fresh cherry pie

(1)
Blue Ribbon Recipe by
Angela (Grammy) Derby
Charlotte, NC

Confession! This is the first cherry pie I've ever made, and the recipe I found from an old cookbook didn't have any of the spices or extracts I used. So I "played" with my food. Yes, that's a good thing! It turned out so good that even I liked it... and I don't usually like cherry pie. Go figure! If you don't want to make Mom's flaky pie crust, purchase two premade crusts (enough for a top and bottom). But Mom's is so good!

Blue Ribbon Recipe

An old-fashioned cherry pie with a homemade flaky crust you're going to love. The easy, from-scratch crust is buttery, flaky, and sturdy. It holds inside a thick, sweet, and fresh cherry-packed fruit filling. Brushing the top with milk and sprinkling with sugar makes the top extra crisp. Preparing a homemade crust takes practice and time, but the result is worth it. A wonderful homemade pie for cherry season.

— The Test Kitchen @kitchencrew
(1)
yield 8 serving(s)
prep time 6 Hr 30 Min
cook time 1 Hr 15 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For fresh cherry pie

  • CHERRY FILLING
  • 2 lb
    fresh, pitted cherries (4 cups)
  • 1/4 - 1/2 c
    water or cherry juice
  • 1 1/3 c
    granulated sugar
  • 1/2 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp
    vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp
    almond extract
  • 1 tsp
    ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp
    ground nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp
    butter
  • MOM'S FLAKY PASTRY
  • 2 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 1 c
    shortening
  • 1 tsp
    salt
  • 3-4 Tbsp
    cold water
  • 2 Tbsp
    milk, optional
  • 1 - 2 Tbsp
    granulated sugar, optional

How To Make fresh cherry pie

  • Place cherries in a large saucepan and place over heat. Cover with water.
    1
    Place cherries in a large saucepan and place over heat. Cover with water. After the cherries lose considerable juice, which may take a few minutes, remove from the heat.
  • Mix the sugar and flour. Pour into hot cherries.
    2
    In a small bowl, mix the sugar and flour. Pour this mixture into the hot cherries.
  • Add the extracts and spices.
    3
    Add the extracts and spices, if desired, and mix.
  • Return to heat and bring to a simmer.
    4
    Return to heat and bring to a simmer stirring frequently.
  • Once the cherry mixture is thickened remove from heat.
    5
    Once the cherry mixture is thickened remove from heat.
  • For the crust, combine flour, shortening, and salt. Cut with a pastry cutter.
    6
    Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Start on the crust. Combine flour, shortening, and salt. Cut with a pastry cutter or fork until it looks like a coarse meal.
  • Slowly add water.
    7
    Then add water starting with 3 Tbsp. If it's still dry, add more 1 Tbsp at a time. Divide in half. This makes 2 9" bottom crusts or a top and bottom crust.
  • Roll out dough on a floured surface.
    8
    Roll out on a floured surface using enough flour so the dough won't stick.
  • Line a pie plate with the dough.
    9
    Line a 9" pie plate with crust.
  • Add the cherry filling and dot with butter.
    10
    Pour the cooled cherry mixture evenly onto the bottom crust. Dot with butter.
  • Cover with the second crust.
    11
    Cover with top crust and make slits for the steam to escape (or make a lattice top); seal the edges and flute.
  • Brush the crust with milk.
    12
    Optional for topping: Brush top with milk, half and half, or cream.
  • Sprinkle sugar.
    13
    Sprinkle sugar for a pretty, glistening top.
  • Bake the crust.
    14
    Bake for 12-14 minutes until top starts to brown. If the top and edges are getting too brown, cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Lower oven to 375 degrees F and bake another 45-60 minutes until top is golden brown and juices start to flow through the slits.
  • Fresh Cherry Pie with a golden brown crust.
    15
    Remove from oven and let cool completely. It's best to wait at least 6 hours before cutting into it so the juices will thicken more.

Categories & Tags for Fresh Cherry Pie:

ADVERTISEMENT