This easy homemade cherry pie is a delightful treat with a buttery crust and sweet, juicy cherry filling. It’s simple to whip up and perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, who can resist the smell of fresh pie baking? I like to top mine with a scoop of ice cream for a fun twist. Yum! 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are best for this pie, bringing vibrant flavor. However, frozen pitted cherries work well too, especially outside cherry season. Just thaw and drain excess liquid.
Sugar: Granulated sugar gives sweetness to the filling. If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, try using a sugar substitute or less sugar—taste as you go!
Cornstarch: This thickens the cherry filling. If you’re out of cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour as an alternative, but you may need a bit more of it.
Almond Extract: This adds a lovely flavor depth. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use vanilla extract instead.
Pie Crust: I like using refrigerated pie crusts for convenience. If you prefer, make your own crust from scratch using flour, butter, and water for a flakier texture.
What’s the Best Way to Create a Lattice Pie Crust?
Making a lattice pie crust can seem tricky, but it’s quite simple! It adds a beautiful touch to your pie and allows steam to escape. Here’s how to do it:
- Roll out your second pie crust and slice it into strips (about ¾ inch wide).
- Lay several strips across the pie in one direction, spacing them evenly apart.
- Starting with the second strip, fold back every other strip to create a new opening.
- Place a strip of crust perpendicular to the first strips in the opening created, then fold back the original strips.
- Repeat this process until the pie is fully covered. Pinch the edges to seal.
Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; it will look charming once baked! Enjoy your cherry pie baking experience!
Best Easy Homemade Cherry Pie
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts), or homemade pie crust
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional for sprinkling on top)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cherry pie will take about 20 minutes to prepare and 50 minutes to bake, followed by at least 2 hours of cooling time. In total, set aside around 3 hours for this dessert, including cooling time before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure your pie crust gets that lovely golden color!
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a large bowl, mix together the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Gently stir until the cherries are well-coated, and the cornstarch has fully dissolved.
3. Prepare the Bottom Crust:
Roll out one pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure to leave about a half-inch overhang for trimming later.
4. Add the Cherry Filling:
Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness to the pie.
5. Cover the Pie:
Roll out your second pie crust and cover the cherry filling. You can lay the crust flat or create a beautiful lattice pattern if you’re feeling adventurous.
6. Seal the Edges:
Trim off any excess crust and pinch together the edges of the two crusts to seal the pie. If you used a full crust on top, be sure to cut a few slits in it for steam to escape during baking.
7. Egg Wash and Sugar Sprinkling:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful shine and, if you like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch.
8. Bake:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes.
9. Lower the Temperature:
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
10. Cooling Time:
Once baked, take the pie out of the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling to set properly, making each slice neat and tasty!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious homemade cherry pie warm or at room temperature. It’s especially delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside!
Enjoy your warm, comforting homemade cherry pie!
FAQ About Homemade Cherry Pie
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen pitted cherries work great in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients to avoid a watery filling.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cherry pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the oven or microwave for a warm treat!
What If I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute cornstarch with all-purpose flour, but you may need to use a bit more than called for (about 1 tablespoon more). The filling might be slightly less thick, but it will still taste delicious!
Can I Make the Pie Crust from Scratch?
Of course! Making your own pie crust can add a personal touch. Just combine flour, butter, water, and a pinch of salt. Roll it out and follow the same steps for the recipe. Homemade crust often yields a flakier texture!
