Are you craving a taste of summer, even when autumn leaves are falling? Then look no further than this incredibly delicious cherry pie recipe, inspired by the queen of cooking herself, Martha Stewart. This recipe blends the classic comfort of homemade pie with a touch of elegance, making it perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant holiday gatherings. It's easier than you think to create this show-stopping dessert, perfect for those seeking easy recipes and delicious dishes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade cooking masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, wrap each in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a flakier crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust.
- Top with crust: Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
- Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 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.
- Cool: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for the Best Cherry Pie:
- Use high-quality cherries: Fresh, ripe cherries will make a big difference in the flavor of your pie.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in a tough crust.
- Blind bake (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, you can pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
- Adjust sweetness: If your cherries are particularly tart, you may want to add a little extra sugar to the filling.
Variations:
- Add a crumble topping: For extra texture, sprinkle a streusel topping over the pie before baking.
- Use different spices: Experiment with other spices like allspice or cardamom.
- Make a mini cherry pie: This recipe can easily be adapted to make individual mini pies using muffin tins.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the crust and cherry type. Consider using a nutrition calculator for a precise estimate once your ingredients are finalized. Generally, expect a moderate to high calorie dessert with a good source of fiber from the cherries.
This cherry pie recipe is a perfect example of easy recipes that deliver exceptional results. It's a fantastic addition to any home baker's repertoire, offering a delicious and satisfying treat for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a truly unforgettable cherry pie.