Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
If you have a soft spot for sweet, tangy, and utterly comforting desserts, you’re going to fall head over heels with this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe. It’s a vibrant celebration of fresh cherries enveloped in a flaky, golden crust that’s every bit as delightful as it sounds. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply craving a slice of summer’s sweetest fruit, this pie delivers nostalgia, freshness, and that perfect balance of tart and sweet with every bite. Trust me, once you try making this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity—each ingredient serves a unique role to create that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Using fresh cherries is the star here, but a handful of pantry essentials come together to bring out their juicy magic.
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted: The heart and soul of the pie, bursting with natural sweetness and a touch of tartness that defines this dessert.
- 1 cup sugar: Balances the cherries’ natural tartness with just enough sweetness to create a luscious filling.
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade): Provides a crispy, buttery base and a flaky top that wraps the filling in flaky goodness.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling so it sets beautifully without being runny.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle zing, enhancing the cherries’ flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet undertone that complements the cherries perfectly.
How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cherries
Start by washing your fresh cherries thoroughly, then pit them carefully. This step sets the stage for a fresh, juicy filling—taking the time to remove the pits makes every bite much more enjoyable without any surprises.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir everything until well coated, then let it sit for a few minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the sugar to start dissolving into the fruit’s natural juices.
Step 3: Prepare the Pie Crust Base
On a lightly floured surface, roll out half of your pie dough gently to fit your pie dish. Avoid stretching the dough to prevent shrinkage during baking. Carefully transfer it to your pie dish and let any excess dough overhang hang loosely for now.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour the luscious cherry filling into your pie crust base, spreading it evenly. Roll out the remaining dough to create your top crust. You can cut slits for steam to escape or get artistic with a lattice design – either way, it adds charm and lets the filling bubble enticingly during baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on the middle rack and bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown and the filling bubbles through the vents. The aroma wafting from your oven will be pure magic.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let your pie cool for at least an hour before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling firm up just enough for clean slices. Serve warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible treat.
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches can truly elevate this pie. Consider sprinkling a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh mint leaves on top for a pop of color and freshness. A drizzle of caramel or dark chocolate sauce also pairs beautifully with the tart cherries and flaky crust.
Side Dishes
A slice of this cherry pie is a star all on its own, but pairing it with a cup of strong coffee or a spiced chai latte can take your dessert experience to another level. For a more festive occasion, serve alongside a rich custard or crème anglaise to add creamy indulgence.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the traditional wedge! Try serving mini cherry pies in ramekins for individual portions or use the filling as a topping for pancakes or waffles the next morning. You can even scoop a warm slice into a bowl and top it with homemade granola for a delightful breakfast twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cherry pie keeps nicely for up to three days at room temperature if covered loosely, but for best results, store leftovers in the refrigerator. Wrapped properly, the crust remains flaky, and the filling stays just as vibrant and delicious.
Freezing
You can freeze this pie before baking by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It will keep for up to two months in the freezer. Bake it straight from frozen, adding extra baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked slices wrapped individually to enjoy quick treats later.
Reheating
To bring your pie back to life, reheat slices gently in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and warms the filling evenly, making it nearly as good as fresh-baked.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work well when fresh aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid making the filling too watery.
Is it necessary to use cornstarch in the cherry filling?
Cornstarch acts as a thickener to help the filling set properly. Without it, the pie might be runnier and harder to slice cleanly, so it’s a simple but crucial ingredient.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely, and it’s a wonderful way to add a homemade touch. A classic buttery pie crust made with flour, butter, salt, and cold water will complement the cherry filling beautifully.
How long does this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe take to bake?
The pie bakes at 425°F (220°C) for about 45 to 50 minutes. Keep an eye out for a golden crust and bubbling filling to know it’s ready.
What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?
A cherry pitter tool is the fastest and cleanest method, but if you don’t have one, a sturdy straw or a small knife can work as well—just be careful to avoid injury or crushing the fruit.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe feels like passing along a little slice of happiness. With its bright cherry filling and crisp crust, it’s a timeless dessert that warms hearts and brings smiles. I truly hope you enjoy baking and savoring it as much as I do. Once you’ve tasted this pie fresh from your own oven, it will quickly become your go-to celebration of cherry season and comfort food bliss.
Print
Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This homemade cherry pie features a luscious filling of fresh cherries combined with sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of lemon and vanilla, all encased in a flaky, golden pie crust. Perfectly baked to bubbling perfection, it’s a classic dessert ideal for any occasion and delightful served warm with whipped cream or ice cream.
Ingredients
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 carefully to remove all pits, ensuring the fruit is clean and ready for the 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 allow the cornstarch to begin thickening.
- Prepare Bottom Crust: On a floured surface, roll out half of the pie dough to fit your pie dish. Gently place the rolled dough into the dish without stretching it to prevent shrinking during baking.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the cherry filling evenly into the pie crust. Roll out the remaining dough for the top crust. You can cut slits for steam venting or create a classic lattice design to allow steam to escape while baking.
- Bake Pie: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the assembled pie on the middle rack and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool for at least one hour to let the filling set. Serve warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Notes
- Make sure to pit cherries thoroughly to avoid biting into pits.
- Letting the filling rest before baking helps the flavors meld and improves texture.
- To prevent the crust edges from burning, you can cover them with foil halfway through baking.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added richness.
- Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
