Cherry Pie Recipe Baked with Fresh Cherries
America's Most Popular Pie with Sweet Cherries in a Flaky Pie Crust
A warm Cherry Pie cooling on the window shelf is tempting enough for kids of all ages.Top it with vanilla ice cream and it instantly becomes one of the best All-American desserts ever...Cherry Pie à la mode!
What's the Most Popular Pie in America?
What could be more comforting than pie and ice cream? According to epicurious, Apple Pie tops the favorites list, with Pumpkin, Chocolate Cream and Cherry Pie coming in fourth. But those are regional averages. In the southern United States, Georgia Peach Pie and Pecan Pie are popular, Blueberry Pie is a New England favorite and Key Lime Pie is a top ranking Florida pie.
The Health Benefits of Cherries
Everyone is searching for better health these days. Cherries are a great source of antioxidants and vitamins. Eaten fresh or put in a pie, cherries deliver!
The Cherry Marketing Institute says, "According to ongoing research, Montmorency tart cherries are a rich source of antioxidants, which can help fight cancer and heart disease. In addition, there are beneficial compounds in Montmorency tart cherries that help relieve the pain of arthritis and gout."
Choosecherries.com says, "Cherries are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. In fact, they have among the highest levels of antioxidants – containing about the same as blueberries."
Tips & Tricks
- Most kitchen stores sell cherry pitters which speed up the time consuming chore of hand pitting cherries. However, it only takes 15 minutes longer to pit the cherries with a knife and remove the stems. Cut the cherries in half before adding them to the pie.
- Tapioca pearls work well in cherry pies. Use either whole pearls or quick cooking tapioca. No prep is needed, just add them right in with the cherries. Tapioca is sold in most supermarkets in the baking section. Likewise, flour also helps to bind the pie. You can even use a combination of both flour and tapioca.
- Bing cherries, sour cherries, or any other fresh cherry you desire can be used in this recipe except dried cherries or canned cherry pie filling.
- Use your favorite double crust pie crust recipe or the Best Pie Crust Recipe found below.
Cherry Pie Recipe using Fresh Cherries
- Recipe for a 9" Flaky Double Crust Pie (The Best Pie Crust Recipe makes four crusts. Divide in half or make 2 Cherry Pies!)
- 4 1/4 cups fresh cherries, pitted with stems removed
- 1 1/4 cup sugar, more if cherries a very tart
- 1/2 cup flour or 4 Tablespoons tapioca pearls or quick cooking tapioca
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of either vanilla or almond extract
- 2 Tablespoons butter, cut in small pieces
- 1 Tablespoon milk or cream for brushing the top
- 1 Tablespoon sugar for dusting
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Roll out the pie crust bottom and tops according to directions leaving enough overhang to fold and flute. Drape the bottom pie crust evenly in a 9" pie pan or ceramic pie dish and set aside. Fold the top crust in half and place a towel over it so it doesn't dry out.
- In a large bowl, gently fold together pitted cherries, sugar, tapioca or flour, cinnamon and vanilla or almond extract.
- Pour into pie crust and dot with butter.
- Unfold the top crust and place over the top of the cherry mixture. Fold the edges of the top crust over and under the bottom edges and flute according to your own preferences. You can also use a fork to press the crusts together or make a lattice top.
- Brush the top of the pie with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar.
- Cut 5-6 small vent holes in the top crust.
- Place on a baking sheet and bake at 400 for 50-60 minutes or until top is golden brown and cherries are bubbling up. If the edges start to burn or brown faster, ring the edges with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Cherry Pie cuts better with cleaner edges if it is allowed to cool completely, but it can be eaten warm too.
- Cherry Pie à la mode! Top with your favorite ice cream or fresh sweetened whipped cream.
- Refrigerate any leftovers.
- Peach Pie Recipe made with Fresh Peaches: Traditional peach pie also good served à la mode.
- Blueberry Pie Recipe made with Fresh Blueberries: ~ Take advantage of this season's blueberry harvest. Substitute the same amount of blueberries for the cherries and follow the above directions.
