Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of summer in every slice. This pie features a flaky crust and a juicy filling made from fresh cherries, making it perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or any celebration. The vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor are sure to impress your guests, whether served warm with ice cream or at room temperature. Get ready to enjoy a classic treat that’s both simple to make and utterly delicious!

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

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: Add Top Crust
• Step 9: Brush and Sprinkle Topping
• Step 10: Bake
• Step 11: Cool Before Serving
• How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie
• Classic with Whipped Cream
• À La Mode
• Fresh Fruit Garnish
• With Yogurt
• Pair with Coffee
• 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
• How do I know when my fresh cherry pie is done?
• Can I use frozen cherries for fresh cherry pie?
• What can I serve with fresh cherry pie?
• How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
• What if I don’t have cornstarch?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh cherries enhances the flavor, giving you a taste of summer in every bite.
• Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to holiday parties.
• Easy-to-Make Crust: The flaky crust is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for experienced bakers.
• Beautiful Presentation: The double-crusted design looks stunning, making it a showstopper on your dessert table.
• Customizable Filling: Feel free to mix in other fruits or spices to create your unique twist on this classic.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie plate
• Mixing bowls
• Pastry blender or knives
• Rolling pin
• Saucepan
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch pie plate: Ensures even baking and presentation for your Fresh Cherry Pie.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients efficiently without spills.
• Rolling pin: Helps create a perfectly rolled-out crust for an even texture.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing wet ingredients smoothly, ensuring all flavors blend well.

Ingredients

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

• 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, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Bring this 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. 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 cold water and knead with your hands until combined. Divide the dough into two equal balls.

Step 4: Chill the Dough

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

Step 5: Roll Out the Dough

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

Step 6: Transfer Dough to Pie Plate

Transfer one disc of dough to the pie plate by rolling it onto your rolling pin first. Then place it into the pie plate gently pressing down around the edges.

Step 7: Fill with Cherry Mixture

Fill your prepared crust with the cooled cherry filling evenly distributed across the bottom.

Step 8: Add Top Crust

Roll out the second ball of dough just like you did with the first one. Place it over the filled pie, trimming excess around its edges. Decorate as desired by fluting or pressing together with fingers or fork. Cut six small slits in a circle pattern in the center of this top crust.

Step 9: Brush and Sprinkle Topping

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 generously. Sprinkle some granulated sugar on top.

Step 10: Bake

Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for about thirty minutes, rotating after fifteen minutes. After thirty minutes, wrap foil around edges to prevent burning then return it to bake for another thirty minutes or until golden brown and bubbling.

Step 11: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before slicing into that delicious Fresh Cherry Pie!

How to Serve Fresh Cherry Pie

Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful summer dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it warm or cold, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your cherry pie experience.

Classic with Whipped Cream

• Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy touch, complementing the tartness of the cherries beautifully.

À La Mode

• Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top for a delicious contrast of temperatures.

Fresh Fruit Garnish

• Berries: Add a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on the side for an extra burst of flavor and color.

With Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A spoonful of tangy Greek yogurt can balance the sweetness of the pie and add a creamy texture.

Pair with Coffee

• Coffee: Enjoy your slice alongside a cup of freshly brewed coffee to enhance the overall taste experience.

Remember it later

Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Fresh Cherry Pie

Creating the perfect Fresh Cherry Pie requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out flawless every time.

• Choose Ripe Cherries: Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor and sweetness. Look for cherries that are firm and shiny.
• Pre-cook Filling: Cooking the cherry filling slightly before putting it into the crust helps reduce excess moisture and avoids a soggy bottom.
• Chill Dough Properly: Make sure to chill your dough well before rolling it out. This helps achieve a flaky texture in your crust.
• Vent Your Crust: Always cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking. This prevents bubbling over and ensures even cooking.
• Use a Baking Sheet: Place your pie on a rimmed baking sheet when baking. This catches any drips and makes clean-up easier.
• Let It Cool: Allow your pie to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the filling, making it easier to cut neat slices.

Best Side Dishes for Fresh Cherry Pie

Pairing your Fresh Cherry Pie with complementary side dishes can elevate your dessert experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, enhances the sweetness of the pie with rich flavors.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet pie, balancing out flavors.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse creates a decadent dessert duo when served alongside cherry pie.
4. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with seasonal fruits can lighten up your meal and add more fruity flavors.
5. Pecan Crumble: A crunchy pecan crumble adds texture and pairs well with the soft filling of cherry pie.
6. Ice Cream Cake: For those who love variety, an ice cream cake offers an exciting twist and complements cherry flavors nicely.
7. Crème Brûlée: The creamy texture and caramelized sugar topping provide an elegant finish that pairs wonderfully with fruit desserts.
8. Scones: Lightly sweetened scones can serve as an alternative pastry option, perfect for afternoon tea or brunch settings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a fresh cherry pie can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using unripe cherries – Always choose ripe cherries for your pie. They should be deep red and firm for the best flavor.
• Overmixing the dough – When making the crust, avoid overmixing. This will lead to a tough crust instead of a flaky one. Mix just until combined.
• Not cooling the filling – Skipping the cooling step can result in a soggy crust. Make sure to let your cherry filling cool before adding it to the pie.
• Ignoring baking times – Keep an eye on your pie while it bakes. Baking times can vary based on your oven, so check for that golden-brown crust.
• Skipping the egg wash – An egg wash gives your pie a beautiful shine and helps the sugar stick. Don’t forget this simple step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover fresh cherry pie in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Fresh Cherry Pie

• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
• You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating Fresh Cherry Pie

• Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave – Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30-45 seconds or until warm.
• Stovetop – Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm each slice for about 5-7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making fresh cherry pie.

How do I know when my fresh cherry pie is done?

Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling juices from the cherries. This indicates that it’s fully cooked.

Can I use frozen cherries for fresh cherry pie?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid before using them in your recipe.

What can I serve with fresh cherry pie?

Fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with this delightful dessert.

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?

Ensure that you cool your filling before adding it to the crust and consider pre-baking (blind baking) the bottom crust slightly.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

You can substitute cornstarch with equal parts flour or arrowroot as thickening agents in your fresh cherry pie filling.

Final Thoughts

This fresh cherry pie is not only visually stunning but also bursting with flavor. It’s perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion requiring a sweet touch. Feel free to customize by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even mix in other fruits for unique twists!