Perfectly Patriotic Cherry Pie
Recipe Introduction
Ever wondered how to bake a cherry pie that tastes just like grandma's? This recipe is your ticket! It's a classic that's perfect for any occasion, especially when you want to feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Cherry Pie: A Slice of Americana
Cherry pie isn't just dessert. It's a symbol of Americana, a slice of history. Perfect for a July 4th celebration.
This recipe falls into the medium difficulty level. It takes about an hour and 45 minutes to make and yields around 8 servings.
Why You'll Love This Pie
This pie brings back those nostalgic memories. The main benefit? It's pure comfort food. The perfect occasion for serving this pie is at a family gathering or a potluck.
It's special because of the balance of sweet and tart.
Getting Started: Dough-Re-Mi
Here's what you'll need for that amazing crust: 2 ½ cups of all-purpose flour. Don't forget 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 cup of cold unsalted butter, ½ cup of ice water, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.
The Star of the Show: Cherry Filling
For the cherry filling, gather 6 cups of pitted cherries (fresh or frozen). Next, you'll need ¾ cup of granulated sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
I normally add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
Other Bits and Bobs
Grab 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of milk or water for the egg wash. Finally, turbinado sugar for sprinkling.
This adds a sparkly, professional touch. Remember all ingredients can be subbed for dietary limitations, to achieve Best Cherry Pie Recipe
Equipment Check
You'll need a food processor (optional), a rolling pin, and a 9 inch pie plate. Now, grab that pastry brush, baking sheet, and parchment paper.
Lastly, you'll also need mixing bowls and measuring cups and spoons.
Honestly, this recipe is all about making memories and enjoying the process. It's not about perfection, it's about sharing a slice of happiness.
Remember, perfect cherry pie crust comes from cold ingredients and patience. So, let's get baking. I know you will enjoy the taste and you will also like Cherry pie recipe easy .
Ingredients & Equipment: The Cherry Pie Lineup
Alright, let's talk about what you'll need to bake a cherry pie that'll knock everyone's socks off. Think vibrant, juicy filling and a crust so flaky it practically melts.
It's easier than you think! Seriously.
Main Ingredients: What You Need To Get Started
Here's the lowdown on the ingredients. Don't skimp on quality, especially for the cherries! If you want the best cherry pie recipe , this is essential!
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour: 2 ½ cups (315g) . Just the regular stuff.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) . Don't forget this!
- Cold unsalted butter: 1 cup (227g) , cut into cubes. Really cold! Keep it in the fridge until you're ready.
- Ice water: ½ cup (120ml) .
- Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . My secret ingredient for a super flaky crust!
For that Cherry Pie Filling from Scratch:
- Fresh or frozen (thawed) pitted cherries: 6 cups (approximately 900g) . If using frozen, make sure they're fully thawed and drained. Otherwise you will have a runny cherry pie filling .
- Granulated sugar: ¾ cup (150g) . Adjust to taste.
- Cornstarch: ¼ cup (30g) .
- Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) . Brightens up the flavors.
- Almond extract: ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) (optional, but SO good!).
- Unsalted butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) , cut into little pieces.
Egg Wash:
- Egg: 1 large .
- Milk/Water: 1 tablespoon (15ml) .
- Turbinado sugar (optional). Adds sparkle!
Quality Indicators:
- Butter: It should be cold and firm. Good quality butter makes all the difference.
- Cherries: If using fresh, they should be plump and juicy. If frozen, look for bright red, unbruised cherries.
Seasoning Notes: A Little Something Extra
Here's where you can get creative. Cinnamon or nutmeg in the filling? Go for it! It adds a warm depth. You'll have a home-made cherry pie that screams comfort.
- Essential spice combinations: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg goes a long way.
- Flavor enhancers: Almond extract is your friend here.
- Quick substitutions: If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract works in a pinch.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen. This is about how to create the perfect cherry pie crust !.
