Classic Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, for dusting

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir frequently until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.
  3. Remove the cherry filling from heat and let it cool.
  4. Unroll one of the pie crusts and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Ensure the dough covers the bottom and sides of the dish.
  5. Pour the cooled cherry mixture into the crust, and dot with pieces of butter.
  6. Unroll the second crust, and place over the filling, cutting vents for steam or creating a lattice pattern if desired. Trim and crimp edges.
  7. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, then sprinkle with sugar.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  9. Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a rack before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use a homemade pie crust instead of store-bought.
  • Try a lattice crust design for a visually appealing pie.
  • Add a teaspoon of almond extract to the cherry filling for a hint of nuttiness.
  • Mix in some raspberries or blueberries with the cherries for a mixed berry pie.
  • Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cherry filling for a warm and spiced twist.
  • Try using a gluten-free pie crust for a gluten-free cherry pie.
  • Swap out the cherries for other fruits like peaches, apples, or strawberries.
  • Make mini individual cherry pies by using a muffin tin and adjusting the baking time.
  • Serve the cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Recipe overview

Indulge in a slice of classic American dessert with this Cherry Pie recipe. This timeless favorite is packed with fresh or frozen cherries encased in a golden, flaky crust. A hint of vanilla and a touch of lemon juice enhance the cherry's natural tartness, while a dusting of sugar adds a beautiful finish and a hint of sweetness to the crust. Making this pie from scratch might seem daunting, but it's simpler than you'd think. Within a few steps, you'll create a pie with a beautifully thick filling and a crust that is the perfect balance of tender and crisp. Serve your homemade cherry pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly satisfying treat. It’s the perfect dessert for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh cherries?
    Yes, you can use either fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe.
  2. How do I make a lattice pattern on top of the pie?
    To create a lattice pattern, cut the second pie crust into strips and weave them over the cherry filling. Alternatively, you can simply place the whole second crust over the filling and cut vents for steam.
  3. What should I do if the pie crust edges start to brown too quickly?
    If the edges start to brown too quickly, you can cover them with aluminum foil to prevent further browning while allowing the rest of the pie to continue baking.
  4. Can I make the pie crust from scratch instead of using refrigerated pie crusts?
    Yes, you can make your own pie crust from scratch if you prefer. Simply follow your favorite pie crust recipe and use it in place of the refrigerated pie crusts.
  5. How long should I let the pie cool before serving?
    It is recommended to let the pie cool on a rack for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl to mix the cherry filling and other ingredients.
  • Saucepan - To cook and thicken the cherry filling.
  • Pie Dish - A 9-inch pie dish to bake the cherry pie.
  • Pastry Brush - For brushing the beaten egg onto the pie crust for a golden finish.
  • Rolling Pin - To roll out the pie crusts.
  • Pie Server - To neatly cut and serve slices of cherry pie.
  • Wire Cooling Rack - To cool the pie after baking.

Origin stories

Cherry pie, a quintessential American dessert, is often associated with the state of Michigan due to its abundant cherry harvest. The state is so fond of this sweet treat that in 1897, the residents of Traverse City began celebrating with an annual National Cherry Festival, an eight-day event that attracts hundreds of thousands of cherry lovers. The festival not only showcases the versatility of cherries, from pies to jams, but also includes cherry pit spitting contests and the crowning of the Cherry Queen! It's a testament to the deep-rooted love and pride the state holds for its cherry production, and of course, the irresistible cherry pie.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.