5 Delicious Cherry Pie Recipes You Must Try
When one thinks of pies, cherry pie often comes to mind as a quintessential dessert, rich with tart and sweet cherry flavors, wrapped in a buttery crust. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply satisfying your sweet cravings, a slice of cherry pie is a delightful treat. Here are five cherry pie recipes that will leave your taste buds asking for more. Let’s explore each one in detail:
1. Classic Lattice Cherry Pie
- Ingredients: Fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, butter, pie dough (homemade or store-bought).
- Preparation:
- Begin by pitting the cherries if using fresh ones.
- Mix cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Allow it to sit so the cherries release their juices.
- Roll out your pie dough and place it in a pie dish.
- Fill the crust with the cherry mixture.
- Add dabs of butter over the cherries to enrich the filling.
- Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips to weave a lattice on top.
- Bake until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
🌟 Note: If your cherries are exceptionally juicy, consider reducing the filling on the stove first to thicken it.
2. Sour Cherry Crumb Pie
- Ingredients: Sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, butter, flour, brown sugar, oats for the crumb topping, and pie dough.
- Preparation:
- Prepare the filling by mixing sour cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon zest.
- Prepare the crumb topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and butter until crumbly.
- Line a pie dish with dough, add the filling, then top with the crumb mixture.
- Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
🥧 Note: Using sour cherries adds a tangy contrast to the sweet crumb topping, creating a well-balanced pie.
3. Cherry Hand Pies
- Ingredients: Cherry pie filling, store-bought puff pastry, egg wash, sugar.
- Preparation:
- Defrost the puff pastry according to the package instructions.
- Cut the pastry into squares, place filling in the center, and fold into triangles or rectangles.
- Crimp the edges with a fork to seal, then brush with egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake until the pastry is puffed and golden.
🔄 Note: Hand pies are perfect for picnics or parties as they are easy to eat and transport.
4. Cherry Chiffon Pie
- Ingredients: Cherry juice, gelatin, sugar, salt, beaten egg whites, whipped cream, and a pre-baked pie crust.
- Preparation:
- Cook cherry juice, sugar, and salt together, then add gelatin.
- Fold in beaten egg whites and whipped cream into the slightly cooled gelatin mixture.
- Pour into the crust and chill until set.
5. Chocolate Cherry Pie
- Ingredients: Dark chocolate, canned cherry pie filling, almond extract, pie crust.
- Preparation:
- Melt the chocolate and spread a thin layer over the bottom of a pre-baked crust.
- Combine cherry filling with almond extract and pour over the chocolate.
- Chill to allow the chocolate to set, creating a delightful contrast with the cherries.
In these delightful recipes, cherries take center stage, showcasing their versatility from classic to creative, sweet to tart. Each pie not only offers a unique taste experience but also brings warmth to any gathering. Whether you are an experienced baker or a novice, these recipes promise delicious outcomes, inviting you into the world of cherry pies where every slice tells a story of comfort and nostalgia.
Can I use frozen cherries for these recipes?
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Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using, adjusting the amount of sugar if necessary to balance sweetness.
How do I keep the bottom crust from getting soggy?
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Pre-bake the crust or add a sprinkle of flour, cornstarch, or even crushed cookies to absorb the juices. Using a thin layer of melted chocolate can also create a barrier.
What’s the best way to pit cherries?
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Using a cherry pitter is the most efficient way. If you don’t have one, a metal straw or even a paper clip can work in a pinch. Push it through the cherry to remove the pit.
Can cherry pie be made ahead of time?
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Absolutely! Bake the pie the day before or even freeze it. Chiffon pies and hand pies can be prepared, then stored in the refrigerator or freezer until needed.
How can I serve cherry pie to impress guests?
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Serve it slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with fresh cherries, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of chocolate for an elegant touch.