- Food processor (optional, but recommended for the crust).
- Rolling pin.
- 9 inch pie plate .
- Pastry brush.
- Baking sheet.
- Parchment paper.
- Mixing bowls and measuring tools.
Household Alternatives:
- No food processor? Use a pastry blender or your hands. Just work quickly!
- No rolling pin? A clean wine bottle can work in desperate times!.
You can even try an Easy Cherry Pie From Can , if you are feeling a bit lazy. You know?
Baking to Perfection: Mastering the Cherry Pie Art!
Honestly, who can resist a good cherry pie? It's the ultimate comfort food. Perfect Cherry Pie Crust ? Check. Sweet, tangy filling? Double check.
But getting that perfect balance can be tricky. Let's dive in and discover how to bake a cherry pie like a pro! The best cherry pie recipe ? It's about to be yours.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
First things first: organization. Before you even think about turning on the oven, get your ingredients prepped. It's called mise en place.
Measure out your 2 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp salt, and cube your 1 cup butter. Got 6 cups cherries? Sweet.
Having everything ready makes the whole process smoother. Plus, you're less likely to forget that crucial ingredient.
Rolling Out the Dough and Cherry pie filling from scratch
Time to tackle the crust. Whether you're making it from scratch or using store-bought, cold is key. Mix your dry ingredients and add cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add ice water, ½ cup , and vinegar, 1 tbsp . Chill that dough for at least 30 minutes . Why? It helps relax the gluten.
Rolling it out will be a breeze. Seriously. For your cherry pie filling from scratch add cherries with ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp almond extract.
step-by-step to Cherry Pie Glory
Here is a quick guide on how to make a home-made Cherry Pie :
- Roll out half the dough into a 12 inch circle . Transfer to your 9 inch pie plate . Trim those edges.
- Pour in that glorious cherry filling. Dot with 2 tbsp butter.
- Roll out the second dough circle and cut vents. Place it over the filling. Crimp those edges.
- Whisk 1 egg with 1 tbsp milk for egg wash. Brush it on top. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if you're feeling fancy.
- Bake at 400° F ( 200° C) for 15 minutes , then reduce to 350° F ( 175° C) for 35- 45 minutes . Keep an eye on it. Don't forget the parchment paper lined baking sheet!
Pro Tips: Cherry Pie Wisdom
Okay, so here’s the secret: cold is your friend. Really cold. The colder the ingredients, the flakier the crust.
Another tip? Don't overwork the dough. Seriously, be gentle. Also, for that easy cherry pie from can just use store-bought dough and follow the instructions from step 2 from step-by-step to Cherry Pie Glory and reduce the oven temperature to 325° F ( 160° C).
What to do if you encounter a runny cherry pie filling ? Add a little cornstarch to the filling and blind bake the crust.
Best Cherry Pie Recipe ? You've got it. Now go bake something amazing!. Do not forget these Cherry pie baking tips
Recipe Notes for Your Perfectly Patriotic Cherry Pie
Alright, so you're ready to bake a cherry pie? Ace! Before you dive in, here are some nuggets of wisdom.
These will help you nail that perfect slice, just like they do down at the state fair. Honestly, this Best Cherry Pie Recipe is about to become your signature dish!
Serving Suggestions for Cherry Pie Bliss
- Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think rustic charm! A simple slice on a plate dusted with icing sugar is fab. Or go for a more modern vibe with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Get creative!
- Complementary Sides or Beverages: Classic vanilla ice cream is always a winner. A little dollop of Greek yogurt brings a cool tang. Pair this all with a cup of black coffee or a nice ice-cold lemonade, perfection!
Storage Tips: Keeping Your home-made Cherry Pie Fresh
- Refrigeration Guidelines: Got leftovers? Lucky you! Cover your pie loosely and pop it in the fridge. It'll happily keep for up to 3 days.
