Homemade Cherry Pie with a Flaky Lattice Crust – A Sweet Classic

Homemade Cherry Pie with a Flaky Lattice Crust – A Sweet Classic

Introduction

Cherry pie is a beloved dessert, especially when made with fresh, juicy cherries and a buttery, flaky crust. This classic cherry pie features a beautiful lattice design on top and is bursting with sweet and tart cherry filling. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting homemade dessert, this cherry pie recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.


Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
  • 1/4 cup ice water

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 5 cups fresh cherries, pitted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

For the Lattice Top:

  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (for sprinkling)


Directions

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
  2. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together.
  4. Divide the dough into two equal parts, shape each into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cherries release their juices (about 5-7 minutes).
  3. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out one of the dough disks on a floured surface to fit the bottom of a 9-inch pie dish.
  3. Transfer the dough into the pie dish, pressing it gently into the edges.
  4. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Roll out the second dough disk and cut it into strips for the lattice crust.
  6. Carefully arrange the strips over the pie, weaving them in a lattice pattern. Trim the excess dough and pinch the edges to seal.
  7. Brush the lattice with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

  1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
  2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
  3. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie

  • Use Fresh Cherries: Fresh, in-season cherries will give your pie the best flavor and texture. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
  • Chill the Dough: Chilling the dough before rolling out helps keep the crust flaky.
  • For Extra Flaky Crust: You can brush the bottom of the crust with an egg wash before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
  • Serving: This cherry pie is delicious on its own, or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Conclusion

This homemade cherry pie with its beautifully woven lattice crust is the perfect dessert for any occasion. The combination of sweet and tart cherries, encased in a golden, flaky crust, makes this treat irresistible. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of a classic cherry pie from the comfort of your own kitchen. Whether it’s for a family dinner, holiday celebration, or a special weekend treat, this cherry pie will always be a crowd-pleaser!

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