Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful summer treat that perfectly captures the essence of the season. This classic dessert combines sweet and tart cherries in a flaky double crust, making it ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or simply enjoying at home. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering flavors, Fresh Cherry Pie is sure to impress your guests and satisfy any sweet craving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, making it accessible to bakers of all skill levels.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using ripe cherries ensures a burst of natural flavor in every bite.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream; either way, it’s delicious!
- Beautiful Presentation: The stunning golden crust and deep red filling create an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering, this pie fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this scrumptious Fresh Cherry Pie recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie plate
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Knife or pastry cutter
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie plate: A sturdy pie plate is essential for holding the crust and filling securely while baking.
- Saucepan: Ideal for cooking the cherry filling evenly without burning.
- Rolling pin: Ensures even dough thickness for a perfectly baked crust.
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, mix together the 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). While the oven heats up, butter a 9-inch pie plate to ensure easy release after baking.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a knife or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add in the cold water, mixing just until combined. Divide the dough into two equal balls, wrap them in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out one ball of dough into a circle larger than your pie plate. Carefully transfer this disc to your prepared pie plate.
Step 5: Fill and Seal the Pie
Pour the cooled cherry mixture into the lined pie plate. Roll out the second dough ball into another circle. Place it over the filling, sealing the edges by crimping them together. Cut slits in the top crust for venting steam during baking.
Step 6: Bake Your Pie
Brush the top crust with an egg wash made from whisking one egg. Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for about 60 minutes or until golden brown. Let it cool before serving.
With these simple steps, you’ll create an unforgettable Fresh Cherry Pie that everyone will love!
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
Serving a Fresh Cherry Pie is more than just placing it on the table; it’s about creating an experience that enhances its delightful flavors. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy this classic dessert:
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture complements the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Adds a rich flavor contrast that elevates the pie’s sweetness.
With Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: A light and fluffy topping that adds a touch of elegance to each slice.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for a unique twist.
A La Mode
- Warm Cherry Pie with Ice Cream: Serve the pie warm, allowing the ice cream to melt slightly for a decadent treat.
- Chilled Pie with Cold Toppings: Enjoy chilled pie with cold whipped cream or ice cream for a refreshing contrast.
Pairing with Coffee or Tea
- Espresso: The strong flavor of coffee balances the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
- Herbal Tea: Light herbal teas can cleanse the palate between bites.
How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
To achieve the best results when making your Fresh Cherry Pie, follow these helpful tips:
- Use Ripe Cherries: Choose cherries that are ripe for vibrant flavor and optimal sweetness.
- Cool the Filling: Always let your cherry filling cool before adding it to the crust to prevent sogginess.
- Vent the Top Crust: Cut slits in the top crust for steam to escape, ensuring even baking and preventing overflow.
- Brush with Egg Wash: An egg wash creates a golden-brown finish on your crust, making it look appealing.
- Bake on a Baking Sheet: Placing your pie on a rimmed baking sheet catches any drips and helps with even heating.
Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
Complementing your Fresh Cherry Pie with delicious side dishes can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
- Cheese Plate: A selection of cheeses, such as Brie or Gouda, pairs beautifully with sweet desserts.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances out the richness of the pie.
- Nuts: Salted or spiced nuts add crunch and contrast against the soft filling of the pie.
- Crackers: Savory crackers provide a nice textural contrast and can be paired with cheese.
- Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake serves as an excellent brunch option alongside cherry pie.
- Pudding: Rich chocolate or vanilla pudding offers a creamy accompaniment to every slice.
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that can be easily perfected at home. Avoiding common mistakes will help ensure your pie turns out beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using unripe cherries: Always opt for ripe cherries for maximum flavor. Unripe cherries can make the filling taste sour and less enjoyable.
- Neglecting the crust: Don’t forget to chill the dough before rolling it out. This helps create a flaky texture that’s essential for a great pie.
- Skipping the venting: Cutting slits in the top crust is important. It allows steam to escape, preventing a soggy pie and ensuring even baking.
- Overfilling the pie: Be cautious not to overfill with cherry mixture. Too much filling can cause spills and uneven baking.
- Not letting it cool: Allow the pie to cool before slicing. This helps set the filling and makes for cleaner slices.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- If covered with foil or plastic wrap, make sure it’s sealed well to prevent drying.
Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil for best results.
- It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place pie on a baking sheet, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-60 seconds.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a pan on low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fresh Cherry Pie:
Can I use frozen cherries for Fresh Cherry Pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.
How do I know when my Fresh Cherry Pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges.
What can I serve with Fresh Cherry Pie?
Fresh Cherry Pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.
Can I customize my Fresh Cherry Pie?
Absolutely! You can add almond extract or mix in other fruits like blueberries for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
Fresh Cherry Pie is not just a treat; it’s an experience that brings joy to gatherings. With its perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, this versatile dessert can be customized to suit any palate. We encourage you to try this recipe and share it with friends and family!
Fresh Cherry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
Description
Fresh Cherry Pie is the quintessential summer dessert that brings together the sweet and tart flavors of ripe cherries nestled in a flaky double crust. This delightful pie not only looks stunning with its vibrant red filling and golden-brown crust, but it also offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or simply as a treat at home, Fresh Cherry Pie is easy to make and sure to impress your guests. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled with a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable experience.
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 & cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, and cornstarch. Simmer for about 10 minutes until thickened. Cool completely.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter a 9-inch pie plate.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk flour and sugar; cut in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add cold water until combined. Chill dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out one dough ball into a circle larger than the pie plate; transfer to the plate. Pour cooled cherry filling into crust.
- Roll out the second dough ball, place it over the filling, seal edges by crimping, and cut slits for venting.
- Brush top crust with egg wash and bake on a rimmed baking sheet for about 60 minutes or until golden brown. Cool before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
