Cherry Pie Recipe with Frozen Cherries: Easy Guide

What You'll Need: Ingredients and Tools

Let's start with the basic ingredients you'll need to make a fantastic cherry pie using frozen cherries:

• 4 cups of frozen cherries
• 1 cup of sugar
• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract (optional but enhances flavor)
• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg for egg wash
• Sugar for sprinkling on top (optional)

Here are the tools and equipment you'll need:

• Pie dish (9 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork for blending
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Saucepan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin
• Pastry cutter or knife
• Aluminum foil or pie shield (optional for edge protection)

Preparing the Cherry Filling

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, let's prepare the filling:

1. Defrost the cherries: Place the cherries in a colander over a bowl to catch any juice. Allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator. This step might take several hours, so plan ahead.
2. Make the filling:
   • Add the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract into a saucepan. Stir to combine.
   • Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Be careful not to let it burn.
   • Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
3. While the filling cools, prepare your pie crust. If you're using store-bought crusts, follow the package instructions for pre-baking if necessary. If you're making your own, roll out one crust and fit it into the pie dish.

🌟 Note: Do not overcook the filling. It will continue to set as it cools, so if it's slightly runny when taken off heat, that's okay!

Baking Your Cherry Pie

Now that your filling is prepared, here's how to bake your cherry pie:

1. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
2. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. This step adds richness and flavor.
3. Cover the filling with the second pie crust, or create a lattice top:
• For a full top, seal the edges by folding the top crust under the edge of the bottom crust and crimp with your fingers or a fork to seal. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
• For a lattice top, cut the second crust into strips, weave them over the pie, and then crimp the edges.
4. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water to create an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the pie crust for a golden color.
5. Sprinkle sugar over the top if you desire a little extra crunch and flavor.
6. Bake at 400°F (205°C) for about 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for an additional 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
7. Protecting the edges: If the pie edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil or use a pie shield to prevent burning.

⏰ Note: Keep an eye on your pie after 30 minutes of baking. Oven temperatures can vary, so you might need to adjust the time.

Cooling and Serving

After baking:

1. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack. Cooling can take several hours. The pie needs to set, which makes it easier to slice and serve.
2. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the tartness of the cherries.

The key to a perfect slice is patience; the filling will thicken as it cools.

To wrap up, creating a delicious cherry pie from frozen cherries is not only achievable but also quite rewarding. With the right ingredients, tools, and a bit of patience, you can master the art of pie-making. Each step, from thawing the cherries to crafting the perfect lattice top, contributes to the deliciousness of the final product. Remember, baking is both a science and an art, so don't be afraid to make slight adjustments to suit your taste. Enjoy the process and the delightful end result - a warm, fruity, and utterly delicious cherry pie.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

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Yes, you can use fresh cherries instead of frozen. Just pit them and adjust the amount of sugar slightly, as fresh cherries might not release as much juice as frozen ones.

How do I store leftover cherry pie?

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Cover your leftover pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or oven.

What if my pie filling is too runny?

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If the filling is runny after baking, it might not have had enough time to set or you might have used less cornstarch than required. Next time, you can increase the cornstarch slightly or cook the filling a bit longer until it thickens.