- Freezing Options (if applicable): Yes, you can freeze a cherry pie! Wrap it well in cling film, then foil. It'll keep for about 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat to warm it through.
- Reheating Instructions: A quick blast in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 10- 15 minutes will do the trick. Or, if you're just having a cheeky slice, a zap in the microwave works too!
Variations: Tweaking the Recipe to Your Liking
- Dietary Adaptations: Wanna make this gluten-free? Easy peasy! Swap the regular flour for a gluten-free blend suitable for pastry. You can find these at most major supermarkets these days. Cherry pie recipe easy ? You bet!
- Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: When cherries aren't in season, you can totally use Cherry Pie From Frozen Cherries . Just make sure they're thawed and drained properly. You can also find Easy Cherry Pie From Can to make it a bit easier to bake.
Nutrition Basics: A Little Info on Your Delicious Pie
- Simplified Nutrition Information: One slice is roughly 400-450 calories. It has about 20g of fat and 55g of carbs, with a decent amount of sugar (around 30g). Hey, it's a treat, innit?
- Key Health Benefits: Cherries are packed with antioxidants. So, technically, you're doing your body good, right? Plus, Perfect cherry pie crust and a great cherry taste is an experience everyone should have once in a while. This can be beneficial to the mind.
Remember, how to prevent runny cherry pie filling and cherry pie filling from scratch isn't as scary as it seems.
This cherry pie baking tips are a great start. Don't be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own! If you are looking for the Best Cherry Pie Recipe I believe this is it.
Happy Baking!
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm a bit of a baking novice. Is it difficult to learn how to bake a cherry pie from scratch?
Not at all! While making the pie crust from scratch might seem a bit like tackling the Krypton Factor, this recipe breaks it down into easy-to-follow steps. Plus, you can always use a store-bought crust if you're short on time or just want a simpler experience.
Think of it as training wheels for your baking journey soon you'll be a cherry pie pro!
My cherry pie filling always seems too runny. What am I doing wrong, and how can I bake a cherry pie with a perfect consistency?
Runny filling is a common pie problem, a bit like a soggy bottom on The Great British Bake Off! Make sure you're using the correct amount of cornstarch called for in the recipe and that you're letting the pie cool completely after baking. Cooling is crucial because the filling will continue to set as it cools.
Consider blind baking for 15 minutes if using very juicy cherries.
Can I use frozen cherries to bake a cherry pie, or do I need fresh ones? Does it affect the taste?
Absolutely, frozen cherries work great and can be a lifesaver when fresh cherries aren't in season! Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling. The taste will be nearly identical to fresh cherries; you might even find frozen cherries are more consistently sweet.
Just be extra careful not to add excess water to the pie.
My pie crust always seems to shrink when I bake it. Any tips on how to avoid a shrinking pie crust, so I can learn how to bake a cherry pie without this problem?
Ah, the dreaded shrinking crust! This is usually caused by the gluten in the dough contracting during baking. To prevent this, make sure your dough is well chilled before rolling it out. Also, avoid overworking the dough, as that develops the gluten.
Finally, after placing the dough in the pie plate, let it rest in the fridge for another 15-20 minutes before baking.
How long does cherry pie last, and what's the best way to store it to keep it fresh?
A baked cherry pie will typically last for 2-3 days at room temperature, or up to a week in the fridge. To keep it fresh, cover it loosely with plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked pie for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure it's well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Is cherry pie actually that bad for you? What's the nutritional breakdown, and are there any healthier tweaks I can make?
Let's be honest, cherry pie is a treat, not a health food it's not exactly a kale smoothie! But you can make some tweaks to lighten it up. Use less sugar in the filling, substitute some of the butter in the crust with a healthier oil like coconut oil, or add some whole wheat flour to the crust.
Also, watch your portion size; everything in moderation, as they say. The recipe includes a basic nutritional breakdown for guidance.
Perfectly Patriotic Cherry Pie
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 425 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
