Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful summer treat that brings the brightness of fresh cherries into a stunning dessert. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, hosting a picnic, or simply indulging in a sweet moment at home, this pie is sure to impress. With its flaky crust and luscious filling, Fresh Cherry Pie stands as a testament to the joys of baking with seasonal fruits.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cherries, tangy lemon juice, and rich vanilla creates an irresistible flavor profile.
- Show-Stopping Presentation: The double crust gives it an attractive look, making it perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy it warm with ice cream or chilled on its own; this pie suits any occasion.
- Easy to Follow: Each step is straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels.
- Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cherries elevates the taste and quality of your pie compared to store-bought options.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Fresh Cherry Pie, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smoother.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- 9-inch pie plate
- Rolling pin
- Pastry blender or two knives
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Sharp knife
- Wire rack
Importance of Each Tool
- 9-inch pie plate: Perfect size for holding all that delicious cherry filling.
- Rolling pin: Helps you roll out the dough evenly for a perfect crust every time.
- Pastry blender: Ensures your butter is incorporated well into the flour for a flaky texture.
Ingredients
A stunning double-crusted cherry pie using fresh cherries for a show-stopping summer dessert!
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
– pinch of salt
– 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook while stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until it thickens. Remove from heat and allow it to cool.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter your 9-inch pie plate to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and sugar. Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water and knead with your hands until fully combined. Divide this dough into two equal balls.
Step 4: Chill the Dough
Flatten each ball slightly and wrap them in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
After chilling, remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll each ball into discs about an inch larger than your pie plate. Ensure each disc is roughly 1/8-inch thick.
Step 6: Assemble the Pie
Transfer one rolled-out dough disc into your prepared pie plate by rolling it around your rolling pin. Press down gently to fit it snugly against the sides. Pour in your cooled cherry filling.
Step 7: Top Crust
Roll out the second dough ball to match size with the first disc. Place it over the cherry filling. Trim excess dough from around the edge and crimp together both crust layers using your fingers or a fork. Cut six small slits in a circle pattern on top for steam vents.
Step 8: Egg Wash
In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top crust and edges of your pie before sprinkling some granulated sugar on top.
Step 9: Bake
Place your assembled pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Rotate after fifteen minutes for even cooking. After thirty minutes, cover just the edges with foil to prevent burning. Return to bake for another thirty minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Step 10: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, remove from oven and take off any foil around edges. Let cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing into servings.
Enjoy your homemade Fresh Cherry Pie!
How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your pie experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices of fresh cherry pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances the sweetness and tartness of the cherries.
With Whipped Cream
- Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavors of the cherry filling. Serve it on the side or dolloped on top.
Accompanied by Coffee
- Pair slices of fresh cherry pie with a hot cup of coffee for a comforting afternoon treat. The bitterness of the coffee complements the sweetness of the pie beautifully.
On a Picnic
- Pack slices of fresh cherry pie for an outdoor picnic. Its portability makes it an excellent choice for enjoying nature while savoring this delicious dessert.
As Breakfast Treat
- Enjoy fresh cherry pie as a sweet breakfast option. A slice alongside your morning coffee or tea can be a delightful way to start your day.
How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
To make sure your Fresh Cherry Pie is nothing short of perfect, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Cherries: Always choose ripe, in-season cherries for the best flavor and texture in your pie.
- Pre-bake Your Crust: For an extra flaky crust, pre-bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cherries, you may want to adjust the sugar amount to suit your taste.
- Let It Cool: Allowing your pie to cool completely helps set the filling and makes slicing easier without making a mess.
- Cover Edges: Use foil to cover crust edges during baking to prevent burning, especially if you’re baking longer than 30 minutes.
Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
Serving fresh cherry pie can be even more enjoyable with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that brings creaminess and balances the tart cherries.
- Mascarpone Cheese: This rich Italian cheese adds a luxurious touch when dolloped beside each slice.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides contrast and lightens up the meal.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses like Brie or goat cheese can create interesting flavor combinations with sweet cherry pie.
- Pecan Topping: Chopped pecans mixed with brown sugar can add crunch when sprinkled over each slice.
- Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over warm pie can enhance its indulgent flavor profile.
- Mint Sprigs: Fresh mint not only looks beautiful but also adds a refreshing herbal note when served alongside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a fresh cherry pie can be delightful, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overlooking the pitting process: Failing to properly pit your cherries can lead to an unpleasant surprise while eating. Use a cherry pitter or a simple method involving a straw to remove the pits cleanly.
- Skipping the chilling step: Not chilling your dough can result in a tough crust. Always refrigerate the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure it remains flaky.
- Ignoring the cooling time: Cutting into the pie too soon will cause the filling to run. Allow your pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Every batch of cherries is different in sweetness and tartness. Taste your filling and adjust sugar levels accordingly for the perfect balance.
- Using warm ingredients: Mixing warm butter into your dough may lead to a greasy crust. Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover pie in an airtight container.
- It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Cover with plastic wrap if storing in the pie plate.
Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
- Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
- Oven Method: Preheat to 350°F, cover edges with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave Method: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 30-60 seconds.
- Stovetop Method: Heat slices on low heat in a skillet, covered, for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Fresh Cherry Pie that may help you along your baking journey.
How do I know when my Fresh Cherry Pie is done?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and you see bubbling juices from the cherries.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first. You may also need to adjust sugar and cornstarch levels since frozen cherries release more juice.
What should I serve with my Fresh Cherry Pie?
Consider serving it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added richness and texture.
How can I customize my Fresh Cherry Pie?
You can mix other fruits like raspberries or blueberries into your filling for a delightful twist. Adjust sugar accordingly based on fruit sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Fresh Cherry Pie recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to seasonal fruit changes. Whether you’re looking for a classic dessert or want to explore new flavors by adding different fruits, this pie will surely impress friends and family alike. Don’t hesitate to try it out!
Fresh Cherry Pie
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Fresh Cherry Pie is the ultimate summer dessert, bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh cherries. Its flaky crust envelops a sweet and tangy cherry filling, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion—be it a family gathering, picnic, or a quiet night in. This recipe is straightforward, allowing bakers of all skill levels to create a stunning pie that will impress everyone at the table. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled on its own for a refreshing indulgence.
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
- pinch of salt
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, lemon juice, vanilla, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Simmer until thickened (about 10 minutes), then cool.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare your pie plate by buttering it.
- Make the dough: Mix flour and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add cold water and combine to form two balls of dough.
- Chill the dough for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll out each dough ball into discs larger than your pie plate.
- Assemble: Place one disc in the pie plate, fill with cherry mixture, and cover with the second disc. Trim edges and create steam vents.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle sugar on top before baking for about 30 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
