Name: Homemade Cherry Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: Pie crust for a 9-inch double-crust pie; 1 batch homemade cherry pie filling; 1 egg egg; 1 tablespoon water; granulated sugar or coarse sugar for topping

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There’s something magical about the smell of a freshly baked pie filling the air, and for me, nothing beats the thrill of making a Homemade Cherry Pie. Growing up, summer meant gathering with family and friends, and one of my fondest memories is sitting around the kitchen table, rolling out dough and pitting cherries for the filling. The sweet and tart flavor of cherries, combined with a flaky crust, makes this pie a true classic. Every bite takes me back to those lazy summer afternoons, where laughter and the scent of pie filled the home. Today, I want to share this cherished recipe with you, so you can create your own memories with a Homemade Cherry Pie that’s sure to impress.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
60 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
40 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
310 kcal

Protein:
3 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP

Fat:
14 g

Tools Used:
Basting/Pastry Brush, 9-Inch Pie Plate, Pie Guard

What Makes This Homemade Cherry Pie Special

It’s a Classic

There’s a reason why the Homemade Cherry Pie is a beloved dessert. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Versatile Ingredients

The ingredients for this pie are simple yet versatile. You can use fresh cherries in the summer or frozen ones in the winter, making it a year-round treat!

Personal Touch

Everyone has their own twist on this classic. Whether you prefer a lattice top crust or a perfectly smooth finish, this recipe invites your creativity.

Perfect for Any Occasion

From birthdays to holidays, a Homemade Cherry Pie fits any occasion. It’s a timeless dessert that brings people together.

Great for Sharing

This pie is a fantastic way to share love and joy. Bring it to a potluck, and you’ll be the star of the dessert table!

Ingredients Overview for Homemade Cherry Pie

When creating a Homemade Cherry Pie, the ingredients play a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. The key players include a buttery pie crust, sweet cherries, and a hint of sugar to enhance the natural tartness of the cherries. The simplicity of these ingredients allows the cherries to shine while providing a comforting and satisfying dessert.

Pie crust for a 9-inch double-crust pie: This is the foundation of your pie, providing a flaky and buttery base that holds the delicious filling. A homemade crust always adds a personal touch, but store-bought can work in a pinch.
Homemade cherry pie filling: This is where the magic happens! Using fresh or frozen cherries, combined with sugar and a bit of cornstarch, creates a luscious filling that bursts with flavor.
Egg: Used for brushing the crust, it gives the pie a beautiful golden sheen when baked.
Water: Incorporated into the crust, it helps bind the ingredients together, making the dough easier to roll out.
Granulated sugar or coarse sugar for topping: A sprinkle of sugar on top adds sweetness and a delightful texture contrast to the flaky crust.

Preparation Steps for Homemade Cherry Pie

Making a Homemade Cherry Pie is a delightful process that brings satisfaction and joy with every step. As you prepare, pay attention to the colors, textures, and aromas that unfold. Let’s dive into the steps that will lead you to a perfectly baked pie!

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial step is crucial as it ensures that your pie bakes evenly and achieves that golden crust we’re all after.
Roll out the bottom pie crust on a lightly floured surface. Aim for a round shape about 12 inches in diameter, which will allow for an adequate overhang in the pie plate. Gently place the dough into a 9-inch pie plate, pressing it into the corners without stretching it too much.
Add the homemade cherry pie filling to the crust. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every slice has a delightful burst of cherry goodness. The filling should look succulent and glossy as it sits in the crust.
Roll out the top crust, making sure it’s large enough to cover the pie with some overhang. Gently position this crust over the filling, allowing a little excess to hang over the edges. This will be important for crimping the edges later.
Trim the edges as needed. You can tuck the excess dough under itself to create a thicker edge or just leave it as is for a rustic look. Use your fingers to crimp and seal the edges of the pie securely. This not only looks nice but helps prevent the filling from bubbling over.
Cut slits into the top crust using a sharp paring knife. This allows steam to escape during baking, preventing your pie from becoming soggy. Alternatively, if you’re feeling creative, cut the top crust into strips to make a beautiful lattice design.
Whisk together the egg and water in a small bowl. This mixture will serve as an egg wash. Lightly brush it over the top crust for a beautiful shine and color.
Sprinkle with granulated sugar. This adds sweetness and a light crunch to the crust, making it even more inviting.
Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any potential drips. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes. Keep an eye on it, especially after 20 to 25 minutes; if it looks like it’s getting too dark, tent it with foil.
Let your pie cool completely before serving. This helps the filling set, making for cleaner slices. The aroma will be hard to resist, but patience will pay off!

Things Worth Knowing

Perfect crust temperature: Cold ingredients lead to a flakier crust, so ensure your butter and water are chilled before mixing.
Cherry picking: Choose sweet and ripe cherries for the best flavor, or mix in a bit of tart cherries for a more complex taste.
Check for doneness: Your pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the slits in the crust.
Cooling is key: Allow the pie to cool for at least two hours before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Change It Up

If you’re looking to customize your Homemade Cherry Pie, here are some fun ideas to enhance your baking experience.

Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavor only gets better!
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
Pairing: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a decadent treat.
Flavor variations: Experiment by adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for an extra flavor kick.
Crust options: Try using a graham cracker crust for a different texture and flavor, or a lattice crust for an elegant finish.

Perfect Matches for Homemade Cherry Pie

Serving a Homemade Cherry Pie can elevate any occasion, and there are many wonderful ways to enjoy it. Here are some ideas on how to present your pie:

With a scoop of ice cream: A classic pairing! Vanilla or even a cherry-flavored ice cream brings out the richness of the pie.
At a summer picnic: This pie is perfect for outdoor gatherings, bringing a splash of sweetness to your spread.
For special occasions: Birthdays and holidays are perfect moments to showcase your pie; it’s sure to impress guests!
For breakfast: Leftover pie for breakfast is a treat! It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee.
With coffee or tea: Serve slices with a warm beverage for a comforting afternoon snack.

FAQ

Absolutely! Frozen cherries work wonderfully in a Homemade Cherry Pie. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling. This will help prevent a soggy pie crust. Frozen cherries can provide a great flavor and texture, especially during off-season months when fresh cherries aren’t available.

To avoid a soggy crust in your Homemade Cherry Pie, try pre-baking the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This will help create a barrier. Additionally, using a thicker pie filling can help as it reduces moisture absorption by the crust. Finally, consider using cornstarch in your filling to thicken it, which helps absorb some of the liquid released during baking.

Leftover Homemade Cherry Pie can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To keep the crust fresh and flaky, you might want to cover it lightly with foil or wax paper instead of plastic wrap. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing unbaked pie to maintain its quality, as it can last up to three months in the freezer.

The best way to enjoy your Homemade Cherry Pie is warm, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The contrast between the warm pie and cold ice cream is absolutely delightful! You can also serve it plain for a more traditional experience, or with a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top for elegance.

Conclusion

The Homemade Cherry Pie is a cherished recipe that brings the joy of baking into your home. Its simple ingredients and rich flavors create a heartwarming dessert that everyone will love. I encourage you to try making this pie yourself; it’s not just about the pie, but also the memories created in the process. Enjoy every bite and happy baking!