Perfectly Tart Fresh Cherry Pie
This Perfectly Tart Fresh Cherry Pie is a delightful twist on the classic dessert, reminiscent of summer picnics and family gatherings. Born from a happy baking accident, this recipe balances the natural tartness of fresh Bing cherries with just the right amount of sweetness. By allowing the bold cherry flavor to shine through, this pie offers a refreshing taste without being overly sugary. The flaky, buttery crust cradles the luscious filling, making every slice a treat. Ideal for cherry lovers, this pie is perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to festive celebrations. Serve it warm or chilled, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
fresh Bing cherries
2 lbs (pitted and halved)
granulated sugar
1 cup
all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (unsifted)
salt
1/8 teaspoon
cold butter
2 tablespoons (cubed)
almond extract
1/4 teaspoon
all-purpose flour
2 cups
salt
1 teaspoon
butter flavor shortening
3/4 cup (Crisco works best)
ice cold water
5-6 tablespoons
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Pit and halve the fresh Bing cherries, then set aside in a large mixing bowl.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of flour, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, and 1 cup of sugar. Add this mixture to the cherries along with the 1/4 teaspoon of almond extract. Gently mix in the cold, cubed butter until well combined.
4
Cover the cherry filling with plastic wrap and refrigerate to keep the butter solid.
5
For the pie crust, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and 1 teaspoon of salt.
6
Cut in the 3/4 cup of butter flavor shortening using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles small peas.
7
Gradually add ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Form the dough into a ball, then split into two halves.
8
Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thickness. Transfer this to a 9-inch pie plate, ensuring it overhangs slightly.
9
Prick the bottom crust with a fork to prevent bubbling.
10
Pour the cherry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
11
If using a top crust, roll out the remaining dough and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges with a floured fork and slice several slits into the top for steam to escape.
12
For a golden finish, brush the top crust lightly with melted butter and sprinkle with a touch of sugar, if desired.
13
Place the pie on a cookie sheet to catch any drips, then bake in the center of the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until golden brown. If you're at a higher altitude, reduce the baking temperature to 400°F (200°C).
14
If the edges begin to brown too quickly, wrap them in aluminum foil.
15
Once baked, allow the pie to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for a Perfectly Tart Fresh Cherry Pie.
What kind of cherries are best for this pie?
Fresh Bing cherries are recommended for this recipe to achieve the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
How many pounds of cherries do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of fresh Bing cherries.
How should I prepare the cherries for the filling?
The cherries should be pitted and halved before being added to the mixing bowl.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for standard baking.
How long does the cherry pie need to bake?
The pie should bake for 40 minutes, or until it is golden brown.
What adjustment is needed for high-altitude baking?
If you are at a higher altitude, reduce the baking temperature to 400°F (200°C).
Why do I need to refrigerate the cherry filling before baking?
The filling is refrigerated to keep the cold, cubed butter solid, which helps create a better texture.
What type of shortening works best for the crust?
Butter flavor shortening, specifically Crisco, is recommended for the best results.
How much sugar is used in the cherry filling?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of granulated sugar in the filling.
What size pie plate is used for this recipe?
Use a 9-inch pie plate for this recipe.
How thick should the pie dough be rolled out?
The dough should be rolled out to about 1/8 inch thickness.
Why should I prick the bottom crust with a fork?
Pricking the bottom crust helps prevent bubbling during the baking process.
What flavor extract is added to the cherry mixture?
1/4 teaspoon of almond extract is added to the cherry filling.
How do I ensure a golden finish on the top crust?
Brush the top crust lightly with melted butter and sprinkle it with a touch of sugar before baking.
What should the shortening and flour mixture look like?
The mixture should be cut in until it resembles small peas.
How much water is added to the pie dough?
Gradually add 5 to 6 tablespoons of ice cold water, one tablespoon at a time.
What can I do if the pie edges brown too quickly?
If the edges brown too fast, wrap them in aluminum foil to protect them.
How should I serve the Perfectly Tart Fresh Cherry Pie?
You can serve it warm or chilled, topped with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Why is the pie placed on a cookie sheet during baking?
Placing the pie on a cookie sheet helps catch any drips that might escape during baking.
How many cups of flour are used for the pie crust?
The crust requires 2 cups of all-purpose flour.
How much butter is included in the cherry filling?
2 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter are mixed into the cherry filling.
What is the purpose of slicing slits into the top crust?
Slits are cut into the top crust to allow steam to escape while the pie bakes.
Is this pie very sweet?
No, this recipe is designed to be perfectly tart, allowing the bold cherry flavor to shine without being overly sugary.
What tools can I use to cut shortening into the flour?
You can use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the shortening into the flour mixture.
How much salt is needed for the crust?
The crust recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Can I use unsifted flour for the filling?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour for the filling should be unsifted.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients required for this cherry pie recipe.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The tags include dessert, cherry pie, fresh fruit, summer, and baking.
How long should the pie cool before serving?
Allow the pie to cool slightly before serving to let the filling set.