Very Cherry Pie
A perfect mixture of tart and sweet is created by combining frozen tart cherries and dried cherries, each imparting their own flavor. An exceptional cherry pie for those who want that plump, juicy, real cherry flavor and texture without a great deal of effort. This pie is remarkably easy to achieve and takes little time, especially if you use a frozen pie crust. You may never use canned pie filling again!
A perfect mixture of tart and sweet is created by combining frozen tart cherries and dried cherries, each imparting their own flavor. An exceptional cherry pie for those who want that plump, juicy, real cherry flavor and texture without a great deal of effort. This pie is remarkably easy to achieve and takes little time, especially if you use a frozen pie crust. You may never use canned pie filling again!
- 2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
- pastry for 9 inch double pie crust frozen or your own recipe
- 4 cups frozen unsweetened tart cherries often called
- 1 cup dried tart cherries any dried cherries are normally fine
- 1 cup sugar white granulated
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract not imitation is best
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg freshly ground is nice
- 1 tablespoon butter i use salted
- Carbohydrate 128.207391438553 g
- Cholesterol 3.81289062663513 mg
- Fat 12.4020206638624 g
- Fiber 15.3590002374507 g
- Protein 10.6180423028136 g
- Saturated Fat 3.86018971241958 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (957g)
- Sodium 135.360451948973 mg
- Sugar 112.848391201102 g
- Trans Fat 1.4146504740643 g
- Calories 617 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- For the filling: Combine frozen cherries, dried cherries, sugar, tapioca, and almond extract into a large mixing bowl. Mix well. (It is NOT necessary for frozen cherries to be thawed first.) Let this mixture stand for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare your crust... For the crust: Use your favorite pie crust recipe, or use frozen. You will need enough for a double 9" pie, both the top and the bottom. Consider making a lattice for the top, along with leaf cutouts and/or other cherry-pie-appropriate pastry embellishments. (Remember if using Rolled FROZEN crusts straight from the freezer an hour or more on the counter may be necessary before usable. Place frozen pastry in the refrigerator the night before, or factor in sufficient time for thawing.)
- Assemble the Pie: Line a 9" pie plate with half of your pastry. Give a quick stir to your filling and then fill the pie plate. Sprinkle top of filling with nutmeg (I grate nutmeg with a fine hand grater and use about twice what the recipe calls for, or 1/2 teaspoon instead of 1/4). Dot with butter. Cover with the top crust, cutting slits for steam to escape or create a lattice by cutting top pastry into strips. Crimp edges. The recipe does not call for an egg wash and a dusting of sugar but I normally do this, especially if I choose a solid, slit-top crust.
- Baking the Pie: Bake in a preheated oven for 1 hour or until top is golden and filling bubbly. If necessary cover the edge of the crust with foil to prevent over-browning. Let cool at least partly before cutting, if you can manage to wait. This is excellent served warm with ice cream, and unlike many cherry pies cuts remarkably well even if not cooled entirely.
My Very Cherry Pie Adventure: A Baker's Tale
Baking has always been my sanctuary, a place where I can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and lose myself in the rhythmic mixing, kneading, and the sweet aroma of freshly baked goods. Today, I want to share with you my experience making a truly remarkable cherry pie – a recipe so easy, even a beginner baker like me can confidently tackle it.
I've always been a fan of cherry pies, but let's be honest, sometimes the canned filling just doesn't cut it. It lacks that vibrant, juicy burst of fresh cherry flavor you crave. This recipe changed everything. The combination of frozen and dried cherries creates a beautiful balance of tartness and sweetness. The frozen cherries provide a juicy plumpness, while the dried cherries add a concentrated cherry flavor and a delightful chewiness. This isn't your grandma's cherry pie; it's a modern take on a classic, perfect for any occasion.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No complicated techniques or obscure ingredients are required. I opted for a store-bought frozen pie crust to save time, but feel free to get creative and whip up your own from scratch. The key is to let the deliciousness of the cherries shine through. The filling comes together quickly: a simple mixture of frozen and dried cherries, sugar, tapioca (for thickening), almond extract (a hint of magic!), and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated nutmeg.
Assembling the pie was a joy. I decided to go for a classic lattice top, allowing the steam to escape beautifully during baking. The aroma that filled my kitchen during the baking process was heavenly – a sweet, comforting scent that promised a delicious treat. After an hour in the oven, my pie emerged golden brown, the filling bubbling invitingly. The hardest part? Waiting for it to cool slightly before digging in!
Serving this pie warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream was pure bliss. The contrast between the warm, sweet, and tart filling and the cold, creamy ice cream was an explosion of flavors and textures in my mouth. It was a moment of pure contentment, a reward for my relatively simple baking efforts. The pie held up beautifully; it cut cleanly and maintained its delicious texture even when not fully cooled. This is a pie that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Beyond the incredible taste and simplicity, what I loved most about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your liking, experiment with different spices, or add a touch of lemon zest for a zesty twist. The possibilities are endless!
This cherry pie isn't just a dessert; it's an experience. It's the warmth of a homemade treat, the joy of sharing something delicious with loved ones, and the satisfaction of creating something beautiful and tasty with minimal effort. Give this recipe a try – you won't regret it.
Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete novice, this recipe is a guaranteed winner. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to be amazed by the deliciousness of this easy-to-make, yet incredibly flavorful cherry pie. Happy baking!
