Nothing beats the taste of a freshly baked cherry pie with its flaky crust and rich, sweet-tart filling. Whether you’re making it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just because you’re craving a classic dessert, this Best Cherry Pie Recipe will deliver perfection every time.
Why This Cherry Pie Stands Out
This Sweet Cherry Pie Recipe is made with a buttery homemade crust and a luscious cherry filling that strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. It’s simple, satisfying, and tastes even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 6-8 tablespoons ice water
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pie Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar.
- Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough holds together.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
2. Make the Cherry Pie Filling
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
- Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble.
- Remove from heat, then stir in vanilla and almond extract. Let the filling cool completely.
3. Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Roll out one portion of dough on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan.
- Transfer the dough to the pan and trim any excess edges.
- Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust and dot the top with butter pieces.
- Roll out the second dough portion and place it over the filling, or cut into strips to create a lattice top.
- Seal and crimp the edges, then brush with egg wash.
4. Bake the Pie
- Place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F).
- Reduce heat to 175°C (350°F) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing.
Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie
- For the best flavor, use fresh cherries when in season. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid.
- A lattice crust allows steam to escape, preventing a soggy bottom.
- Let the pie cool completely before serving to allow the filling to set.
This Cherry Pie Homemade recipe is a must-try for any dessert lover. Whether you’re following classic Cherry Pie Filling Recipes or trying something new, this homemade version will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!