This Easy Grandma’s Sweet Cherry Pie is a warm hug served in a flaky crust. With juicy cherries and just the right amount of sweetness, it’s like a slice of summer on your plate!
Baking this pie reminds me of my childhood sitting in Grandma’s kitchen. The best part? It smells heavenly while it bakes! Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for pure bliss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cherries: Fresh cherries offer the best flavor, but frozen ones work in a pinch. Just make sure they’re pitted. For a twist, consider using a mix of sweet and tart cherries for depth.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the pie, but if you’re looking for a healthier choice, you could use coconut sugar or a sugar substitute. Just remember, it may alter the flavor a bit.
Corstarch: This thickens the filling wonderfully. If you’re out, try using flour or tapioca starch instead. Just note that tapioca will give a slightly different texture.
Almond Extract: It adds a lovely, nutty flavor, but you can skip it if you’re not a fan. Vanilla extract is a nice alternative if you’re looking for something more common.
Pie Crust: Store-bought crusts make things easier, but homemade crust can really elevate the pie. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free pie crust instead.
How Do You Get That Perfectly Golden Brown Crust?
Achieving a golden-brown crust is all about technique. Here are a few tips:
- Start with a hot oven to give the crust that initial rise.
- An egg wash (beaten egg mixed with water) helps achieve a beautiful color and shine on the crust.
- For even baking, ensure your pie is centered in the oven and avoid opening the oven door too often.
- Let it cool for a couple of hours after baking, which allows the filling to thicken further and makes cutting easier.
Easy Grandma’s Sweet Cherry Pie
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pie:
- 2 pie crusts (store-bought or homemade)
- 5 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon water
For Serving:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and around 1 hour of baking time, plus at least 2 hours of cooling time for the pie to set properly. So, plan for about 3 hours total, including cooling!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This initial heat helps give your pie a nice rise and color.
2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, add the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if you choose to use it), and salt. Stir everything together until the cherries are well coated and the mixture starts to thicken. This will create a wonderful filling for your pie!
3. Roll Out the Pie Crust:
Take one of your pie crusts and roll it out carefully. Fit it snugly into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to press it down into the corners. Don’t forget to trim any excess crust hanging over the edges.
4. Fill the Pie Crust:
Pour the cherry filling into your prepared crust. Make sure to spread it evenly. Dot the filling with small pieces of butter to add richness and flavor.
5. Top with the Second Crust:
Roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips. You can either create a lovely lattice pattern over the cherry filling or simply place the second crust on top and cut a few slits in it to allow steam to escape. If you’re making a lattice, weave the strips over the filling—this can look really pretty!
6. Seal the Pie:
Trim any excess crust from the edges of the top crust and crimp it together with the bottom crust to seal. This helps keep all that delicious filling inside!
7. Brush with Egg Wash:
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water. Brush this mixture over the crust with a pastry brush. This will give your pie that lovely golden-brown finish when it bakes.
8. Bake the Pie:
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for another 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly!
9. Cool the Pie:
Once it’s done baking, remove the pie from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours. This waiting period allows the filling to set properly, so you don’t have a runny pie when you slice it.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the pie and serve it warm or at room temperature. Don’t forget to add a scoop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream on top if you like! Enjoy your delicious homemade sweet cherry pie, just like Grandma made it!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Cherries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure they’re pitted and slightly thawed before mixing them with the sugar and cornstarch to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Know When the Pie Is Done Baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling in the center. If the edges start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning.
Can I Make the Pie Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie in advance! Assemble it and refrigerate for up to a day before baking. You may also bake it beforehand and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
