foil to prevent over-browning and preserve the crispy crust.
  • Quickly reheat individual slices for 20-30 seconds, understanding the crust might lose some crispness but the filling will remain deliciously warm.

Serve with Homemade Cherry Pie

Perfectly Pair Cherry Pie with:
  • Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop rich, cold vanilla ice cream alongside warm pie creates heavenly temperature contrast and balances sweet-tart cherry flavors.
  • Bold Bourbon Cocktail: Mix aged bourbon with cherry pie for sophisticated adult dessert experience that highlights pie's deep fruit notes and buttery crust.
  • Smooth Whipped Cream: Top pie with light, airy whipped cream that adds delicate richness and complements intense cherry sweetness.
  • Strong Black Coffee: Brew dark roast coffee which cuts through pie's sugary profile and provides robust counterpoint to fruity filling.

Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe Inspiring New Versions

  • Gluten-Free Cherry Pie: Replace traditional flour with gluten-free flour blend and almond flour for the crust. Use cornstarch carefully to maintain texture.
  • Vegan Cherry Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash substitute like maple syrup. Create crust with vegan margarine and plant-based flour.
  • Low-Sugar Cherry Classic: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining natural cherry flavor. Use fresh cherries for natural sweetness.
  • Keto-Friendly Cherry Option: Replace traditional crust with almond flour and coconut flour base. Use erythritol instead of sugar. Add ground chia seeds for binding and extra nutrients.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess liquid in the pie.

  • How do I prevent the bottom crust from becoming soggy?

Brush the bottom crust with egg white before adding the filling. This creates a barrier that helps keep the crust crisp and prevents soaking from the cherry filling.

  • What if I don't have almond extract?

You can omit almond extract without significantly changing the pie’s flavor. If you want a similar depth, add a small pinch of cinnamon or use vanilla extract alone.

  • How can I tell if the pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling around the edges. The filling should look thick and not watery when the pie is done baking.

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Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe

Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe


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4.5 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Sweet, tart cherries nestled in a flaky homemade Cherry Pie crust create a classic dessert that whispers summer memories. Bakers can savor each buttery slice, celebrating seasonal fruit with a golden, crisp lattice top that promises pure nostalgic comfort.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Filling:

  • 6 cups (900 grams) fresh cherries
  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (60 milliliters) cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups (313 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon (15 grams) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (227 grams) unsalted butter, cold
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ice water

Finishing:

  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 grams) coarse sugar

Instructions

  1. Craft two pastry discs using a preferred dough technique, refrigerate to firm the texture and enhance flakiness.
  2. Heat oven to a precise 400°F, ensuring optimal baking environment for pie transformation.
  3. Gently unroll first pastry disc and nestle into a 9-inch pie vessel, creating a smooth foundation for the fruity filling.
  4. Blend fresh cherries with granulated sweetener, powdery cornstarch, citrus essence, aromatic vanilla, and delicate almond extract in a generous mixing bowl.
  5. Transfer the vibrant cherry mixture into the prepared pastry shell, strategically placing small butter fragments across the surface for rich, creamy undertones.
  6. Drape the second pastry disc atop the glistening filling, carefully trimming excess edges and creating an elegant crimped border to seal the delectable contents.
  7. Delicately paint the upper crust with whisked egg, then dust with crystalline sugar for a glistening, caramelized finish.
  8. Artfully slice subtle venting slits across the pie’s crown, allowing steam to escape and preventing potential structural compromise.
  9. Position in preheated oven, baking for approximately 45-55 minutes until the crust transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece and the filling erupts in tempting, bubbling waves.
  10. Permit the pie to gradually cool, allowing flavors to harmonize and settle before presenting this magnificent dessert.

Notes

  • Chill the dough thoroughly to prevent shrinkage and ensure a flaky, tender crust that melts in your mouth.
  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor, or opt for high-quality frozen cherries during off-season months.
  • Adjust sugar levels based on cherry sweetness; taste the filling before baking to balance tartness and sweetness perfectly.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or coconut flour in the crust for a delightful alternative.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg
Emily Harper

Emily Harper

Nutrition Consultant & Recipe Analyst

Expertise

Healthy Recipe Modification, Nutritional Analysis & Meal Planning, Global Cuisine & Dietary Adaptations​

Education

School: French Pastry School, Chicago, IL

Program: L’Art de la Pâtisserie

Focus: Intensive training in traditional French pastry techniques, baking theory, and confectionery arts. ​


Emily’s journey started in a pastry kitchen but took a detour into the world of health and flavor science.
Graduating from the French Pastry School and studying nutrition opened her eyes to a new mission: making healthy food taste like something you’d actually crave.
At Dining At Home, Emily’s the go-to for smart, feel-good recipes that don’t trade flavor for nutrition.
She’s all about adding a fresh spin on old favorites and finding small ways to make everyday meals a little brighter.
Outside of the kitchen, Emily is most at home walking forest trails, testing plant-based recipes, or sharing a picnic under a wide-open sky.

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