Cherry Pie Recipes

Cherry Pie Recipes 

There's something undeniably nostalgic about a cherry pie. Whether it's a golden, lattice-topped beauty on a picnic table or a rustic galette fresh from the oven, cherry pies deliver a sweet-tart burst of flavor that feels like a hug from the past. Today, we're diving into three delicious variations on this classic treat: a Traditional Cherry Pie, a Rustic Cherry Galette, and a Chocolate Cherry Hand Pie. Whether you're baking for a gathering, a cozy night in, or simply satisfying a craving, there's a cherry pie recipe here to steal the show.

1. Classic Cherry Pie

The classic cherry pie is a celebration of simplicity. With a flaky, buttery crust and a filling that strikes a balance between sweet and tart, this is the pie that makes people’s eyes light up.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon sugar

1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, diced

6 to 8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

5 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup cornstarch

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions:

Make the dough: In a large bowl, mix flour, salt, and sugar. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. Divide into two disks, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least one hour.

Prepare the filling: Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl. Toss gently.

Assemble the pie: Roll out one disk of dough and line a 9-inch pie plate. Fill with the cherry mixture. Dot with butter. Roll out the second disk and create a lattice top or simply cover the pie and cut slits for steam.

Bake: Brush the top with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, then reduce to 350°F (175°C) and bake for another 30-40 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.

Cool: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours to set.

Pro tip: Serve it with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a dreamy dessert.

2. Rustic Cherry Galette

If you're looking for something a little less formal but every bit as delicious, a rustic cherry galette is your best friend. It’s a free-form pie, meaning you don’t even need a special pie plate. Plus, its imperfections are part of its charm.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced

3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

3 cups sweet cherries, pitted and halved

1/3 cup sugar

2 tablespoons cornstarch

1/2 teaspoon almond extract

1 tablespoon lemon zest

For assembly:

1 egg (for egg wash)

1 tablespoon turbinado sugar

Instructions:

Make the crust: In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly. Add ice water until the dough holds together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling: Toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and lemon zest.

Assemble the galette: Roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pile the cherry mixture into the center, leaving a 2-inch border. Fold the edges over the filling, pleating as needed.

Bake: Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 35-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Cool: Allow to cool slightly before slicing.

Pro tip: Drizzle with a little honey or serve with a scoop of mascarpone cheese for a gourmet twist.

3. Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies

For those who want a portable treat (or just don't want to share), chocolate cherry hand pies are pure joy. They're great for picnics, parties, or anytime snacking.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup cold unsalted butter, diced

6 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

1 1/2 cups pitted cherries, chopped

1/4 cup mini chocolate chips

1/3 cup sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For assembly:

1 egg (for egg wash)

Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions:

Make the crust: Combine flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Add water until the dough comes together. Form into a disk, wrap, and chill for an hour.

Prepare the filling: Mix cherries, chocolate chips, sugar, cornstarch, and vanilla in a bowl.

Assemble the hand pies: Roll out the dough and cut into 4- or 5-inch circles. Spoon a bit of filling onto half of each circle, fold over, and crimp the edges with a fork.

Bake: Brush the pies with egg wash. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.

Finish: Cool slightly and dust with powdered sugar.

Pro tip: For an extra decadent version, drizzle melted chocolate over the tops!

Final Thoughts

Cherry pie is one of those desserts that transcends seasons and trends. Whether you stick with the classic, go for the rustic galette, or opt for chocolate-kissed hand pies, each recipe celebrates the irresistible charm of cherries in its own unique way.

And the best part? These pies are flexible. Want to use frozen cherries? Go ahead. Prefer a store-bought crust? No shame in that game. Feel like adding spices like cinnamon or cardamom? Sprinkle away! Baking is as much about personal touches as it is about following recipes.

Helpful Reading 

Homegrown Cabbage Smoothies and Juices for Gut Healing 

https://www.amazon.com/Homegrown-Cabbage-Smoothies-Juices-Health-ebook/dp/B0F6474KCT/

Organic Pest Control for 3 Sisters Gardening 

https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Control-Gardening-Homegrown-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F5ZCDY4S/

Salmon for the Active Soul 

https://www.amazon.com/Salmon-Active-Soul-Protein-Packed-Enthusiasts-ebook/dp/B0F5DWJZ66/

The Low Carb Homegrown Cabbage Cookbook: Keto and Diabetic -Friendly Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Carb-Homegrown-Cabbage-Cookbook-Diabetic-ebook/dp/B0F63ZF9BT