This homemade cherry pie is a sweet treat that’s both delicious and easy to whip up. With a buttery crust and juicy cherry filling, it’s sure to please everyone!
I can never resist a slice, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! You’ll love how simple it is to make at home.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries are perfect in this pie, but frozen cherries work just as well! If you can’t get pitted cherries, you can easily buy them frozen or jarred. Just make sure to drain them well if using jarred.
Sugar: This recipe calls for granulated sugar to sweeten the cherries. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like Stevia. Just adjust to taste as substitutes can vary in sweetness.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch helps thicken the filling, creating that perfect gooey texture. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour instead—just use a bit more, maybe 1/3 cup.
Pie crust: Store-bought pie crusts are a great time-saver. If you want to make your own, a simple recipe with flour, butter, and water works great. For a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free pie crust mix.
Almond extract: This is optional but adds a lovely depth of flavor! If you prefer, you can omit it or replace it with vanilla extract for a more classic taste.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Flaky Pie Crust?
Getting a flaky pie crust can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, it’s easy! Here’s how to do it.
- Keep your ingredients cold. Use cold butter and ice water to maintain the right texture. This helps create those flaky layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough. Mix it just until combined. Over-kneading can make the crust tough instead of tender.
- Chill the dough. Letting it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes makes it easier to roll out and helps prevent shrinking during baking.
- Use a light touch when rolling it out. You want the dough to be even but not flattened too much. Always roll from the center outwards.
Following these easy tips will help you achieve a perfectly flaky crust that complements the cherry filling beautifully. Enjoy your baking!
Best Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie crust dough for 2 crusts)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on crust)
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 50-60 minutes for baking. After baking, let the pie cool for at least 2 hours so the filling can set. In total, you’ll be looking at around 3 hours from start to serving, but most of that time is just waiting for it to cool!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help create a beautifully golden crust.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if you’re using it), and salt. Stir gently so that the cherries get coated nicely with the sugar mixture.
3. Prepare the Crust:
Take one of the pie crusts and roll it out gently. Place it in a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it down lightly on the bottom and up the sides. Make sure it fits well!
4. Add the Cherry Filling:
Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the cherries with small pieces of butter to add richness to the filling.
5. Top with the Second Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust. You can either cut it into strips to create a lovely lattice top or simply place it over the filling and cut a few slits for steam to escape. If you’re making a lattice, weave the strips over and under for that classic look.
6. Add Finishing Touches:
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to give it a beautiful shine. If you’d like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for a little extra sweetness and crunch.
7. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie in your preheated oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Once the time is up, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
8. Cool and Serve:
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 2 hours. This waiting time helps the filling set so it won’t be too runny when you slice it.
9. Enjoy!
Once cooled, slice up your delicious cherry pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. It’s especially delightful with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side!
Enjoy your homemade cherry pie, complete with a flaky crust and sweet cherry filling—perfect for any occasion!
FAQ for Best Easy Homemade Cherry Pie
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the pie. If you use them frozen, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly as they will release more liquid while cooking.
How Can I Customize the Sweetness of the Filling?
If you prefer a less sweet filling, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar. Start with 3/4 cup instead of a full cup and taste the cherry mixture before baking. You can always adjust the sweetness based on your preferences!
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire pie up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just ensure to cover it well. If you prefer to bake it ahead, you can store the cooled pie at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate it for up to a week.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store leftover cherry pie in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds, or enjoy it cold. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap them tightly and they can last up to 3 months in the freezer!
