This sweet cherry pie will remind you of cozy family gatherings. With juicy cherries and a flaky crust, it’s a treat that everyone will love!
You can’t help but smile when you smell that pie baking. I always add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—because who can say no to ice cream? 🍦
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: You can use fresh or frozen sweet cherries for this recipe. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen ones work perfectly too! Just make sure to thaw and drain them first.
Sugar: Adjust the sugar based on your taste and the sweetness of the cherries. You can substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper flavor, or use a sugar alternative like stevia for a lower-calorie option.
Cornstarch: This is essential for thickening the filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can replace it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, though it may be slightly less effective.
Almond Extract: This ingredient enhances the cherry flavor but is optional. If you don’t have it, you can skip it or use a bit of vanilla extract instead.
Pie Crust: A homemade pie crust is lovely, but you can easily use store-bought crust for convenience. If you’re gluten-free, look for a gluten-free pie crust at the store.
How Can You Make Sure Your Pie Crust is Perfect?
Making a perfect pie crust can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you can achieve a flaky texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Keep the butter cold! This helps create a flaky texture. Cut the butter into small cubes and chill it before mixing.
- Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined—small bits of butter should remain visible.
- Chill the dough before rolling it out. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This makes it easier to handle.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to prevent sticking. Rolling from the center outwards helps create an even thickness.
With these tips, your pie crust will be a delightful base for your cherry filling!
Easy Homemade Grandma’s Sweet Cherry Pie
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1 to 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar (adjust to desired sweetness)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 double pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on crust)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cherry pie takes about 30 minutes to prep and 55-60 minutes to bake. Plus, be sure to allow at least 2 hours for the pie to cool before slicing. So, plan for about 3 hours total, including cooling time. Worth every minute!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare the Cherry Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a large bowl, mix together the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if you’re using it), and salt. Gently stir until all the cherries are nicely coated and the mixture glistens.
2. Prepare the Pie Crust
Roll out one half of your pie crust and place it into a 9-inch pie dish. Make sure to trim any excess dough hanging over the edges. Pour the cherry filling evenly into the crust, then sprinkle the small pieces of butter on top of the filling.
3. Create the Lattice Top
Roll out the second half of the pie crust. For a classic look, cut this dough into strips and weave them to create a lattice top over the filling. If you prefer, you can simply place the whole crust over the filling and cut slits into it for steam to escape. Just be sure to trim and crimp the edges to seal everything up nicely!
4. Apply the Egg Wash
In a small bowl, beat the egg with one tablespoon of water. Brush this mixture over the crust for a beautiful golden finish after baking. If you’d like, sprinkle some coarse sugar on top for extra sparkle!
5. Bake the Pie
Place your pie in the oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the crust is golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling.
6. Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow your pie to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours to help the filling set nicely. After that, slice it up and serve warm or at room temperature—perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for those extra cozy vibes!
Enjoy this classic, sweet cherry pie that tastes just like Grandma used to make!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cherries in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy pie. You can speed up the thawing process by placing them in a colander under cold running water.
How Do I Store Leftover Cherry Pie?
Leftover cherry pie can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you wish to keep it longer, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to a week. For longer storage, consider freezing individual slices in an airtight container for up to 3 months!
Can I Substitute the Almond Extract?
Yes! The almond extract is optional, but it adds a lovely flavor that complements the cherries. If you don’t have almond extract, you can replace it with a splash of vanilla extract or omit it entirely without affecting the overall taste.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Pie?
This delicious cherry pie is best served warm or at room temperature. I recommend topping it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to enhance its sweetness and bring out the cherry flavor!
