Black Cherry Pie
A luscious black cherry pie with a vanilla wafer crust, creamy filling, and whipped topping, perfect for summer gatherings and cherry lovers seeking a sweet, indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line the bottom and sides of the pan with whole vanilla wafers, standing them up to form the crust.
- Crumble some wafers and fill the spaces between the bottom layer to complete the crust.
- Mix lemon juice and Eagle Brand milk; stir until thickened.
- Spread the mixture evenly over the crust.
- Drain the cherries and spread them over the top of the filling; press down gently into the filling.
- Whip the cream and sweeten with sugar, then spread over the top of the pie.
- Crumble a few vanilla wafers and sprinkle over the whipped cream topping.
- Store the pie in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker filling, let the lemon juice and Eagle Brand milk mixture sit a bit longer before spreading it over the crust. If black sweetened pitted cherries are not available, you can substitute with fresh black cherries or other dark sweet cherries. Consider adding a pinch of almond extract for an extra layer of flavor, reminiscent of classic American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Black Cherry Pie chilled for a refreshing dessert after a hearty meal. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of extra whipped cream. For a delightful touch, serve alongside a slice of Colonial Carrot Pecan Cake to create a varied dessert platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pie is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat. If the whipped cream begins to weep, you can re-whip it slightly before serving to restore its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Cherry Pie contains roughly 750 calories, with 10g protein, 100g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), iron (37% of the Daily Value), and calcium (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D and potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but make sure to thaw and drain them well before adding them to the pie. This will prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make this pie gluten-free, substitute the vanilla wafers with gluten-free cookie crumbs or another gluten-free cookie option. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free as well.
What can I do if I don't have lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with lime juice for a slightly different flavor profile. Alternatively, use white vinegar mixed with a bit of sugar to mimic the acidity and sweetness of lemon.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).