Description
This irresistible cherry pie features a flaky, golden crust filled with juicy, sweet-tart cherries, perfectly thickened and flavored with a hint of almond and lemon. A classic American dessert, it’s delightful served warm or at room temperature, especially when paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Crust
- 2 (9-inch) pie crusts, store-bought or homemade
Filling
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Topping
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to get it ready for baking.
- Make the filling: In a large bowl, mix together cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract (if using), lemon juice, and salt until well combined to create a thick, flavorful filling.
- Prepare the crust: Roll out one pie crust and line a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it firmly into place.
- Add filling and butter: Pour the cherry mixture into the crust and evenly distribute small pieces of unsalted butter on top to add richness during baking.
- Top crust and seal edges: Cover with the second pie crust, trim any excess dough, and crimp the edges securely to seal the pie.
- Vent the pie: Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, preventing a soggy crust.
- Apply egg wash and sugar: Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a glossy finish and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for extra texture and sweetness.
- Bake at high heat: Bake the pie at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes to set the crust.
- Reduce heat and continue baking: Lower the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
- Cool the pie: Let the pie cool completely for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to thicken and set before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cherries in season for best flavor; frozen cherries are a good alternative when fresh are unavailable.
- For extra depth, add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
