Cherry Skeleton Slab Pie
This whimsical Cherry Skeleton Slab Pie is a stunning dessert that will delight your guests at any spooky occasion or gathering. Filled with a delicious blend of juicy dark sweet cherries, this pie merges a classic cherry filling with a playful skeleton design using pie crust. Perfectly baked until golden brown, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a festive centerpiece. Gather your friends and family, and share this unique pie for a memorable dessert experience!
N/A
Servings
156
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
thawed frozen dark sweet cherries
12 cups (Thawed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
sugar
1 cup (none)
cornstarch
2/3 cup (none)
lemon juice
1/4 cup (none)
pie crusts
2 (14 1/8 ounce packages) (none)
flour
for surface (none)
large egg
1 (lightly beaten)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the cherry filling. In a large stock pot, combine the thawed dark sweet cherries and their juices along with the sugar and salt. Bring the mixture to a bubbling simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
2
Reserve 1 cup of the cherry juice and mix it with the cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Once the fruit mixture is bubbling, introduce the cornstarch slurry to the pot, stirring continuously until the filling thickens, which should take about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in the lemon juice for a pop of brightness. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
3
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Dust a clean surface with flour and roll out two rounds of pie crust, ensuring they are large enough to fit your 9x13-inch baking pan.
4
Line the bottom of the prepared baking pan with one of your pie crusts, trimming any excess. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust, spreading it evenly.
5
Using the second pie crust, cut 6 strips about 1 inch wide for the rib cage design. With a small square cookie cutter, cut out 9 squares to serve as bones. Twist the strips and place them across the filling to mimic a skeleton’s ribs, and arrange the squares down the center.
6
Finally, brush the crust pieces with the lightly beaten egg to give them a beautiful glaze. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the juices are bubbling enthusiastically. Once baked, allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares and serving.
Nutrition Information
3.75g
Fat
31.25g
Carbs
1.25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cherry Skeleton Slab Pie?
It is a whimsical dessert featuring a juicy dark sweet cherry filling topped with a skeleton design made from pie crust, baked in a 9x13-inch pan.
How many cherries are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 12 cups of thawed frozen dark sweet cherries.
What size baking pan should I use?
You should use a 9x13-inch baking pan.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
How long does the pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for 35 to 45 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
How do I make the skeleton ribs?
Cut 6 strips of pie crust about 1 inch wide, twist them, and place them across the filling to mimic ribs.
How do I create the skeleton's bones?
Use a small square cookie cutter to cut out 9 squares from the pie crust and arrange them down the center.
How many calories are in a serving of this pie?
Each serving contains approximately 156 calories.
How do I thicken the cherry filling?
Mix 2/3 cup of cornstarch with 1 cup of reserved cherry juice and stir it into the bubbling fruit mixture.
What gives the crust its golden glaze?
Brushing the crust pieces with one lightly beaten egg before baking provides the golden glaze.
How much sugar is in the filling?
The filling requires 1 cup of sugar.
Is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of lemon juice is added to the filling for a pop of brightness.
How many pie crusts are required?
The recipe calls for 2 packages of pie crusts (14 1/8 ounces each).
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3.75g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content per serving?
Each serving has 31.25g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does a serving provide?
Each serving contains 1.25g of protein.
Should the cherry filling be cooled before adding it to the crust?
Yes, the instructions recommend allowing the filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the crust.
How do I prevent the cherry mixture from sticking to the pot?
Stir the mixture constantly while bringing it to a bubbling simmer over medium heat.
Do I need to flour the surface when rolling the crust?
Yes, dust a clean surface with flour before rolling out the pie crust rounds.
Is salt used in the filling?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is combined with the cherries and sugar.
Can this pie be served immediately after baking?
It is best to allow the pie to cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
What kind of cherries are best for this pie?
The recipe specifically calls for dark sweet cherries.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
What is the primary occasion for this pie?
It is ideal for spooky occasions, gatherings, or Halloween parties.
How do I ensure the cornstarch doesn't clump?
Mix it with the reserved cherry juice in a small bowl until smooth before adding it to the pot.
How should I cut the pie for serving?
The pie should be sliced into squares.
What do I do with the first pie crust?
Line the bottom of the prepared baking pan with it and trim any excess.
How long does it take to thicken the filling once cornstarch is added?
It should take about 3 minutes of continuous stirring.
Is this a slab pie or a round pie?
It is a slab pie, which is baked in a rectangular pan.
What is the texture of the finished filling?
The filling should be thick, juicy, and bubbling with a bright flavor from the lemon juice.