5 Simple Cherry Pie Recipes for Beginners

There's something incredibly comforting about a warm slice of cherry pie, especially when it's homemade. However, for many, the idea of baking a pie can be daunting due to the perceived complexity. This blog post is designed to demystify the process by presenting 5 Simple Cherry Pie Recipes for Beginners. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or someone looking for easy-to-follow recipes, these cherry pie variations will guide you through the baking adventure with ease.

Classic Cherry Pie Recipe

The classic cherry pie is a timeless dessert that combines the sweet-tartness of cherries with a flaky, buttery crust.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• 1 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Pie crust dough for a double crust
• 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens.
3. Roll out one part of the pie dough and line the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
4. Pour the cherry filling into the crust, dot with butter.
5. Roll out the second piece of dough, cut slits or use cookie cutters to create a design, then place over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal.
6. Brush the top with egg wash for a golden finish.
7. Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden.
8. Let it cool before serving.

🍒 Note: If using frozen cherries, make sure they are fully thawed to avoid excess moisture in your pie.

No-Bake Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

For those who might not want to deal with the oven, this no-bake cherry cream cheese pie is the perfect alternative.

Ingredients:

• 1 ready-made graham cracker crust
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¹⁄₂ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup heavy cream, whipped
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling

Steps:

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese until smooth, then add powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
2. Fold in the whipped cream gently to combine.
3. Spread this mixture evenly into the graham cracker crust.
4. Spoon the cherry pie filling over the top.
5. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving to set.

🍒 Note: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bit of lemon zest to the cream cheese mixture.

Cherry Crumb Pie

This version forgoes the top crust for a sweet and crunchy crumb topping, adding texture to every bite.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust for a 9-inch pie dish
• Same cherry filling as in the Classic Cherry Pie
• For the crumb topping:
  • ¹⁄₂ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¹⁄₄ cup brown sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup white sugar
  • ¹⁄₄ cup rolled oats
  • ¹⁄₄ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¹⁄₄ cup cold butter, cubed

Steps:

1. Prepare the cherry filling as described previously.
2. For the crumb topping, combine flour, sugars, oats, and cinnamon. Cut in butter until crumbly.
3. After pouring the filling into the pie crust, sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over it.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden.

🍒 Note: If you prefer a more pronounced cherry flavor, reduce the amount of sugar in the filling slightly.

Mini Cherry Pies

Mini pies are not only adorable but also perfect for portion control, parties, or when you just want a little dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 package refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• Small cookie cutter or glass for cutting dough

Steps:

1. Roll out the pie dough and cut into small circles using a cutter or glass.
2. Press each dough circle into a muffin tin, shaping the sides to form mini pie shells.
3. Add a spoonful of cherry filling into each.
4. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
5. Let cool before removing from the tins.

Gluten-Free Cherry Pie

Catering to dietary restrictions, this gluten-free cherry pie uses a special crust to keep things light and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 ¹⁄₂ cups gluten-free flour blend
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (if not in blend)
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt
• ¹⁄₂ cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
• ¹⁄₂ cup ice water
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• Same cherry filling as in the Classic Cherry Pie

Steps:

1. In a food processor, combine the flour, xanthan gum, and salt. Add butter and pulse until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Mix ice water with vinegar and slowly pour into the flour mixture while pulsing until the dough begins to form.
3. Wrap the dough and chill for at least an hour.
4. Roll out the dough, line a pie dish, add the cherry filling, and top with another rolled-out dough or lattice.
5. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes more.

🍒 Note: Use a pre-made gluten-free pie crust or a trusted gluten-free flour blend to ensure the best results.

In summary, these five cherry pie recipes provide a range of options for every level of baking skill. From the traditional approach to no-bake solutions, they ensure that anyone can enjoy a slice of homemade cherry pie. Each recipe is crafted to be straightforward, so even beginners can experience the joy of baking. With these simple recipes, you're now equipped to bring the classic taste of cherry pie into your home with ease and confidence.