Savor the Sweetness: Crafting an Easy Cherry Pie Masterpiece
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the irresistible allure of Easy Cherry Pie. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of fresh sour cherries, this classic dessert is a celebration of summer’s bounty. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating your own homemade cherry pie, from selecting the perfect cherries to achieving a golden, flaky crust. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises delicious results that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
Prepare to embark on a journey of culinary delight with the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs fresh, sour cherries or three (14.5 oz) cans sour cherries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Homemade pie crust (this recipe makes 2 crusts: one for the bottom and one for the top)
- 1 large egg white, beaten with a fork
- Granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating this delightful Easy Cherry Pie:
- Prep the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them and remove any stems. If using canned cherries, drain them well. Place the cherries in a large mixing bowl.
- Mix with Sugar and Lemon Juice: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar and lemon juice. Pour this mixture over the cherries and gently toss to coat them evenly. Let the cherries macerate for about 30 minutes to release their juices.
- Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the cherry filling.
- Cook the Cherry Filling: Transfer the cherries and their juices to a saucepan. Add the cornstarch slurry, butter, and ground cinnamon to the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out one of the pie crusts and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
- Fill the Pie: Pour the cooled cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with Second Crust: Roll out the second pie crust and place it over the filled pie. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Vent and Seal: Use a sharp knife to create slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking. Brush the top crust with the beaten egg white and sprinkle with granulated sugar for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Cook Notes and Variations
- Add Almond Extract: For a subtle almond flavor that complements the cherries, add 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract to the filling.
- Streusel Topping: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a simple streusel topping made of flour, brown sugar, and butter over the pie crust before baking.
- Mixed Berry Variation: Substitute half of the cherries with mixed berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for a colorful twist on this classic dessert.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those seeking keto-friendly or low-carb alternatives, here are some adaptations:
- Almond Flour Crust: Replace the traditional pie crust with a keto-friendly almond flour crust made with almond flour, melted butter, and a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol.
- Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener such as erythritol or stevia to reduce the carb content of the filling. Adjust the sweetness to taste.
- Use Sour Cream: Replace the cornstarch with a mixture of sour cream and a keto-friendly thickener such as xanthan gum to achieve a creamy, low-carb filling.
In conclusion, Easy Cherry Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to delight. With its buttery crust, juicy cherry filling, and golden-brown topping, it’s a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a slice on a warm summer evening or serving it up at a festive gathering, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the sweet taste of success with this delicious Easy Cherry Pie recipe.
