This easy homemade cherry pie is a delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion! With juicy cherries wrapped in a flaky crust, it’s both simple to make and a total crowd-pleaser.
I love how the sweet and tart cherries create a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes! Who can resist a warm slice with ice cream on top? 🍒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pie Crusts: I often use store-bought refrigerated pie crusts for convenience. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade pie dough is a great option. Just make sure to roll it out evenly for the best results!
Cherries: Fresh or frozen tart cherries work beautifully in this recipe. If you’re using fresh, make sure they’re pitted. If tart cherries are hard to find, sweet cherries can be used, but consider reducing the sugar a bit.
Sugar: You can adjust the sugar based on the tartness of your cherries. For sweeter cherries, use closer to 1 cup. If you want to cut down on sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, but adjust the thickness with a bit more cornstarch.
Almond Extract: This is optional, but I love using it since it enhances the cherry flavor. If you don’t have it, vanilla extract is a nice substitute, or you can skip it altogether for a simpler taste.
Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream adds a perfect touch! If you don’t have it, whipped cream or even yogurt can be a tasty topping!
How Do I Get a Perfectly Golden Crust?
The secret to a lovely golden crust lies in the egg wash. Once you roll out your top pie crust, beat an egg with a little milk or water and brush it over the top. This will give your crust that nice shine and rich color.
- Make sure the egg wash covers the crust evenly for the best color.
- Don’t skip the chilling phase for the bottom crust; this helps prevent shrinking while baking.
- If you’re worried about the edges browning too quickly, cover them with foil during the last 15 minutes of baking!
Best Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Ingredients:
- Pie Crusts: 1 package refrigerated pie crusts (or homemade pie dough for 2 crusts)
- Cherries: 4 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries (pitted)
- Sugar: 1 to 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (adjust based on tartness of cherries)
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup (for thickening)
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp
- Almond Extract: 1/2 tsp (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
- Salt: 1/4 tsp
- Butter: 1 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into small pieces)
- Egg: 1 (for egg wash)
- Milk or Water: 1 tbsp (for egg wash)
- Vanilla Ice Cream: optional, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 55 minutes to bake. Afterward, allow your pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set properly. That means you can have the delicious aroma of fresh cherry pie wafting through your home in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is important for getting that golden crust!
2. Prepare the Pie Crust:
Roll out one pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Chill it in the refrigerator while you get the cherry filling ready.
3. Mix the Cherry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if you’re using it), and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed, and make sure the cornstarch is fully incorporated to avoid clumps.
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the cherry filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add extra richness.
5. Top with the Second Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust. You can either place it whole on top and cut slits for steam to escape or create a lattice pattern with strips of dough for a beautiful finish. Either way, make sure the filling is covered!
6. Seal the Pie:
Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie. This helps keep all those delicious juices inside.
7. Create an Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, beat the egg with the milk or water to make your egg wash. Brush this mixture over the top crust to give your pie that beautiful golden color as it bakes.
8. Bake the Pie:
Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake it in the preheated oven at 425°F for 15 minutes.
9. Adjust the Temperature:
After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for an additional 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. You might want to keep an eye on it to make sure it doesn’t over-brown!
10. Cool the Pie:
Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This helps the filling set properly, making it easier to slice!
11. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is highly recommended for the ultimate treat!
Enjoy your delicious, homemade cherry pie with its flaky crust and luscious cherry filling! 🍒
FAQ for Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen tart cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before mixing with other ingredients to avoid a watery filling.
How Can I Thicken the Cherry Filling?
The cornstarch in this recipe is your best friend for thickening. Ensure you mix it well with the cherries and allow the pie to cool for a few hours after baking to help it set properly. If you find the filling too runny, you can add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water before baking.
Can I Make This Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the pie and refrigerate it uncooked for up to a day. Just be sure to cover it well to prevent the crust from getting soggy. Bake it just before you plan to serve for the freshest flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can enjoy it cold or reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat!
