Fresh Cherry Pie
A classic cherry pie featuring fresh cherries and a flaky crust, perfect for summer gatherings or dessert lovers craving sweet, tart flavors with a hint of almond.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Stir together the cornstarch and sugar in a bowl.
- Add the cherries, almond drops, and red food coloring to the mixture.
- Fill two pie shells with the cherry mixture.
- Cover with the remaining two pie shells, pricking them with a fork to allow steam to escape.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For the freshest flavor, use ripe, sweet cherries and consider pitting them yourself for a more homemade touch. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla can be a great substitute. To enhance the color without food coloring, try adding a splash of cherry juice. For a thicker filling, increase cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
Serving Suggestions
Serve slices of fresh cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful contrast. This pie pairs beautifully with Helen'S Fruit Salad for a refreshing side. For a special occasion, consider drizzling a Cranberry Honey Glaze over the pie for added sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cherry pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container, for up to three days. To reheat, place slices in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This helps maintain the crust's flakiness while warming the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fresh Cherry Pie contains roughly 173 calories, with 1g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value).
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 fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in this recipe. Just be sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before mixing with the sugar and cornstarch. This will help prevent the filling from becoming too runny.
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 through the vents. You can also insert a toothpick into the crust to check for doneness; it should come out clean without any wet batter sticking to it.
Can I make the pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cherry filling a day in advance and refrigerate it. Assemble the pie just before baking to ensure the crust remains crispy. Baked pie can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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).