Fresh Cherry Pie

A Fresh Cherry Pie is the perfect summer dessert, bursting with flavor and delight. Using fresh cherries, this double-crusted pie is not only visually stunning but also versatile enough for any occasion, from picnics to family gatherings. The sweet and tart filling pairs beautifully with the flaky crust, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie
• Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling
• Step 2: Preheat the Oven
• Step 3: Make the Pie Crust
• Step 4: Chill the Dough
• Step 5: Roll Out the Dough
• Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate
• Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture
• Step 8: Top with Second Crust
• Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
• Classic with Whipped Cream
• À La Mode
• With Fresh Mint
• Accompanied by Lemonade
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce
• How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie
• Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie
• Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
• How do I know when my cherry pie is done?
• Can I make this pie ahead of time?
• What should I serve with Fresh Cherry Pie?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh cherries and a hint of vanilla creates a mouthwatering taste that everyone will enjoy.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or holiday celebration, this pie is sure to impress your guests.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and clear steps, even beginner bakers can achieve great results.
• Stunning Presentation: The beautiful double crust makes this pie not just tasty but also a show-stopper on any table.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to mix in other fruits or spices to create your unique version of cherry pie.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate
• Saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Pastry blender or two knives
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch pie plate: Provides the right shape and size for your pie, ensuring even baking.
• Rolling pin: Helps roll out dough evenly for a perfect crust.
• Pastry blender: Makes cutting butter into flour quick and easy, creating a flaky texture.

Ingredients

A stunning double-crusted cherry pie using fresh cherries for a show-stopping summer dessert!

Ingredients:
– 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted
– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 3/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup cornstarch
– pinch of salt
– 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold & cubed
– 1/4 cup cold water
– 1 large egg
– 1 tablespoon water
– 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

How to Make Fresh Cherry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Filling

In a saucepan over medium heat, add the pitted cherries, lemon juice, vanilla extract, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Stir frequently for about 10 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter a 9-inch pie plate and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Pie Crust

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until you achieve a crumbly mixture. Add the cold water gradually while kneading with your hands until fully combined. Divide the dough into two equal balls.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

Flatten each ball of dough slightly and wrap them in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. On a lightly floured surface with a floured rolling pin, roll each ball into discs about an inch larger than your pie plate. Ensure each disc is roughly 1/8-inch thick.

Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate

Gently roll one disc onto your rolling pin and place it over the pie plate. Press down gently to fit it into place, allowing excess dough to hang over the edges.

Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture

Carefully fill the prepared crust with your cooled cherry filling.

Step 8: Top with Second Crust

Roll out the second ball of dough to match the size of the first disc. Place it over the filling. Trim excess dough from around the edge of the plate. Crimp or flute edges together and cut six small slits in a circle pattern in the middle of this top crust.

Step 9: Brush with Egg Wash

In a small bowl, whisk together one egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over both top and edges of your pie crust before sprinkling with sugar.

Step 10: Bake

Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet in case of overflow during baking. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating after 15 minutes. Afterward, wrap foil around edges to prevent burning and return to bake for an additional 30 minutes until golden brown.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Once baked, remove from oven and take off foil around edges. Let cool on wire rack for at least two hours before slicing into pieces. Enjoy your delicious Fresh Cherry Pie!

How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh cherry pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply indulging on a quiet evening, these serving suggestions will enhance your cherry pie experience.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Serve slices of fresh cherry pie topped with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light and airy complement.

À La Mode

• Pair each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the tart cherries, creating a delightful treat.

With Fresh Mint

• Garnish your pie slices with fresh mint leaves for an aromatic and visually appealing presentation that adds a burst of freshness.

Accompanied by Lemonade

• Serve alongside a tall glass of homemade lemonade. The citrus notes refresh the palate and balance the sweetness of the pie.

Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce

• For chocolate lovers, drizzle rich chocolate sauce over each slice of pie. This adds an indulgent touch that enhances the overall flavor.

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How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie

To create the ideal fresh cherry pie, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure your dessert is not only delicious but visually appealing as well.

• Choose ripe cherries: Select fresh cherries that are firm and deep red for the best flavor and texture in your filling.
• Pre-bake crust: For an extra flaky crust, consider pre-baking it for a few minutes before adding the filling to prevent sogginess.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your cherry filling before baking; add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter or lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Use cornstarch wisely: Ensure you mix cornstarch properly with other ingredients to avoid clumping in your filling, which can affect texture.
• Let it cool: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and makes for cleaner cuts.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of the cherry filling.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie

Serving fresh cherry pie can be even more enjoyable with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that offers a creamy contrast to tart cherries.
2. Fresh Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing mix of seasonal fruits balances the richness of the pie.
3. Cheese Platter: Include tangy cheeses like goat cheese or sharp cheddar for an interesting flavor combination.
4. Pecan Crunch Salad: A crunchy salad with pecans adds texture and complements the sweet flavors of cherry pie.
5. Roasted Nuts: Serve warm roasted almonds or walnuts on the side for a nutty crunch that pairs well with dessert.
6. Chocolate Mousse: A rich chocolate mousse provides an elegant touch and indulgent experience alongside fruit-based desserts.
7. Coffee or Tea: Offering brewed coffee or herbal tea creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying dessert after dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Fresh Cherry Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are some mistakes to avoid:

• Using unripe cherries – Always choose ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor. Unripe cherries can make your pie taste tart and less enjoyable.
• Skipping the cooling time – Allowing the cherry filling to cool before baking helps prevent a soggy crust. Patience is key for achieving that perfect texture.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately – Baking is a science, so precise measurements matter. Use proper measuring cups and spoons to ensure success.
• Ignoring the crust thickness – Rolling out your pie crust too thin can lead to tearing. Aim for about 1/8-inch thickness for a flaky, sturdy base.
• Forgetting ventilation slits – Without slits in the top crust, steam can build up and cause bubbling over. Make sure to create those slits for a beautiful finish!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Keep the pie covered with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• item Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie

• item Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
• item Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie

• item Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• item Microwave – Heat individual slices on high for 30 seconds or until warm, being cautious of uneven heating.
• item Stovetop – Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Fresh Cherry Pie.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before using them in your pie filling.

How do I know when my cherry pie is done?

The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and you see bubbles coming from the cherry filling through the slits in the top crust.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance or freeze it and bake later for fresh flavor at any time.

What should I serve with Fresh Cherry Pie?

Serve your pie with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Cherry Pie is not only stunning but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself, this recipe offers delicious possibilities. Don’t hesitate to customize it by adding different spices or even mixing in other fruits!