Classic cherry pie

The classic cherry pie is a dessert that brings back fond childhood memories, evoking the warm weather that encouraged us to enjoy the sweet fruits of summer. This recipe combines the flavors of a tart with a crispy crust and juicy filling, turning each slice into an explosion of taste. Here’s how to prepare this delicacy step by step to achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 2 hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

For the pie crust
- 270 g flour
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 250 g cold butter or margarine (cut into cubes)
- 4-6 tablespoons cold water (or more as needed)

For the filling
- 1 cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A pinch of cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 900 g fresh cherries (pitted)
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (cut into small pieces)
- 1 egg (lightly beaten)
- ½ cup apricot jam (for glazing)

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven
Start by preheating the oven to 190 °C. Place a baking tray on the bottom of the oven; this will catch any juice that may drip from the pie while baking. This is a simple yet effective measure that will save you from extra clean-ups!

2. Prepare the dough
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter or margarine and mix with your fingers or a mixer until you achieve a crumbly texture. It’s important for the butter to be cold to get a crispy crust.
Gradually add cold water, mixing continuously until the dough becomes smooth. Avoid adding too much water, as this can make the dough elastic.

3. Rest the dough
Divide the dough into two equal parts and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Place them in the refrigerator for at least one hour. This step is essential to allow the gluten in the flour to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and more tender.

4. Roll out the dough
On a well-floured surface, roll out the first piece of dough until it reaches a thickness of about 3 mm. Use a rolling pin to maintain evenness. Cut out a circle with a diameter of 28 cm and place it in a 23 cm pie dish, letting the edges hang slightly. Put the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.

5. Prepare the dough strips
Roll out the second piece of dough similarly and cut a rectangle measuring 23 x 30 cm. Using a knife or a pastry cutter, cut 16 strips (each 30 cm long and 1 cm wide). Place the strips on a baking tray and chill for 10 minutes. These strips will form the lattice pattern on top of the pie.

6. Prepare the filling
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, cornstarch, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Add the pitted cherries and mix well to ensure all the fruit is evenly coated with the sugar mixture. This mixture will help sweeten the cherries and thicken the juice released during baking.

7. Assemble the pie
Pour the cherry filling into the cold pie crust. Sprinkle small pieces of butter on top of the filling. Lightly brush the edges of the crust with the beaten egg for a beautiful, glossy finish during baking.

8. Add the dough strips
Place the strips of dough over the filling, forming a lattice pattern. This detail not only enhances the appearance of the pie but also allows steam to escape during baking. Brush the entire pie with egg for a shiny finish.

9. Bake the pie
Put the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour - 1 hour 30 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the cherry juice starts to bubble. If you notice the top browning too quickly, cover the pie with aluminum foil and continue baking.

10. Glaze the pie
Once the pie is baked, let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, heat the apricot jam and brush it over the pie. This will add a layer of shine and an extra touch of sweetness.

11. Serve
Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing. It is delicious served alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or honey, which will perfectly complement the tartness of the cherries.

Helpful tips

- Choosing the fruit: Use fresh cherries, but if they're not available, you can use frozen cherries. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use to avoid a watery filling.
- Vegan option: You can replace the butter with vegan margarine and the egg with a mixture of flaxseeds or chia seeds for a completely vegan option.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling.
- Spices: Add other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a more complex flavor.

Nutritional information

This cherry pie, per slice, contains approximately 280 calories, 12 g of fat, 42 g of carbohydrates, and 4 g of protein. It is a good source of vitamins and antioxidants due to the cherries, which are recognized for their heart health benefits.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I make the pie a day in advance?
Yes, the pie can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It’s even better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop.
- How can I avoid a watery filling?
Make sure the fruit is well-drained and that you use enough cornstarch to absorb the juice.
- Can the pie be frozen?
Yes, the pie can be frozen before baking. You can bake it directly from the freezer, but it will require additional baking time.

The classic cherry pie is not just a dessert; it’s a true love letter to the flavors of summer. With each slice, you can enjoy the sweetness of the cherries and the crispy texture of the crust, reminding you of the wonderful moments spent with loved ones. So put on your chef’s gloves and enjoy the cooking process!