Classic Cherry Pie Recipe: Sweet Summer Bliss in Every Bite

Summers burst with sweet memories when cherries blossom across farmer’s markets and backyard trees.

Baking a classic cherry pie infuses warmth and nostalgia into every golden, flaky slice.

The vibrant red fruits nestled in a buttery crust tell stories of grandmother’s kitchens and lazy afternoon gatherings.

Tart cherries dance with sugar, creating a filling that sings with pure, unadulterated flavor.

Each bite promises a perfect balance between tangy fruit and delicate pastry.

This timeless dessert connects generations through its simple, elegant preparation.

You’ll want to share every delectable morsel with those closest to your heart.

FAQs

• How do I prevent my cherry pie filling from being too runny?

Use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch. It helps thicken the filling and creates a more stable texture that won’t become watery when baking.

• Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Thaw frozen cherries completely and drain excess liquid before mixing with other filling ingredients to ensure the right consistency.

• Why does the recipe recommend chilling the pie before baking?

Chilling helps the pie crust maintain its shape, prevents shrinking, and allows the butter in the crust to firm up, which creates flakier, more beautiful pastry layers.

• How can I tell if my cherry pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling in the center. The bubbling indicates the filling has reached the right temperature and the thickening agents are fully activated.

Sweet Cherry Filling Why You’ll Love This Classic

• Burst with Flavor: Savor the delightful sweetness of cherries dancing with a hint of lemon, creating a mouthwatering filling that will make taste buds sing.
• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, this recipe guides you through simple steps to create a stunning pie that looks professionally made.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats, this cherry pie brings everyone together with its irresistible homemade charm.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Celebrates the best of summer produce while offering a comforting dessert that works beautifully for picnics, barbecues, or cozy nights at home.

Ingredients List for Sweet Cherry Filling

• Sweet Cherries: Ripe and juicy summer fruit that provides the main flavor and texture for the pie filling.

• Tapioca Starch, Sugar: Help thicken the filling and provide balanced sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the cherries.

• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie filling.

• Pie Shell: Base for holding the cherry filling.
• Top Crust: Covers the filling and creates a traditional pie appearance.

• Egg Wash: Optional glaze that helps create a golden, shiny crust surface.

Steps to Make Sweet Cherry Filling

Step 1: Whip Up Cherry Delight

Toss juicy cherries into a mixing bowl.

Splash in tangy lemon juice for brightness.

Sprinkle sugar to enhance sweetness.

Add a pinch of salt to balance flavors.

Dust tapioca starch to create a silky, thick filling.

Gently mix all ingredients until cherries are evenly coated.

Transfer the vibrant mixture into your prepared pie shell, spreading it evenly.

Step 2: Crown Your Pie

Carefully drape the top crust over the cherry filling.

Trim any overhanging edges with a sharp knife.

Press the edges to seal the pie’s beautiful border.

Pop the pie into the refrigerator and chill for half an hour to help the crust set perfectly.

Step 3: Golden Glaze

For an extra touch of bakery magic, whisk an egg wash.

Using a pastry brush, gently paint the chilled crust with the glossy mixture.

This will give your pie a stunning, sun-kissed golden sheen.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into a preheated oven.

Bake at a hot 400°F, watching as the crust transforms to a rich golden color.

After an hour, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the center bubbles with sweet, jammy goodness.

Step 5: Patient Cooling

Allow your masterpiece to rest and cool completely.

This takes about 3 hours, bringing the temperature down to a perfect 85°F.

Resist the temptation to slice too soon – patience ensures a beautifully set filling that won’t run when cut.

Tips for Sweet Cherry Filling Success

• Toss cherries in tapioca starch to help them suspend evenly throughout the pie and avoid pooling at the bottom.
• Crimp or fold pie edges carefully to seal in juices and create a beautiful, professional-looking finish.
• Cover pie edges with aluminum foil strips if they brown too quickly during baking to ensure even, golden coloration.
• Watch for bubbling center to confirm the filling has thickened and reached the right consistency before removing from oven.
• Allow pie to cool completely for clean, neat slices that hold their shape when served.

Cherry Filling Variations to Try

• Vegan Cherry Delight: Replace egg wash with plant-based milk and swap regular sugar with coconut sugar for a dairy-free, plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Treat: Use gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, keeping the cherry filling ingredients the same.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Option: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener and reduce overall sugar content for a diabetic-friendly dessert.
• Spiced Cherry Variation: Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the cherry filling for an aromatic, warm-flavored pie with deeper complexity.

Serving Sweet Cherry Filling Ideas

• Rustic Farmhouse Slice: Serve this pie on a wooden cutting board with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, creating a charming, homemade dessert presentation.
• Fresh Garnish Delight: Sprinkle fresh mint leaves or toasted almond slivers on top to add a vibrant, crunchy texture that complements the sweet cherry filling.
• Picnic Perfect Pairing: Pack individual slices with a thermos of hot coffee or cold lemonade for a delightful outdoor dessert that celebrates summer's bounty.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Offer warm pie slices alongside a light custard or whipped cream, turning this cherry pie into an elegant weekend brunch showstopper.

How to Store Sweet Cherry Filling

• Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, keeping its fresh flavor and texture intact.
• Wrap the entire pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 2 months without losing quality.
• Individually wrap pie slices in plastic wrap or place in airtight containers to maintain freshness for quick grab-and-go treats.
• Keep pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume soon, ensuring the best taste and texture.

Classic Cherry Pie Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sweet cherry goodness fills this classic cherry pie with layers of nostalgia and homemade comfort. Juicy cherries nestled in a buttery, flaky crust will transport you to grandma’s kitchen, promising a slice of pure, delightful indulgence.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits:

• 28 ounces (794 grams) pitted cherries
• 5 heaping cups pitted cherries

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

Thickening and Crust Agents:

• 1/3 cup plus 1 teaspoon (47 grams) tapioca starch
• Double pie crust dough

Optional Egg Wash:

• 1 large egg (optional)
• 1 large egg yolk (optional)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) heavy cream (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gently fold fresh cherries with zesty lemon juice, granulated sugar, and delicate tapioca starch, ensuring even coating without crushing the fruit. Transfer the vibrant mixture into prepared pie shell.
2. Carefully drape the top pastry crust over the filled pie, trimming excess dough with precision. Refrigerate the assembled pie for 30 minutes to stabilize the structure.
3. Whisk an egg wash and delicately brush the chilled pastry surface, creating a glossy, golden finish that enhances visual appeal.
4. Preheat oven to 400F. Position pie in center rack and bake for initial 45 minutes until edges turn amber-brown. Shield exposed crust edges with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
5. Continue baking for additional 30 minutes, watching for center filling to bubble and thicken, indicating complete cooking process.
6. Remove pie from oven and allow natural cooling for approximately 3 hours, permitting filling to set and stabilize. Slice when internal temperature reaches around 85F for perfect texture and clean cuts.

Notes

• Enhance Fruit Flavor Add a splash of almond extract to the cherry filling for deeper, more complex taste without overpowering the natural cherry sweetness.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom Sprinkle a thin layer of ground almonds or breadcrumbs on the bottom crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture and maintain a crisp texture.
• Make It Dietary-Friendly Swap traditional pie crust with gluten-free or whole wheat alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the rich, fruity essence of the pie.
• Perfect Texture Trick Allow filling to sit for 15 minutes after mixing to help tapioca starch fully absorb liquid, ensuring a perfectly thickened and glossy cherry filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 30mg