Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 45 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Bake Time: 55–65 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
Yield: 8–10 servings

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, very cold and cubed
• 6–8 tablespoons ice water

For the Cherry Filling

• 6 cups (900g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• ¼ cup (32g) cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

For the Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon milk

Optional Toppings

• Coarse sugar
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Dough

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
4. Add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently until the dough begins to come together.
5. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
6. Shape each into a disk.
7. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a large saucepan, combine:
   • Cherries
   • Granulated sugar
   • Brown sugar
   • Cornstarch
   • Lemon juice
   • Salt
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently.
3. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, about 8–10 minutes.
4. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and almond extract.
6. Add the tablespoon of butter and stir until melted.
7. Allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 3: Roll Out the Bottom Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove one dough disk from the refrigerator.
3. Roll it into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.
4. Transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish.
5. Gently press into the bottom and sides.
6. Trim any excess dough.

Step 4: Fill the Pie

1. Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the crust.
2. Spread evenly.

Step 5: Create the Top Crust

Lattice Method

1. Roll the second dough disk into a 12-inch circle.
2. Cut into 1-inch strips.
3. Arrange half the strips across the pie.
4. Weave the remaining strips over and under to create a lattice pattern.
5. Trim and crimp the edges.

Full Crust Method

1. Place the rolled dough over the filling.
2. Trim excess dough.
3. Seal and crimp edges.
4. Cut several slits in the top for steam vents.

Step 6: Apply Egg Wash

1. Whisk together the egg and milk.
2. Brush over the top crust.
3. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Step 7: Bake

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20 minutes.
3. Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
4. Continue baking for 35–45 minutes.
5. The crust should be deep golden brown and the filling bubbling.

If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with foil.

Step 8: Cool

1. Remove the pie from the oven.
2. Allow it to cool for at least 3–4 hours before slicing.

This helps the filling set properly and prevents a runny pie.

Expert Tips

Use Tart Cherries

Montmorency cherries provide the best balance of sweetness and tartness.

Chill the Dough

Cold dough creates a flakier crust.

Cool the Filling

Never add hot filling to raw pie dough.

Let the Pie Rest

Cooling completely ensures clean slices and a perfectly set filling.

Variations

Cherry Almond Pie

Increase almond extract to ½ teaspoon and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

Cherry Berry Pie

Replace 2 cups of cherries with blueberries or raspberries.

Chocolate Cherry Pie

Add ½ cup mini chocolate chips to the filling.

Crumb-Topped Cherry Pie

Replace the top crust with a buttery streusel topping.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store covered for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Store for up to 5 days.

Freezer

Freeze baked pie for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh whipped cream
• Hot coffee
• Chocolate drizzle
• Toasted almonds

This Homemade Cherry Pie is loaded with juicy cherries, wrapped in a flaky golden crust, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of a classic homemade dessert. It’s a pie that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite for generations.