Description
Enjoy a classic homemade cherry pie with a sweet and tangy cherry filling nestled in a flaky crust. Perfect for any gathering, this dessert is a delightful treat that will impress everyone!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pre-made pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
Instructions
- Wash the cherries thoroughly under cold water. If using fresh cherries, pit them. Frozen cherries can go straight into the pot.
- In a medium saucepan, combine cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and salt. Stir gently to coat the cherries.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the mixture heats up, allowing the sugar to dissolve and the cherries to release their juices.
- Once bubbling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens. Add a tablespoon of water if too thick.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter until melted. Allow the filling to cool.
- If using a store-bought crust, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. For homemade, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thick and transfer to a 9-inch pie dish, trimming excess.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Pour cooled cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly.
- If using a second crust, place it over the filling or create a lattice top by cutting strips and weaving them.
- Cut slits in a full top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Whisk together egg and milk for an egg wash, brushing it over the top crust.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch drips.
- Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 25-30 minutes until the crust is golden and filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour.
- Slice into wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.
- Dust with powdered sugar if desired, and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract to the cherry filling.
- Ensure the pie cools completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes