Homemade Cherry Pie
This Homemade Cherry Pie features a perfect balance of sweet and tart cherries nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and fresh or frozen cherries, it offers a comforting dessert with vibrant flavor and an irresistible golden finish. Ideal for family gatherings, special occasions, or any time you crave a nostalgic homemade treat.
- Author: Kathy
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Can be gluten-free if gluten-free flour blend and starch are used
Filling Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Pie Crust Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
- 1 cup cold butter or shortening, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Egg Wash
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon water or milk
- Prepare the Cherry Filling: Wash and pit the cherries. In a large bowl, gently combine cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the cherries to release their juices and thicken the filling during baking.
- Make the Pie Crust: In a bowl, mix cold flour with diced cold butter or shortening, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to create a crumbly texture. Slowly add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Assemble the Pie: Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface to fit your pie pan. Transfer the dough to the pan and fill with the cherry mixture. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter. Roll out the second disc and either cover the pie completely or cut into strips to create a lattice top. Seal and crimp the edges to prevent leaking.
- Apply Egg Wash and Bake: Brush the pie crust surface with the beaten egg wash for a golden finish. Optionally, sprinkle a little sugar on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50–60 minutes until the crust turns golden and the filling bubbles. Let the pie cool completely to allow the filling to set before slicing.
Notes
- Use cold ingredients including butter and water to ensure a flaky crust.
- Do not skip lemon juice as it brightens the cherry flavor and balances sweetness.
- Chill the dough to prevent shrinking and to make rolling easier.
- Protect crust edges with foil or a crust shield halfway through baking to avoid over-browning.
- Allow the pie to cool completely so the filling firms up for clean slices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cherry pie, homemade cherry pie, fruit pie, dessert, baking, flaky crust, seasonal pie