Making a cherry pie is pretty simple, especially if you use store-bought crust and canned cherry pie filling. But if you want to go all out and make everything from scratch, here’s a classic recipe:

Homemade Cherry Pie Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (cold, cubed)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 6-8 tablespoons ice water

For the filling:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon butter (cut into small pieces)

For topping:

  • 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional)

Instructions

1. Make the Pie Dough

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and sugar.
  2. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together.
  4. Divide dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for at least 1 hour.

2. Make the Cherry Filling

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
  2. Cook while stirring until the mixture thickens (about 5-10 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and almond extract. Let it cool.

3. Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie pan.
  3. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust and dot with butter pieces.
  4. Roll out the second dough disc and either place it whole over the pie (cutting a few slits) or create a lattice design.
  5. Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

4. Bake the Pie

  1. Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes.
  2. Reduce heat to 375°F and bake for another 30-35 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  3. Let cool for at least 2 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set.

Serving Suggestion

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream!

Image from Wikipedia