Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: sour cherry pie! This isn’t just any pie; it’s the best sour cherry pie recipe you’ll ever make. The tartness of the cherries perfectly balances the sweet filling, and the buttery crust just crumbles in your mouth. What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a stunning dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family. Trust me, the aroma wafting through your kitchen while it bakes is simply irresistible!
Ingredients List
To make the best sour cherry pie, you’ll need the following simple ingredients:
- 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen work beautifully)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of your cherries)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch (this helps thicken the filling)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to enhance the cherry flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for that warm, aromatic touch)
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for that rich, buttery finish)
- 1 pie crust (you can use store-bought or homemade—your choice!)
How to Prepare the Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious sour cherry pie, step by step! You’ll see how easy it is to create something that looks and tastes like it came from a fancy bakery.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first, we need to preheat that oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature is key for getting that perfect golden crust! Trust me, your kitchen will smell divine in no time.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine those beautiful pitted sour cherries with the granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. The sugar will start to draw out the cherry juices, and you’ll want to make sure the cornstarch is evenly distributed to thicken things up nicely.
Step 3: Fill the Pie Crust
Now, grab your prepared pie crust and pour that luscious cherry mixture right into it. Spread it out so it’s nice and even—this is where all the magic happens!
Step 4: Add Butter and Cover
Next, dollop small bits of butter on top of the cherry filling for that extra richness. Then, take your second pie crust, cover the filling, and seal the edges. Don’t forget to cut a few slits in the top crust so steam can escape—this will help keep your pie from getting soggy.
Step 5: Bake
Pop your pie in the oven and bake for about 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s ready when the crust turns a beautiful golden brown and the cherry filling is bubbling up through the slits.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once it’s out of the oven, let your pie cool for at least 30 minutes before serving. This cooling time is crucial; it allows the filling to set up nicely so every slice holds its shape. Plus, it’ll be a bit easier to handle!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This sour cherry pie is a total showstopper, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Here are just a few reasons why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have this pie ready to bake before you know it!
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry already, making it a breeze to whip up.
- Delicious Taste: The combination of tart cherries and sweet filling is simply divine, and the buttery crust just adds to the magic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or just a cozy night in, this pie is sure to impress everyone.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something so satisfying about serving a homemade pie that warms the heart and soul.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your sour cherry pie turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips for success:
- Adjust Sugar Levels: The sweetness of sour cherries can vary, so taste your cherries before adding the full cup of sugar. If they’re particularly tart, you might want to stick with the full amount, but if they’re a bit sweeter, feel free to reduce the sugar a little.
- Fresh vs. Frozen: Both fresh and frozen sour cherries work beautifully in this recipe! If you’re using frozen, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid in your pie.
- Thicken It Up: The cornstarch is key to a nice thick filling, but if you want an even firmer pie, consider adding a bit more—just keep in mind that too much can make it gummy.
- Chill Your Crust: If you’re using homemade pie crust, make sure it’s well-chilled before filling. This helps it hold its shape better during baking and leads to a flakier texture.
- Cover It Right: When sealing the edges of your pie, make sure to crimp them nicely. This not only looks pretty but also helps prevent the filling from bubbling out.
- Serve with Style: Don’t forget to serve your pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It takes it to the next level of deliciousness!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a slice of this delightful sour cherry pie. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy your slice of homemade goodness, and remember, it’s all about balance! Treat yourself and savor every bite of this scrumptious pie.
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the best sour cherry pie? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might pop up while you whip up your delicious creation.
Can I use sweet cherries instead of sour cherries?
While sour cherries are the star of this recipe, you can use sweet cherries if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to adjust the sugar in the recipe since sweet cherries are, well, sweeter!
How should I store leftover pie?
To keep your pie fresh, store any leftovers in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
Can I freeze this pie?
You bet! If you want to make the pie ahead of time, freeze it before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready to bake, you can pop it straight into the oven from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I serve with sour cherry pie?
This pie is delicious on its own, but I recommend serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. It really elevates the experience and balances the tartness of the cherries!
Is there a gluten-free option for the crust?
Absolutely! You can use a gluten-free pie crust, which is widely available in stores or can be made at home with gluten-free flour blends. Just follow the same steps, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free sour cherry pie!
How do I know when my pie is done baking?
You’ll know your pie is ready when the crust turns golden brown and you see the cherry filling bubbling through the slits on top. If the crust is browning too quickly, you can cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.
Can I add spices to the filling?
Yes! Adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can give your sour cherry pie a lovely warmth. Just be careful not to overpower the cherry flavor—start with a little and taste as you go!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve enjoyed your delicious sour cherry pie, it’s important to store it properly to keep that amazing flavor intact! To store any leftovers, simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. Trust me, the flavors only get better as it sits!
If you want to keep your pie for longer, you can absolutely freeze it! Just wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply take it out of the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. No need to bake it again; just serve it chilled or at room temperature.
Now, if you prefer your pie warm (who doesn’t love a warm slice of pie?), you can reheat it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Heat it for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps maintain that crispy crust and delicious filling. Enjoy every bite of your perfectly stored and reheated sour cherry pie!
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The Best Sour Cherry Pie Recipe: 5 Steps to Bliss
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and simple recipe for sour cherry pie.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the pie crust.
- Dollop butter on top of the filling.
- Cover with a second pie crust, seal the edges, and cut a few slits for steam.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen sour cherries.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of cherries.
- Serve with whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: sour cherry pie, best sour cherry pie recipe
