Are you craving a warm, comforting slice of cherry pie but short on time? This easy cherry pie recipe uses canned cherries, making it a surprisingly quick and delicious dessert, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Forget complicated pie crusts and hours of baking – this recipe delivers homemade goodness without the fuss. It's one of those quick dinner ideas that satisfies a sweet tooth without requiring a major time commitment. This is homemade cooking at its easiest and most delicious!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 1 box (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Filling:
- 2 (15 ounce) cans cherry pie filling
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your preference)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Get started:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate.
Prepare the filling:
- In a medium bowl, gently combine the canned cherry pie filling, 1/4 cup sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Mix until well combined. The cornstarch will help thicken the filling as it bakes.
Assemble the pie:
- Unroll one pie crust and carefully place it into the prepared pie plate. Gently press the crust into the bottom and up the sides of the plate. Trim any excess dough.
- Pour the cherry filling evenly into the pie crust.
- Unroll the second pie crust and place it over the filling. You can crimp the edges decoratively, or simply press them together to seal. Cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape – this prevents a soggy bottom.
- In a small bowl, combine the 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top crust. This adds a delightful touch of warmth and sweetness.
Bake the pie:
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges loosely with foil.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.
Tips for Success:
- Don't overfill the pie: Too much filling can cause it to overflow during baking.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter pie, add more sugar to the filling. Taste the filling before adding it to the crust and adjust according to your preference.
- Make it your own: Add a sprinkle of almond extract to the filling for an extra layer of flavor. You can also use different types of canned fruit fillings, like blueberry or apple, for variations on this easy recipe.
- Use a cookie cutter: For a fun twist, use cookie cutters to create shapes in the top crust before baking.
Variations:
- Lattice Top: Instead of a solid top crust, create a lattice top for a beautiful and rustic look.
- Crumb Topping: For a less traditional approach, replace the top crust with a streusel or crumb topping.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 15-20g
- Saturated Fat: 5-8g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 4-6g
Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
This easy cherry pie recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a classic dessert without spending hours in the kitchen. It's perfect for those moments when you need a delicious treat quickly, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy!