Description
This homemade cherry pie recipe delivers a classic, sweet and tangy dessert with a flaky, golden crust and luscious cherry filling. Perfectly balanced with fresh cherries, sugar, and a hint of vanilla and lemon juice, it’s an ideal treat for any occasion, offering a comforting homemade flavor that pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Crust
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare Cherries: Wash and pit the cherries thoroughly to remove all pits and ensure a clean filling.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir well and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to meld the flavors and begin thickening.
- Roll Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough and carefully place it into a pie dish without stretching it to prevent shrinkage during baking.
- Add Filling: Pour the cherry filling evenly over the prepared crust base.
- Roll Top Crust: Roll out the remaining dough to form the top crust. You can cut slits to create steam vents or arrange strips for a lattice design over the pie.
- Bake the Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the pie for 45 to 50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool for at least an hour to let the filling set before slicing. Serve warm, optionally with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent touch.
Notes
- Be sure not to stretch the pie dough when lining the dish to avoid shrinking during baking.
- If using store-bought crust, check packaging instructions for handling and baking tips.
- To prevent sogginess, you can blind bake the bottom crust slightly before adding filling (optional).
- Letting the pie cool fully enhances the filling’s consistency, making slicing cleaner and easier.
- Feel free to substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries; just adjust sugar and cornstarch if needed.
