Imagine a dessert so divine it could have been the star of a Truman Capote novel – a cherry pie so irresistible it will transport you straight to the heart of American culinary tradition! This isn't just any pie; it's a legendary recipe that combines the perfect balance of sweet, tart cherries and a buttery, flaky crust that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned pastry chef, this Truman Capote Cherry Pie is about to become your new favorite showstopper dessert that promises to impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature.
- Wash and pit the fresh cherries carefully, removing all stems and checking for any bruised fruit. Pat the cherries dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Gently mix until the cherries are evenly coated with the sugar mixture.
- Roll out the pie crust and carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish, ensuring the crust is evenly distributed with some overhang around the edges.
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter.
- If desired, create a lattice top or cover with a second pie crust, cutting small vents to allow steam to escape. Crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips, and place in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil.
- Remove from the oven and let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 2-3 hours to allow the filling to set completely.
- Serve at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Cherry Selection Matters: Use fresh, ripe cherries for the most vibrant flavor. If fresh cherries aren't in season, high-quality frozen cherries can be an excellent substitute.
- Prevent a Soggy Bottom: To ensure a crisp pie crust, consider pre-baking the bottom crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, or sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds beneath the cherry mixture to absorb excess moisture.
- Cornstarch Technique: When mixing the filling, let the cornstarch and sugar sit with the cherries for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps the cornstarch fully absorb the cherry juices and creates a perfectly thickened filling.
- Lattice Crust Hack: If creating a lattice top seems intimidating, use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to make clean, even strips. Weave them gently, and don't worry about perfection – rustic looks delicious!
- Cooling is Crucial: Resist the temptation to cut into the pie immediately. Allowing it to cool for 2-3 hours helps the filling set properly, ensuring clean, beautiful slices.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
