cherry pie recipe
Cherry Pie Recipe - A Sweet Delight for Every Occasion
Introduction
If there is one dessert that has stood the test of time and remains a classic favorite, it’s cherry pie. This mouthwatering dessert made with a flaky crust and sweet, juicy cherry filling has been enjoyed by generations of families at picnics, potlucks, and holiday gatherings. Centuries ago, pies were filled with whatever fruits were available at the time. Today, cherries are known for creating one of the most delicious fruit fillings that can be found in a pie.
Cherries have always been very prominent in American history. Native Americans knew cherries long before European settlers arrived on the continent. They used cherries for medicinal purposes and to make pemmican - a food made up of a mixture of dried meat, fat, and berries that was easy to store and transport. In the early 1700s, French settlers brought over some cherry trees from Canada and soon established orchards around the Great Lakes area where they grew well in the cooler climate. Over time this led to an abundance of cherries being produced in Michigan which now accounts for around 75 percent of the tart cherry crop in America.
Ingredients
Making a cherry pie from scratch requires just a few basic ingredients. You’ll need flour, butter, salt, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and some freshly washed cherries with their pits removed.
For the crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4-1/2 cup ice water
For the filling:
- 6 cups cherries, pitted and halved
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice
Preparing the Crust
Preparing the dough for the crust is a crucial step in making any pie. For a perfect crust, keep all the ingredients chilled before using them, including the flour.
1. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
2. Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to flour mixture.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the dough looks like coarse sand.
4. Add cold water one tablespoon at a time and stir gently with a fork until the dough is moist enough to hold together when squeezed.
5. Turn out onto a floured surface and gather dough together to form a ball.
6. Divide into two and flatten each ball of dough into a disk.
7. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour before using.
Preparing the Filling
Choosing fresh cherries of good quality is essential for making a delicious cherry pie.
1. Select cherries that are firm, shiny, plump, and have deep coloration.
2. Make sure that you wash them thoroughly but be gentle as you don’t want to crush them or lose too much of their juice.
3. Pit cherries using either a cherry pitting tool or by using a paperclip.
4. For every five cups of cherries, mix in one cup of sugar, four tablespoons of cornstarch, ¼ teaspoon salt, and one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
Assembling the Pie
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disk of dough on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish, trim and crimp edges.
4. Pour in the cherry filling
5. Roll out the second disk of dough and cut it into strips or shapes for embellishment.
6. Lay dough shapes over the top of the pie.
7. To avoid a soggy bottom, pre-bake your crust for at least ten minutes before you add the filling.
Baking Instructions
1. Bake your cherry pie on the bottom rack of your oven for around 50-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown, and the juices are bubbling.
2. Place a sheet of aluminum foil over pie edges halfway through cooking to avoid them over-browning.
Serving and Storing Tips
Cherry pie tastes delicious on its own but can be enhanced with scoops of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream on top.
To store leftover cherry pie, allow it to cool completely then cover loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
Variations of Cherry Pie
For some delicious cherry variations try:
- Dark chocolate cherry pie made with bittersweet chocolate and cherries.
- Fresh cherry crumble pie made with an oat topping blended with flour, sugar, butter, and spices.
Health Benefits of Cherry Pie
Cherries contain a powerful antioxidant called anthocyanin that is responsible for their deep red coloration. Anthocyanins help to lower inflammation levels in the body, decrease the risk of heart disease, and provide some relief for joint pain. Additionally, cherries also contain vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. So, while a slice of cherry pie may be considered a treat, it’s still packed full of healthy nutrients.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter problems with making your cherry pie here are some troubleshooting tips for you:
1. Soggy Crust: Avoid this by pre-baking the crust or dusting it lightly with flour before adding the filling.
2. Filling is too runny: Make sure to use enough cornstarch and avoid overloading your filling.
3. Crust is too hard: To get a flaky but tender crust try mixing in some vegetable shortening into the dough.
Serving Size and Nutritional Value
The average serving size for cherry pie ranges between 140-190 grams per slice depending on how thin you slice it.
One slice (1/8th of a 9-inch pie) contains approximately:
- Calories: 402
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 4g
Conclusion
Cherry pies are a classic dessert that has stood the test of time. With these instructions and tips on how to make the perfect crust, filling, and toppings, you’ll be able to create your perfect cherry pie for any occasion. Cherries are not only tasty and delicious but are also packed full of antioxidants and other nutrients that will benefit your health. So go ahead and indulge your taste buds with this sweet delicacy knowing that there’s a lot more than just taste inside every slice.
FAQs about Cherry Pie Recipe
1. What are the ingredients needed for a cherry pie recipe?
The ingredients needed to make a delicious cherry pie include:
- 1 double-crust pastry dough
- 4 cups of fresh cherries, pitted and sliced
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
2. How do I make the crust for the cherry pie?
To make a double-crust pastry dough, lightly mix the following ingredients in a mixing bowl:
- 2 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
- 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and chilled for at least an hour before using
Create a well in the center of the mixture and drizzle cold water, mixing until it comes together. Cut into two balls and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. How do I prepare fresh cherries for cherry pie?
To prepare fresh cherries for the pie recipe, you need to:
- Cut the cherries in half with a sharp knife.
- Pit the cherries with a cherry pitter or kitchen gadget.
Rinse the sliced cherries under cold running water, drain and set aside.
4. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for the recipe. However, make sure they are thawed and drained before mixing them with other ingredients.
5. What is the baking time and temperature for cherry pie?
Bake your cherry pie at 400°F for 25 minutes, then reduce the oven to 350°F and bake for an extra 30 to 35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
6. Can I add other fruits to my cherry pie recipe?
Sure! You can add other fresh berries or fruits like blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, etc., to the filling mixture of your cherry pie to give it a unique taste.
7. How do I serve and store my cherry pie?
Serve your baked cherry pie warm or cold with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. Store leftover cherry pie in a refrigerator for 2-3 days in an airtight container.
