Are you ready to bake a pie that's as stunning as it is delicious? Forget store-bought; this recipe brings you the legendary taste of Martha Stewart's cherry pie, a classic dessert perfect for any occasion. This homemade cherry pie recipe is easier than you think, delivering a burst of juicy cherries enveloped in a flaky, buttery crust. It's the perfect blend of sweet and tart, making it an irresistible treat for family and friends. Get ready to impress! This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, very cold and cut into cubes
- ½ cup ice water
For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted sweet cherries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Making the Crust:
- Whisk 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 until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
- Add ice water: Gradually add the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, mixing lightly until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
- Chill the dough: Form the dough into two discs, one slightly larger than the other. Wrap each disc in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in a more tender crust.
Making the Filling:
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
Assembling and Baking the Pie:
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger 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 the crust: Roll out the remaining dough and either place it over the filling or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Crimp the edges to seal. Cut 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 bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with 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 ingredients: The better your ingredients, the better your pie will taste.
- Don't overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will make the crust tough.
- Chill the dough thoroughly: Chilling the dough is crucial for preventing shrinkage during baking.
- Blind bake the crust (optional): For a crispier bottom crust, pre-bake the crust for 15 minutes before adding the filling.
Variations:
- Add a streusel topping: For an extra layer of deliciousness, sprinkle a streusel topping over the pie before baking.
- Use different types of cherries: Experiment with different cherry varieties, such as Bing or Rainier cherries.
- Add other fruits: Mix in other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a more complex flavor profile.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-450
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Sugar: Approximately 30-35g
This delicious cherry pie is a fantastic addition to any meal, a delightful dessert to share, or a comforting treat for a quiet evening. Enjoy the sweet taste of success! It's a quick dinner idea elevated to a delicious dish, a healthy meal option that tastes far from restrictive. This recipe is among the best recipes you'll find for a homemade pie.