American Cherry Pie

Cherry Pie – A Classic Summer Dessert

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t love a warm pie filled with sweet, flavorful filling that reminds us of hot summer days? Cherry pie is an iconic dessert that has won the hearts of many over the years. This simple and delicious recipe combines the intense flavor of ripe cherries with a flaky crust, turning each slice into a true delight. Let’s get ready to dive into the world of delicacies and discover together the secrets of this classic dessert!

Ingredients Needed

For the crust:
- 125 g butter (preferably at room temperature for easier mixing)
- 90 g granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
- 1 large egg
- 250 g flour (use type 00 flour for a finer crust)
- 1 medium egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon of water (for glazing the pie)

For the filling:
- 1 kg of pitted ripe cherries (fresh cherries are ideal, but you can also use frozen cherries)
- 100 g granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons of cornstarch (to thicken the filling)
- 25 g butter, cut into small cubes (to enhance the flavor)

Step by Step: How to Make Cherry Pie

1. Preparing the Crust:
Start by combining the butter and granulated sugar in a food processor. Mix on medium speed until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth. Add the egg and continue mixing for 30 seconds. This step is essential for achieving a light and tasty crust.

2. Forming the Dough:
Add the flour to the butter and egg mixture and mix for a few seconds until the dough becomes uniform. Roll out a strip of flour on a work surface and gently knead the dough with your hands, forming a ball. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time will help the dough become easier to handle and improve the final texture.

3. Rolling Out the Dough:
Once the dough has chilled, divide it into two parts: one twice as large as the other. On a floured surface, roll out the larger piece of dough until it reaches the thickness of a coin. Place the dough in a 23 cm pie dish, ensuring the edges are well covered. Remove the excess dough and refrigerate for another 30 minutes. This step will prevent the dough from puffing up during baking.

4. Preheating the Oven:
While the dough is resting, preheat the oven to 220 degrees Celsius. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy, golden crust.

5. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix the cherries with the sugar and cornstarch. The filling should be sweet but balanced, and the cornstarch will help thicken the juice released by the cherries. Arrange the cherries evenly on the pie base and add the butter cubes over the entire surface of the filling.

6. Covering the Pie:
Roll out the remaining dough and cut it into long strips, about 1 cm wide. Lay the strips over the pie in a lattice pattern, leaving a small gap between them to allow steam to escape. Brush the edges of the dough with beaten egg for a shiny glaze. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar over the lattice for added sweetness.

7. Baking the Pie:
Place the pie in the oven for 10 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 40 minutes. The pie is ready when the crust turns golden and the filling starts bubbling.

8. Cooling and Serving:
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. This will help the filling to set. Serve the pie with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. The combination of the warm pie with the creaminess of the ice cream is simply divine!

Chef’s Tip:
If you want to add a touch of personality to your pie, try adding a few drops of lemon juice to the cherry filling. This will enhance the flavors and provide a pleasant contrast to the sweetness of the cherries.

Nutritional Benefits:
Cherry pie is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, contributing to a healthy immune system. Additionally, butter provides healthy fats, and sugar, when consumed in moderation, can provide an energy boost.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use canned cherries?
Yes, you can use canned cherries, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the filling to avoid a soggy pie.

2. How do I store the pie?
The pie can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze it to enjoy later!

3. What other flavors can I add?
Try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for an extra flavor boost.

Delicious Pairings:
Cherry pie pairs perfectly with a cup of fragrant tea or a glass of sweet white wine. You can also try pairing it with a fruit smoothie for a more balanced dessert.

This cherry pie recipe is not just a culinary delight but also a way to create beautiful memories with loved ones. So, embrace the cooking process and enjoy every moment spent in the kitchen! Enjoy your meal!