Introduction
Nothing evokes a sense of nostalgia and comfort like a homemade cherry pie recipe. This classic dessert combines the sweet and tart flavor of fresh fruit with a buttery, flaky crust, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of making these cookies from scratch to ensure every slice is a wonderful experience.
What Makes This Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe Special?
What makes this homemade cherry pie recipe stand out is that it uses fresh cherries and a simple yet effective technique to create a thick, jammy filling. The addition of vanilla and almond extracts enhances the cherry flavor, while a touch of lemon juice adds brightness. The result is a pie that is both delicious and visually beautiful.
Ingredients for Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
To make this delectable pie, you will need:
- Pie Crust: Use your favorite homemade pie crust or try our recommended recipe.
- Fresh Cherries: 4 and 1/2 cups of pitted cherries (dark sweet or Rainier).
- Granulated Sugar: 2/3 cup to sweeten the filling.
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup for thickening the filling.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon for added flavor.
- Almond Extract: 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of nuttiness.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 tablespoon, cut into small cubes, to dot on top.
- Egg Wash: 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of milk for a golden crust.
- Coarse Sugar: Optional, for sprinkling on top.
Steps to Make Your Homemade Cherry Pie
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Begin by making your pie crust. Chill the dough for at least 2 hours before rolling it out.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Mix until well combined and set aside.
- Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish.
- Add the Filling: Spoon the cherry mixture into the crust, reserving any excess juices.
- Reduce the Juices: In a small saucepan, reduce the reserved cherry juices over low heat for about 3-4 minutes. Pour this thickened juice over the cherries and gently toss to combine.
- Dot with Butter: Add small cubes of butter on top of the filling for added richness.
- Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips for a lattice crust or simply cover the pie with a full crust. Seal the edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the top with the egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake the cookies for 20 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30-40 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This helps the filling set properly.
Tips for the Perfect Homemade Cherry Pie
- Choose the Right Cherries: Dark sweet cherries provide a rich flavor, while Rainier cherries add a touch of sweetness. Feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
- Use a Cherry Pitter: This tool makes the process of pitting cherries much quicker and cleaner.
- Don’t Skip the Cooling: Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing ensures that the filling holds its shape and doesn’t run.
Conclusion
This homemade apple cider recipe is sure to be a dessert favorite. Its rich flavor and beautiful presentation make it perfect for any occasion, from summer barbecues to holiday gatherings. Enjoy it warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or chilled with whipped cream for a classic treat that everyone will love!
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