Are you craving a sweet treat that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! This cream cherry pie recipe is the perfect answer for those seeking a delicious homemade dessert without the fuss. Forget complicated pastry techniques and lengthy baking times; this recipe focuses on fresh, vibrant flavors and a quick assembly process, making it ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this stunning and flavorful pie!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of salt
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
- Cut in butter: Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add water: Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough just comes together. Don't overmix.
- Chill: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and bake: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork. You can either bake it blind (with pie weights or dried beans for 15 minutes at 375°F) or bake it partially with the filling.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.
- Cook: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the cherries soften (about 5-7 minutes).
- Cool: Remove from heat and let cool completely.
Assembling the Pie:
- Whip the cream: In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Layer the filling: Spread the cooled cherry filling evenly in the pie crust.
- Top with whipped cream: Gently dollop or spread the whipped cream over the cherry filling.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cream to set.
Tips and Variations:
- For a richer crust, use a combination of butter and shortening.
- If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the saucepan.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the cherry filling for a brighter flavor.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cherries – tart cherries will provide a lovely tangy contrast.
- Garnish with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of powdered sugar before serving. A sprig of mint adds a beautiful touch.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Saturated Fat: 12-15g
- Sugar: 30-35g
This easy cream cherry pie recipe is perfect for those seeking delicious food recipes, easy recipes, healthy meals (relatively speaking!), and quick dinner ideas (though it's a dessert!). It's a simple, yet impressive homemade cooking project, creating one of the best recipes for satisfying your sweet tooth. Enjoy!