Are you ready to transform an ordinary birthday celebration into an extraordinary culinary experience? This classic American Cherry Pie is not just a dessert—it's a slice of pure happiness that will have your guests begging for seconds! Imagine a golden, flaky crust embracing a vibrant, ruby-red cherry filling that bursts with sweet-tart perfection. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises to make you the star baker of any birthday party.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure the rack is positioned in the center of the oven for even baking.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid. For fresh cherries, wash and pit them carefully.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gently mix until cherries are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Roll out the pre-made pie crust and carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish, allowing some overhang around the edges.
- Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- If making a lattice top, cut the second pie crust into strips and weave them over the filling. If using a full top crust, cover completely and cut a few slits for steam to escape.
- Trim the edges of the crust and crimp them decoratively to seal the pie.
- Whisk the egg and brush the top crust with egg wash to create a golden, shiny finish.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Tips
- Cherry Selection: Fresh cherries are ideal, but high-quality frozen cherries work wonderfully too. Just ensure they're completely thawed and well-drained to prevent a soggy crust.
- Cornstarch Trick: The cornstarch is crucial for creating the perfect pie filling consistency. It helps thicken the juices without making the filling too stiff.
- Crust Perfection: For an extra-flaky crust, chill your pie crust for 30 minutes before filling and baking.
- Egg Wash Secret: The egg wash not only creates a beautiful golden sheen but helps seal the crust and add a subtle richness.
- Cooling is Key: Resist the temptation to cut into the pie immediately. Letting it cool for 2-3 hours allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
- Serve with Flair: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can elevate this pie from delicious to absolutely irresistible!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
