Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie is the ultimate summer dessert that showcases the natural sweetness of fresh cherries. This delicious pie features a flaky, double crust that perfectly complements the rich cherry filling. Ideal for picnics, family gatherings, or any special occasion, this Fresh Cherry Pie will impress your guests and make your taste buds sing. The balance of tart and sweet flavors makes it a standout treat that will become a beloved favorite.

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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 Filling:
• For the Crust:
• For the Egg Wash:
• How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
• Step 2: Preheat Your 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: Let It Cool
• How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
• A La Mode
• Whipped Cream
• With Yogurt
• Fresh Cherries
• Almonds or Pecans
• Coffee or Tea
• How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
• Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
• Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I choose fresh cherries for my pie?
• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
• What if my pie crust cracks while rolling?
• How do I know when my fresh cherry pie is done?
• Can I customize this fresh cherry pie recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of fresh cherries, lemon juice, and vanilla creates a delightful taste that highlights summer’s best fruits.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this pie is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers.
• Versatile Dessert: Serve it warm with ice cream or chilled with whipped cream; this pie adapts to any serving style.
• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful double crust with slits adds an eye-catching touch that’s sure to wow your guests.
• Seasonal Treat: This recipe allows you to enjoy fresh cherries at their peak, making each bite a burst of seasonal flavor.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into creating your Fresh Cherry Pie, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready will streamline the baking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Pastry blender or two knives
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Plastic wrap
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch pie plate: This size is ideal for holding all the delicious filling while providing enough room for a beautiful crust.
• Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps achieve an even thickness in your dough, ensuring a perfect crust every time.
• Pastry blender: Using a pastry blender makes cutting in butter quick and easy, leading to a flaky texture in your pie crust.

Ingredients

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

For the 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 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, combine the pitted cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring to a simmer before reducing heat to low. Continue simmering while stirring frequently for about 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter a 9-inch pie plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Pie Crust Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add cold water gradually and knead by hand until well combined. Divide 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.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Remove dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll each ball into discs about 1 inch larger than your pie plate. Ensure they are about 1/8-inch thick.

Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate

Gently roll one disc around your rolling pin and place it into the prepared pie plate. Press down gently so it fits snugly in the plate while allowing it to hang over the edges.

Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture

Carefully fill the pie crust with the cooled cherry filling.

Step 8: Add Top Crust

Roll out the second ball of dough to match the first disc’s size. Place it over the filling. Trim excess dough from around the rim of the pie plate, then crimp or flute edges together as desired. Cut six small slits in a circle pattern on top of this crust.

Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together egg and water. Brush this mixture over the top crust and edges. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for added sweetness.

Step 10: Bake Your Pie

Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating after 15 minutes for even cooking. Afterward, wrap foil around edges to prevent burning and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 11: Let It Cool

Remove from oven; discard foil around edges. Allow cooling on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing into it.

Enjoy this delightful 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 prefer it warm or cold, there are many serving suggestions that can enhance its flavor and presentation.

A La Mode

• Serve a slice of fresh cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a classic combination of warm and cold.

Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for added richness and a light, airy texture.

With Yogurt

• Pair the pie with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the cherries.

Fresh Cherries

• Garnish with whole fresh cherries to amplify the cherry flavor and add a pop of color to your dessert plate.

Almonds or Pecans

• Sprinkle chopped toasted almonds or pecans over your slice for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Coffee or Tea

• Serve alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee or tea to complement the sweet and tart flavors of the pie.

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How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie

Creating the perfect fresh cherry pie requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an excellent result.

• Choose ripe cherries: Use fresh, ripe cherries for optimal sweetness and flavor in your filling.
• Chill your dough: Ensure your pie crust dough is well-chilled before rolling it out to achieve a flaky texture.
• Don’t skip the cornstarch: This thickener helps absorb excess juices from the cherries, preventing a soggy crust.
• Vent the top crust: Make slits in your top crust to allow steam to escape, ensuring even baking and preventing overflow.
• Use an egg wash: Brush an egg wash over the top crust before baking for a beautiful, golden finish.
• Let it cool: Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling for cleaner slices.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie

While fresh cherry pie is delicious on its own, pairing it with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creamy richness and balances the tartness of the cherries.
2. Cheesecake Bites: Small bites of cheesecake provide a decadent contrast to the fruity flavors of cherry pie.
3. Fruit Salad: A light, refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate and offer additional fruity flavors alongside the pie.
4. Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses paired with nuts and fruits can create an appealing balance between savory and sweet.
5. Crème Fraîche: This tangy dairy product enriches each bite while adding complexity to the dessert.
6. Chocolate Sauce: Drizzling chocolate sauce over individual slices can add an indulgent twist that chocolate lovers will appreciate.
7. Meringue Cookies: Light, airy meringues make for a delightful crunchy counterpart to soft cherry filling.
8. Coffee Cake: A slice of coffee cake adds an element of spice that pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts like cherry pie.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a fresh cherry pie can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking the cherries: This can lead to mushy fruit. Cook just until thickened for a perfect filling.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough is essential for a flaky crust. Don’t skip it; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Using warm butter: Warm butter leads to a greasy dough. Always use cold, cubed butter for the best texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Improper measurements can ruin your pie. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Failing to vent the top crust: Without vents, steam builds up and makes the crust soggy. Always cut slits in the top crust before baking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Fresh cherry pie can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 30-60 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for about 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making fresh cherry pie:

How do I choose fresh cherries for my pie?

Look for bright, firm cherries with no blemishes. Darker varieties usually indicate sweetness, which is perfect for pies.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes! Frozen cherries work well but may require additional cooking time to thicken properly.

What if my pie crust cracks while rolling?

If your crust cracks, simply patch it with extra dough. Keep it cold and work gently.

How do I know when my fresh cherry pie is done?

The filling should be bubbling, and the crust should be golden brown. Check after baking for about an hour.

Can I customize this fresh cherry pie recipe?

Absolutely! You can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.

Final Thoughts

This fresh cherry pie is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. Perfect as a summer dessert, it’s versatile enough to be customized with various fruits or spices. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!