Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful treat that perfectly captures the essence of summer. This classic dessert showcases juicy cherries enveloped in a flaky crust, making it an ideal choice for any occasion—from backyard barbecues to family gatherings. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavor, this pie not only pleases the palate but also serves as a stunning centerpiece on the dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This Fresh Cherry Pie recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and seasoned bakers.
- Seasonal Delight: Using fresh cherries ensures the best flavor and showcases summer’s bounty.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream for a refreshing dessert experience.
- Impressive Presentation: The golden brown crust and vibrant cherry filling create a beautiful pie that’s sure to impress guests.
- Customizable Flavor: Add almond extract or spices to the filling for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Fresh Cherry Pie, having the right tools will streamline your baking process. Gathering everything beforehand will help ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Rolling pin
- Pie plate
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
- Saucepan: Perfect for cooking the cherry filling evenly while thickening it.
- Rolling pin: Helps roll out the dough to achieve a uniform thickness for the crust.
- Pie plate: A must-have for baking the pie, ensuring even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredients
For the Cherry Filling
- 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
For the Pie Crust
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold & cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, and cornstarch. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely before using.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter a 9-inch pie plate to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour and granulated sugar. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water and mix until combined. Divide dough into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out one ball of dough into a disc larger than your pie plate. Transfer this disc to your prepared pie plate.
Step 5: Fill with Cherry Mixture
Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust. Roll out the second disc of dough and place it over the filling. Seal edges well by crimping them together and cut slits into the top crust for venting.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Brush the top crust with beaten egg for shine. Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
This Fresh Cherry Pie will be a sweet sensation at any gathering!
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your experience.
A la Mode
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the tart cherries.
Whipped Cream
- Top slices with freshly whipped cream for a light and fluffy addition that complements the pie’s sweetness.
Almond Extract Drizzle
- Enhance the flavor by drizzling almond extract-infused glaze over each slice for an extra layer of taste.
Fresh Mint Garnish
- Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and refreshing aroma that brightens each bite.
Accompanied by Coffee
- Pair your pie with a strong cup of coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness and create a comforting experience.
How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
To make sure your Fresh Cherry Pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe cherries: Opt for sweet, ripe cherries to maximize flavor and sweetness in your filling.
- Use a cherry pitter: This tool can save you time when preparing your fruit, ensuring even and quick pitting.
- Chill your dough: Chilling the dough before rolling it out helps create a flaky crust, making it easier to work with.
- Vent the top crust: Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing sogginess.
- Bake on a rimmed baking sheet: This catches any potential drips from the pie during baking, keeping your oven clean.
- Let it cool before slicing: Allowing the pie to cool helps set the filling, making it easier to cut clean slices.
Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie pairs well with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the tartness of the cherries.
- Cheese Plate: A selection of sharp cheeses provides a salty contrast that enhances the sweetness of the pie.
- Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers freshness and brightness alongside the rich pie flavors.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce on top elevates the dessert experience with indulgent decadence.
- Coffee or Tea: Serving warm beverages creates a cozy atmosphere and balances out the dessert’s sweetness.
- Shortbread Cookies: Crunchy shortbread cookies offer texture contrast while adding buttery flavor notes to each bite.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce adds richness and complements the cherry filling beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Fresh Cherry Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.
- Using Overripe Cherries: Choose ripe but firm cherries for the best flavor and texture. Overripe cherries may turn mushy when baked.
- Neglecting to Chill the Dough: Failing to chill the pie dough can lead to a tough crust. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes before rolling.
- Skipping the Venting Slits: Not cutting slits in the top crust can cause steam buildup, leading to a soggy pie. Be sure to create vents for proper airflow.
- Adding Too Much Sugar: While cherries are sweet, adding excessive sugar can overpower their natural flavor. Start with less and adjust based on your taste preference.
- Not Allowing the Filling to Cool: Pouring hot filling into the crust can make it soggy. Let the cherry filling cool before assembling your pie.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your pie in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cover with plastic wrap or aluminum foil if you don’t have a container.
Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator when ready to eat.
Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use medium power and heat slices for about 30 seconds at a time until warm.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fresh Cherry Pie that may help you.
How do I ensure my Fresh Cherry Pie turns out juicy but not runny?
To prevent excess liquid, use cornstarch as a thickener and allow your filling to cool before placing it in the crust.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but thaw and drain them first, as they contain more moisture than fresh cherries.
What is the best way to pit fresh cherries?
Using a cherry pitter is the easiest and most efficient method. If you don’t have one, you can slice them in half and remove the pit manually.
Can I customize my Fresh Cherry Pie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add almond extract or mix different berries with cherries for unique flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cherry Pie is not only a stunning dessert but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various flavor enhancements or serve it warm with ice cream or cold with whipped cream. It’s perfect for any summer gathering or family dinner, so give it a try!
Fresh Cherry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Fresh Cherry Pie is a quintessential summer dessert that bursts with flavor and color, making it a must-have for any occasion. This pie features succulent, juicy cherries enveloped in a perfectly flaky crust, creating a delightful contrast that will impress guests and satisfy sweet cravings alike. Perfectly versatile, you can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with freshly whipped cream. With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, this homemade cherry pie captures the essence of summer in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet family dinner, this classic dessert will surely become a favorite.
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine fresh cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, and cornstarch. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water to form the dough. Divide into two balls, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out one ball of dough on a floured surface to fit your pie plate; transfer to the prepared plate.
- Pour cooled cherry filling into the crust. Roll out the second ball of dough, place over the filling, seal edges by crimping together, and cut slits for ventilation.
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg for shine. Bake on a rimmed baking sheet for about 60 minutes or until golden brown. Allow cooling before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (118g)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
