Baked Fresh Cherry Pie: A Deliciously Classic Dessert

Baked Fresh Cherry Pie RecipeThere’s something truly special about a freshly baked cherry pie. Its sweet-tart filling and flaky crust evoke memories of family gatherings and warm summer days. Our Baked Fresh Cherry Pie recipe is a modern take on an old-fashioned favorite, with the flexibility to use either fresh or frozen cherries, making it perfect for any time of year.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this delectable pie:

  • Crust:
    • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon sugar
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
    • 6-8 tablespoons ice water
  • Filling:
    • 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
    • 1 cup granulated sugar
    • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Topping:
    • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
    • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
    • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)

Instructions

Making the Crust

  1. Prepare the Dough:
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
    • Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  2. Roll Out the Dough:
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out one dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Fit it into a 9-inch pie pan, trimming excess dough along the edges. Refrigerate.

Preparing the Filling

  1. Cook the Cherries:
    • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Cook, stirring often, until the mixture begins to thicken, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembling the Pie

  1. Fill and Top the Pie:
    • Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust. Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
    • Roll out the second dough disc and place it over the filling. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust for ventilation.
  2. Bake the Pie:
    • Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
  3. Cool and Serve:
    • Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.

Tips and Variations

  • Using Frozen Cherries: If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work wonderfully. Be sure to thaw and drain them before using to prevent a soggy crust.
  • Thickening the Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch.
  • Crust Variations: Try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the crust for an extra flavor boost.
  • Pioneer Woman Style: For a Pioneer Woman twist, sprinkle a bit of nutmeg over the top before baking.
  • Canned Cherry Pie: To bake a canned cherry pie, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 40-45 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is hot.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Cholesterol: 65mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 28g
  • Protein: 5g

Whether you’re reminiscing about a classic dessert or trying cherry pie for the first time, this Baked Fresh Cherry Pie is sure to impress with its timeless flavors and irresistible aroma. Share this delightful recipe with friends and family, and don’t forget to leave a comment below to tell us how your pie turned out. For more delicious recipes, subscribe to our newsletter and explore easycrispyrecipes.com for more culinary inspiration..

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