If you’ve been searching for that perfect balance of sweet and tart, flaky and luscious, look no further than this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe. It’s classic comfort food elevated with fresh cherries bursting with flavor, a tender crust that cradles the filling beautifully, and simple ingredients that come together to create a pie worthy of any celebration or cozy night in. Trust me, once you make this pie, it will become your go-to recipe whenever cherries are in season or when you want to impress friends and family with a heartfelt homemade dessert.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that unforgettable flavor and texture. Fresh cherries provide the juicy base, sugar sweetens and balances the tartness, while cornstarch thickens the filling to perfection. The pie crust acts as the buttery, flaky vessel that holds it all together, and a hint of lemon juice and vanilla extract brings everything to life with bright, rounded notes.
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted: Make sure to pick ripe, juicy cherries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup sugar: Sweetens the tart cherries just right—feel free to adjust slightly to taste.
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade): A flaky crust is the foundation, so use one you trust or whip up your own for extra love.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Essential for thickening the cherry filling so it isn’t runny after baking.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang and helps brighten the cherry flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Provides a warm, cozy undertone that complements the cherries beautifully.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by washing and carefully pitting the fresh cherries—this step is important to avoid any pits spoiling your perfect pie bites. In a bowl, mix the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow this mixture to sit for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the sugar begins to draw out the cherry juices, creating a richer filling.
Step 2: Ready the Pie Crust
On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of your pie dough to fit your pie dish. Be gentle and avoid stretching the dough, which can cause shrinking during baking. Place this rolled dough into the dish, pressing it softly to fit snugly without air bubbles or tears.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Pour your luscious cherry filling evenly into the pie crust. Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust. You can either cut slits to let steam escape or get creative with a lattice design, which not only looks beautiful but allows steam to vent evenly during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place your assembled pie on a baking sheet to catch any bubbling filling and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents, signaling that it’s fully cooked and ready to be enjoyed.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, patience is key! Let the pie cool for at least an hour to allow the filling to set properly. This step ensures clean slices and that wonderfully gooey yet firm cherry filling we all love. After cooling, the pie is ready to dazzle your taste buds.
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Top your cherry pie with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of velvety vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess beautifully contrasts the warm, tangy cherry filling. For an elegant touch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate the presentation and flavor combo.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a light, fresh salad if you’re serving it as part of a larger meal. Additionally, a cup of rich coffee or a fragrant herbal tea complements the sweetness without overpowering the pie’s flavors. For special occasions, consider a glass of sparkling wine or a fruity dessert wine for a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving mini versions of the Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized treat. You can also cut the pie into classic wedges or transform leftovers into cherry pie parfaits layered with whipped cream and crushed cookies for a delightful twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy warm cherry pie whenever the craving hits without baking a fresh pie each time.
Freezing
You can freeze an unbaked assembled pie by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze it for up to 2 months, and when you’re ready, bake it directly from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This is an excellent way to have a homemade dessert ready to go for unexpected guests.
Reheating
To enjoy leftover pie warm, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Rewarming in the oven helps to maintain that crisp crust and melty filling that makes this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe such a delight.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to reduce excess liquid, which can affect the filling’s thickness.
What can I substitute for cornstarch in this cherry pie?
If you don’t have cornstarch, arrowroot powder or tapioca starch are great alternatives that will similarly help thicken the cherry filling without altering the flavor.
How do I prevent the crust from getting soggy?
Making sure your filling isn’t too watery and pre-baking the bottom crust slightly (blind baking) can help maintain a crisp crust. Also, avoid stretching the dough to keep its structure intact during baking.
Can I add spices to the cherry filling?
Absolutely! A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add a warm spice note that complements the cherries nicely without overpowering the natural fruit flavors.
What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?
Using a cherry pitter is the easiest and fastest method, but if you don’t have one, you can carefully push the pit out with a sturdy straw or the tip of a small knife, just be careful not to damage the fruit too much.
Final Thoughts
I genuinely hope this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe inspires you to fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of freshly baked pie and your heart with the joy of making something truly special from scratch. Whether it’s for a family gathering or a quiet treat, this recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the humble cherry in a way that feels both nostalgic and new. Grab your ingredients and start baking—you’re going to love every bite.
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Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade cherry pie features a luscious filling of fresh cherries sweetened with sugar, thickened with cornstarch, and enhanced with lemon juice and vanilla extract. Encased in a flaky pie crust and baked to golden perfection, this classic dessert is perfect served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
Filling
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Wash and pit the fresh cherries carefully to remove all pits and ensure the fruit is clean and ready for the filling.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and thicken slightly.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough to fit your pie dish. Gently place it into the dish without stretching the dough to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Add Filling: Pour the cherry filling evenly into the prepared crust, spreading it out to cover the bottom evenly.
- Top Crust: Roll out the remaining dough into a circle to cover the pie. Cut slits to vent steam or create a lattice pattern for an attractive presentation and to allow steam to escape during baking.
- Bake Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least one hour to let the filling set. Serve warm, ideally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- To prevent the crust from burning, cover the edges with foil halfway through baking.
- Letting the pie cool completely helps the filling set and makes slicing easier.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can make a lattice crust by cutting strips of dough and weaving them over the pie.
