Cherry Pie
Cherry pie is a classic American dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of fresh cherries with a flaky, buttery crust. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or served cold, this pie is a delightful treat for any gathering. Gather your ingredients and get ready to bake a pie that will leave everyone 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 (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 8 servings. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and cooking time is about 45 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of cherry pie (1 slice) contains approximately 250 calories, 10g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g protein. This is based on a standard pie made with the ingredients listed.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips to create a lattice top.
- Arrange the lattice over the cherry filling.
- Seal the edges of the pie crust and trim any excess.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with milk and brush it over the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Alternative Ingredients
If fresh cherries are not available, you can use canned or frozen cherries. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from canned cherries. Additionally, you can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor.
Serving and Pairings
Cherry pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can also be served alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover cherry pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Cherry pie can also be frozen for up to 3 months; just ensure it is well-wrapped.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not pitting the cherries properly, which can affect the texture.
- Overcooking the pie, leading to a burnt crust.
- Not allowing the pie to cool before slicing, which can result in a runny filling.
- Using too much cornstarch, making the filling overly thick.
- Skipping the egg wash, which gives the crust a beautiful golden color.
Helpful Tips
- For a sweeter pie, increase the sugar based on your taste preference.
- Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Using a mix of sweet and tart cherries can enhance the flavor profile.
- Ensure your pie crust is cold before baking to keep it flaky.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used, but ensure they are thawed and drained before mixing with the other ingredients to prevent excess moisture.
How do I know when the pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown, and the cherry filling is bubbling through the lattice crust.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! Cherry pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just allow it to come to room temperature before serving.
What can I do if my filling is too runny?
If your filling is too runny, you can return the pie to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken it up.
Is cherry pie gluten-free?
Cherry pie can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust and ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Cherry pie is a delightful dessert that brings together the sweetness of cherries and the flakiness of pastry crust. With its simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it is a perfect addition to any gathering or celebration. Enjoy this classic treat warm or chilled, and savor the delicious flavors that make cherry pie a timeless favorite.
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 optional
- 1 tablespoon butter cut into small pieces
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts or homemade
- 1 egg 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, vanilla, and almond extract.
- Roll out one pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie pan.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly.
- Dot the filling with small pieces of butter.
- Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips to create a lattice top.
- Arrange the lattice over the cherry filling.
- Seal the edges of the pie crust and trim any excess.
- In a small bowl, whisk the egg with milk and brush it over the crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.