Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of cherry pie but short on time? This recipe uses canned cherry pie filling to create a delightful dessert with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a delicious treat without the fuss of making everything from scratch. This easy cherry pie recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, delivering all the classic flavors of homemade cherry pie with a fraction of the work. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
- 1 (15 ounce) can refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, adjust to your preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium bowl, gently stir the canned cherry pie filling. Add the cornstarch, water, and optional sugar and vanilla extract. Mix well until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and the filling is slightly thickened. This step helps prevent a runny pie.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, carefully unroll one pie crust. Gently transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Pour the prepared cherry filling into the pie crust.
Step 3: Top it Off
Unroll the second pie crust and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top – whichever you prefer! Crimp the edges of the crust to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape during baking.
Step 4: Egg Wash and Bake
Brush the top crust with the beaten egg to create a golden-brown finish. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra sweetness and visual appeal (optional). Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly, preventing a messy pie. Serve warm or cold, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie:
- Don't overmix the filling: Overmixing can make the cornstarch gummy.
- Use a pie shield: If your crust browns too quickly, use a pie shield or aluminum foil to protect the edges.
- Cool completely: This step is crucial for a firm filling and easy slicing.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the filling for a warm, spiced cherry pie.
- Add some crunch: Include chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Make it a crumble: Instead of a top crust, use a crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 (will vary depending on crust and added ingredients)
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-40g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
This simple cherry pie recipe is a perfect example of delicious homemade cooking that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. It's a quick dinner idea, a great addition to potlucks, and a wonderful way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!