Classic Cherry Pie – Juicy, Flaky and Homemade

Introduction

There’s something undeniably special about a homemade cherry pie, fresh out of the oven, with its golden crust and juicy, tart filling. It’s a dessert that evokes memories of family gatherings, summer afternoons, and the simple pleasures in life. The best part? It’s surprisingly easy to make, using everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. With a little creativity and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a classic cherry pie that’s sure to impress your friends and family. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of making a delicious, flaky, and juicy cherry pie that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tart, using fresh cherries and a hint of sugar to create a deliciously balanced filling. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and affordable, making it a great option for anyone looking to make a homemade pie.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance, this cherry pie is surprisingly easy to make. The filling comes together in just a few minutes, and the crust can be made from scratch with just a few simple ingredients. Plus, the assembly and baking process is straightforward and hassle-free.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: One of the best things about this recipe is that it produces impressive results with minimal effort. The combination of a flaky crust and juicy filling is sure to wow your friends and family, and the best part is that it’s easy to achieve, even for beginner bakers.

Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup shortening, chilled and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the Filling – In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, until the cherries start to release their juice and the mixture becomes syrupy.
2. Step 2: Make the Crust – In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add the shortening and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. Gradually add the ice-cold water, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together in a ball.
3. Step 3: Assemble the Pie – Divide the dough in half and roll out one half to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Place the dough into a 9-inch pie dish and trim the edges to fit. Fill the pie crust with the cherry filling and dot the top with any remaining butter pieces. Roll out the second half of the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch and use it to cover the pie. Crimp the edges to seal the pie and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
4. Step 4: Bake the Pie – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the egg wash over the pie crust and bake the pie for 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

• Use a combination of sweet and tart cherries for the best flavor.
• Don’t overmix the filling or the crust, as this can lead to a tough or dense texture.
• Keep the butter and shortening cold, as this will help to create a flaky crust.
• Use a light touch when rolling out the dough, as this will help to prevent it from becoming too thin or fragile.

Heat Control

The ideal temperature for baking a cherry pie is 375°F (190°C). The pie should be baked for 40-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the filling – if it comes out clean, the pie is ready. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent overbrowning.

Crunch Factor

The crust of a cherry pie should be flaky and tender, with a slightly crunchy texture from the sugar and butter. To achieve this, make sure to keep the butter and shortening cold, and don’t overmix the dough. You can also try adding a little extra sugar or cornstarch to the filling to help balance out the flavors and textures.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry blender to work the butter and shortening into the flour, as this will help to create a flaky crust.
• Keep the dough cold, as this will help to prevent it from becoming too soft or fragile.
• Use a light touch when rolling out the dough, as this will help to prevent it from becoming too thin or fragile.
• Don’t overbake the pie, as this can cause the crust to become too brown or the filling to become too dry.

Storage Tips

• The pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days, or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• The pie can also be frozen for up to 2 months, either before or after baking. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• To reheat, thaw the pie overnight in the refrigerator and then bake it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-30 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is warm and bubbly.

Gift Packaging Ideas

A homemade cherry pie is a thoughtful and delicious gift for friends and family. To package, simply wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a decorative tin or box. You can also add a few extra touches, such as a ribbon or a handwritten note, to make the gift even more special.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding a splash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the filling for a unique flavor twist.
• Use a combination of sweet and tart cherries for the best flavor.
• Add a few tablespoons of chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the crust is too dense or tough, try adding a little more cold water to the dough or using a pastry blender to work the butter and shortening into the flour.
• If the filling is too runny, try adding a little more cornstarch or cooking the pie for a few minutes longer.
• If the pie is too brown, try covering the edges with foil or a pie shield to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the pie? Yes, the pie can be frozen for up to 2 months, either before or after baking. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is the pie gluten-free? No, the pie contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make multiple pies. Simply multiply the ingredients and follow the same instructions as before.

Conclusion

Making a classic cherry pie from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience that’s sure to impress your friends and family. With its flaky crust and juicy filling, this pie is perfect for any occasion, from summer picnics to holiday gatherings. So why not give it a try? With a little practice and patience, you’ll be making delicious homemade pies like a pro. Happy baking!