Forget slaving over a hot stove pitting fresh cherries! This recipe shows you how to make a stunning, delicious cherry pie using canned cherries – perfect for busy weeknights or when fresh cherries are out of season. This easy recipe delivers a homemade taste without the fuss, making it ideal for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks looking for a quick and delicious dessert.
Why Use Canned Cherries?
Using canned cherries is a game-changer. It cuts down on prep time significantly, allowing you to enjoy the sweet, tart flavor of cherry pie without the hours of pitting and cleaning. The cherries retain their juicy texture, making for a wonderfully moist and flavorful pie. Plus, canned cherries are readily available year-round, meaning you can enjoy this delicious treat whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients:
- 1 (15 ounce) can cherry pie filling (or equivalent amount of canned cherries, drained)
- 1 (14.1 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie plate.
Make the Crust:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the softened butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add the sugar, mixing until just combined.
- Press the dough into the prepared pie plate, forming a crust. You can crimp the edges for a rustic look or use a fork to create a decorative edge.
Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gently stir in the canned cherry pie filling (or drained canned cherries). If using whole canned cherries, gently break them up a bit.
Bake the Pie:
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set. If the crust starts browning too quickly, cover the edges with aluminum foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie:
- For a richer flavor, use whole canned cherries and lightly mash some before adding to the filling.
- Don't overmix the filling; a few lumps are perfectly acceptable.
- For a more tart pie, use less sugar or add a squeeze of lemon juice to the filling.
- If you have time, make your own pie crust for an even more authentic taste!
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence!
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling for a warm, autumnal flavor.
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.
- Make it a crumble topping: Instead of a traditional crust, use a crumble topping made from flour, butter, and sugar.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: Approximately 18-22g
- Sugar: Approximately 35-40g
- Protein: Approximately 5-7g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy cherry pie recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy!