Nothing says “comfort” quite like a slice of homemade cherry pie. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet evening at home, this pie is the kind of dessert that brings warmth and happiness to the table. Picture the flaky, golden crust paired with the sweet and tart cherry filling—every bite is an absolute delight. Trust me, this one’s going to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Pie

This cherry pie is everything you’ve been craving and more. Here’s why you’ll fall head over heels for it:

Versatile: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this cherry pie is the perfect dessert for any time of the year. Imagine serving it at your next BBQ or bringing it along to a potluck—you’ll have people asking for the recipe!

Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients, yet so delicious. You don’t need to splurge on fancy ingredients to make this pie sing. It’s made with pantry staples and fresh cherries (of course!), making it both affordable and mouthwatering.

Quick and Easy: This pie comes together pretty quickly, even for beginners! From rolling out the dough to creating the perfect cherry filling, it’s an easy recipe that you can confidently follow. If you’re new to pie-making, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

Customizable: Feel free to get creative with your crust—whether you’re into a lattice top, a simple double crust, or even a crumb topping. You can also adjust the sweetness of the filling to suit your taste!

Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be begging for a slice. It’s the dessert that’ll disappear faster than you can say “cherry pie!”

Ingredients

Here’s the magic of this pie—it’s made with just a few basic ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in creating a delicious dessert that’ll have everyone coming back for more.

Fresh Cherries: The star of the show. Sweet, juicy, and perfectly ripe cherries make the filling burst with flavor. You can use fresh or frozen cherries for this recipe, depending on what’s available.

Sugar: A little sweetness to balance out the tartness of the cherries. Adjust it to your preference!

Cornstarch: This helps thicken the cherry filling and gives it that perfect, gooey texture.

Lemon Juice: A dash of lemon juice brightens up the filling and enhances the cherry flavor.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, comforting undertone that pairs so well with the cherries.

Salt: Just a pinch to round out the flavor and keep the sweetness from being overpowering.

Pie Crust: You can use store-bought or homemade crust—whichever you prefer. A buttery, flaky crust is the key to making this pie truly irresistible.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Prepare the Cherries: If you’re using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they’re thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.

Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed and the cherries are coated in the thick, syrupy goodness.

Prepare the Pie Crust: Roll out your pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Place the bottom crust into a pie dish, making sure it fits snugly along the edges.

Assemble the Pie: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. If you’re adding a top crust, place it over the cherries and crimp the edges to seal it. For a lattice top, cut the second crust into strips and arrange them in a criss-cross pattern. Don’t forget to cut a few slits if you’re using a full crust to allow steam to escape!

Bake to Perfection: Place your pie on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling up through the slits. Keep an eye on it to make sure the crust doesn’t burn!

Cool and Serve: Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set, so you’ll get those perfect slices. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate treat!

How to Serve Cherry Pie

This cherry pie is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it, here are a few ideas:

Whipped Cream: A fluffy dollop of whipped cream on top is the cherry on top (pun intended!).

Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or even cinnamon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the sweet-tart filling.

Coffee: Serve a slice with a hot cup of coffee for a cozy, comforting dessert moment.

Fresh Berries: Add a side of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a burst of color and freshness.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

Make It Ahead: You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just prepare the crust and assemble the pie.

Use Frozen Cherries: If fresh cherries aren’t in season, frozen cherries work just as well. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid too much liquid.

Crust Options: If you’re short on time, store-bought crust works perfectly fine! But if you have the time, homemade crust will take this pie to the next level.

Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil to keep it fresh.

Freeze for Later: Cherry pie freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly and freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw and reheat it in the oven.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute fresh cherries with canned cherries?
A1: You can, but fresh or frozen cherries really give the best flavor. If you use canned cherries, make sure to drain them well to avoid excess liquid.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can prepare the pie, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. This also allows the flavors to meld together!

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or foil.

Q4: Can I freeze this pie?
A4: Absolutely! You can freeze the pie before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q5: How do I reheat this pie?
A5: To reheat, place the pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Yes! You can easily double the recipe to make two pies or a larger pie for a crowd.

Q7: Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
A7: Definitely! Homemade pie crust adds a special touch. You can find plenty of easy recipes for a buttery, flaky crust.

Q8: How can I make the filling less sweet?
A8: You can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling to suit your taste. You can also opt for a mix of sweet and tart cherries to balance out the sweetness.

Q9: Can I use a different fruit for this pie?
A9: Yes! This recipe is super versatile. You can swap out the cherries for blueberries, peaches, or even mixed berries.

Q10: What should I do if the pie crust starts to burn?
A10: If the crust is browning too quickly, cover the edges with foil and continue baking until the pie is done.

Conclusion

There you have it—your new favorite cherry pie recipe! It’s easy, delicious, and the perfect way to enjoy the sweet, tart flavor of cherries. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this pie is guaranteed to impress. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become a staple in your dessert rotation!

Cherry Pie

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 3 hours
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours (includes cooling)
Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This classic homemade cherry pie recipe features a thick almond-hinted cherry filling and a golden, flaky pie crust. It’s perfectly sliceable, with a filling that sets beautifully thanks to a mix of halved and quartered cherries and a simple juice reduction. Great for celebrations or a cozy dessert, this pie combines sweet and tart flavors in every bite!

Instructions

Prepare the pie crust recipe through step 5.
Mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extract in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
Roll out one disc of chilled dough to a 12-inch circle and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Add the cherries using a slotted spoon, reserving juices. Refrigerate pie.
Cook the reserved juices in a small saucepan over low heat until thickened. Cool for 5 minutes, then pour over the cherries and toss gently. Dot with butter.
Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
Roll the second dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Cut into strips and weave a lattice top. Trim and crimp edges.
Brush the top crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 30–40 minutes until the crust is golden and juices bubble for at least 5 minutes. Use a pie crust shield after the first 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Cool the pie for at least 3–4 hours before slicing.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Pie can be made 1 day in advance or frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.
You can use frozen cherries; adjust the sugar based on cherry type and follow the same preparation instructions.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 24g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 45mg