Experience the joy of a perfect American Cherry Pie, renowned for its rich, juicy cherry filling and a golden, caramelized crust that crunches delightfully with each bite. This pie not only offers an aroma that fills your kitchen with sweetness but also boasts a flavor that ensures it won’t last until the next day. It’s a classic dessert that’s deeply satisfying and perfect for those who appreciate the timeless combination of fruit and pastry.
Why You’ll Love This: The allure of this Cherry Pie lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it offers. The filling, made with fresh cherries and enhanced with a hint of lemon, balances sweetness and tartness beautifully. The crust, crisp and slightly caramelized, complements the soft, flavorful filling perfectly. It’s a versatile pie that can also be made with other fruits like peaches or apples, making it a year-round favorite.
Perfect Occasion: Cherry Pie is perfect for any gathering, be it a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or a casual summer barbecue. It’s particularly appealing during cherry season but can be enjoyed year-round with frozen cherries. Serve it at your next Fourth of July celebration or bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear!
Decoration Tips: For a beautiful presentation, brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with granulated sugar before baking to achieve a beautifully golden and sparkling top. Consider serving each slice with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the warm, tart flavors of the pie.
Ingredients:
- For the crust:
- 330 g flour
- 200 g fresh butter (or 150 ml vegetable oil)
- A pinch of salt
- 50 g sugar
- 120 ml cold water
- 12 ml apple cider or white vinegar
- For the filling:
- 700 g cherries, pitted
- 130 g brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- For the topping:
- Milk (for brushing)
- Sugar (for sprinkling)
- Prepare the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter (or mix in the oil) until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water mixed with vinegar, stirring until the dough comes together. Divide into two parts, one slightly larger for the bottom crust.
- Chill the dough: Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Make the filling: In a bowl, mix the pitted cherries with brown sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice.
- Assemble the pie: Roll out the larger piece of dough and line a pie dish. Fill with the cherry mixture. Roll out the second piece of dough, place it over the filling, and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Prepare for baking: Brush the top crust with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F). Bake the pie for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Cool and serve: Let the pie cool before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy this Classic American Cherry Pie, a delicious treat that captures the essence of homemade dessert perfection. Don’t forget to save the recipe and try it with different fruits for a delightful variation!
