Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful summer dessert that captures the essence of the season. This stunning double-crusted pie bursts with the vibrant flavor of fresh cherries, making it perfect for picnics, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself. With its flaky crust and sweet cherry filling, this pie is sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Cherry Filling
• For the Pie Crust
• For the Egg Wash
• How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
• Step 2: Preheat the Oven
• Step 3: Make the Pie Crust Dough
• Step 4: Chill the Dough
• Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
• Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate
• Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture
• Step 8: Add Top Crust
• Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash
• Step 10: Bake Your Pie
• Step 11: Cool Before Slicing
• How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
• A La Mode
• Whipped Cream
• Fresh Berries
• Mint Leaves
• Yogurt
• Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
• Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
• Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Fresh Cherry Pie from scratch?
• Can I use frozen cherries for Fresh Cherry Pie?
• What is the best way to pit fresh cherries?
• How long does Fresh Cherry Pie take to bake?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh cherries and a hint of lemon creates a sweet and tangy filling that is simply irresistible.
• Homemade Goodness: Making your own pie crust adds an extra layer of love and flavor that store-bought versions just can’t match.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday celebrations, or a cozy night in—this pie suits any occasion.
• Impressive Presentation: A beautifully baked cherry pie makes a stunning centerpiece on any dessert table.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Fresh Cherry Pie, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate
• Rolling pin
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or two knives
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Rolling Pin: Essential for rolling out your pie dough evenly to create a perfect crust.
• Pastry Blender: Helps cut butter into flour for a flaky texture in your pie crust.
• Mixing Bowls: Necessary for mixing ingredients together without any mess.

Ingredients

A stunning double-crusted cherry pie using fresh cherries for a show-stopping summer dessert!

For the Cherry Filling

• 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

For the Pie Crust

• 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

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the pitted cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring this mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let it simmer while stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Generously butter a 9-inch pie plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Pie Crust Dough

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the cold water and mix until combined. Divide the dough into two equal balls.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Flatten each ball slightly and wrap them in plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Remove dough from the fridge. On a floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll each ball into discs about 1-inch larger than your pie plate. The discs should be about 1/8-inch thick.

Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate

Gently roll one disc onto your rolling pin and transfer it to the prepared pie plate. Press down gently around the edges so that it fits nicely in the plate.

Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture

Carefully fill the pie crust with cooled cherry filling.

Step 8: Add Top Crust

Roll out the second disc of dough to cover the top of your cherry filling. Trim excess dough around the edges before sealing them by fluting or pressing together with fingers or fork. Cut six small slits in a circular pattern on top for venting steam.

Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg and one tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the top crust’s surface and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 10: Bake Your Pie

Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes while rotating after 15 minutes. Afterward, wrap foil around edges to prevent burning. Return to oven for another 30 minutes or until golden brown on top with bubbling cherries.

Step 11: Cool Before Slicing

Remove from oven and take off foil from edges. Let your Fresh Cherry Pie cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing into it.

Now you have made an incredible Fresh Cherry Pie that’s not only delicious but also visually stunning! Enjoy every bite!

How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful summer dessert that shines on its own but can be enhanced with some creative serving suggestions. Here are a few ideas to elevate your cherry pie experience.

A La Mode

• Serve warm slices of the pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that balances the tartness of the cherries with creamy sweetness.

Whipped Cream

• Lightly sweetened whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and enhances the flavors of the cherries. A dollop on each slice will impress guests.

Fresh Berries

• Garnish your pie slices with fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, for a burst of color and additional fruity flavors that complement the cherries.

Mint Leaves

• A sprig of fresh mint on top not only adds an appealing visual element but also introduces a refreshing flavor contrast to your sweet pie.

Yogurt

• For a healthier option, serve slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt. The tanginess pairs well with the sweetness of the pie.

Coffee or Tea

• Pairing your cherry pie with a hot cup of coffee or tea creates a comforting dessert experience, perfect for gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

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How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie

Creating the perfect Fresh Cherry Pie involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips to ensure your pie turns out beautifully every time.

• Choose ripe cherries – Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor. Look for firm, unblemished fruit for optimal sweetness.

• Pit cherries efficiently – Use a cherry pitter for quick and easy pitting. This saves time and ensures you don’t lose any precious fruit.

• Pre-bake crust – Consider pre-baking the crust for 5-10 minutes before adding filling. This helps prevent sogginess from the juicy cherries.

• Adjust sweetness – Depending on your taste, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. Taste the cherries first; they may be sweeter than expected.

• Vent it right – Don’t forget to cut slits in the top crust! This allows steam to escape and prevents bubbling over while baking.

• Cool before slicing – Allowing the pie to cool completely before slicing helps set the filling, making it easier to serve neat slices.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie

Pairing side dishes with your Fresh Cherry Pie can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream – The classic pairing enhances the sweet-tart flavor profile while providing a creamy contrast.
2. Chocolate Sauce – Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over slices for an indulgent treat that satisfies chocolate cravings.
3. Nutty Granola – A sprinkle of granola on top adds crunch and complements the soft texture of the pie beautifully.
4. Cheesecake – Serve small portions of cheesecake alongside for a rich dessert duo that offers different flavors.
5. Coffee Crumble Cake – A slice of coffee crumble cake can complement cherry pie while providing a delightful texture contrast.
6. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad can balance out the richness of cherry pie, offering refreshing bites between sweet slices.
7. Lemon Sorbet – This palate cleanser is perfect between servings, providing a zesty contrast that refreshes your taste buds.
8. Pecan Tartlets – Mini pecan tarts add another layer of flavor, combining sweet and nutty elements that pair well with cherries.

These side dishes not only enhance your dessert table but also create memorable dining experiences centered around your beautiful Fresh Cherry Pie!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a fresh cherry pie can be simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unripe cherries – Always choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. Unripe cherries can result in a tart and less enjoyable pie.
• Not pitting cherries correctly – Ensure all cherries are pitted thoroughly to avoid unpleasant surprises in your pie. Use a cherry pitter for efficiency.
• Skipping the cooling step – Allowing the cherry filling to cool is crucial. If added warm, it can lead to a soggy crust.
• Overworking the dough – Mixing the dough too much can make it tough. Handle it gently and just enough to bring it together.
• Ignoring oven temperatures – Each oven is different; always preheat properly and consider using an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store your fresh cherry pie in an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
• item It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie

• item To freeze, wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil.
• item This will preserve its freshness for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Warm individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds, adjusting as needed.
• Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Fresh Cherry Pie from scratch?

Making fresh cherry pie involves preparing a flaky crust and filling it with ripe, pitted cherries mixed with sugar and cornstarch. Follow our detailed recipe above for perfect results.

Can I use frozen cherries for Fresh Cherry Pie?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just ensure they are thawed and drained of excess liquid before using them in your pie.

What is the best way to pit fresh cherries?

Using a cherry pitter is the quickest method. If you don’t have one, you can slice them in half and remove the pit with your fingers or a knife.

How long does Fresh Cherry Pie take to bake?

Fresh cherry pie typically takes about 1 hour to bake at 425°F (220°C), including time for both crusts and filling to cook evenly.

Final Thoughts

Fresh cherry pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various additions like almond extract or spices. The vibrant color and flavor make it perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion. We encourage you to explore customizable options—add different fruits or change up the spices! Give this recipe a try, and delight your family and friends with this classic dessert.