The Cherry Pie is one of the most traditional pies in American cuisine and is particularly linked to the American myth and the celebration of the United States’ “agricultural greatness.”
Cherries are a widely popular fruit in the United States, especially in the Midwest and Northwest, where different varieties are found.
The pie is often served as a dessert for special occasions, such as the 4th of July and other holidays, and represents a symbol of American culture, with the image of cherry pie often linked to a typical American family.
Generally made with sweet cherries or fresh cherries, but the variety of cherries used may vary depending on seasonal availability and personal preferences.
Sweet cherries, such as Bing or Montmorency, are among the most common varieties used.
In the traditional American Cherry Pie recipe, the crust used is a Flaky Butter Pie Crust, which is a very flaky and layered crust made with cold butter, as for the Blueberry pie and the Apple Pie.
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: Medium
- Rest time: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 5 People
- Cooking methods: Oven, Electric oven
- Cuisine: American
- Seasonality: Summer
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1/2 cup butter (cold, cubed)
- 8 tablespoons cold water
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 1/8 lbs cherries (pitted)
- 1/2 cup sugar (+ for sprinkling)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 egg
Tools
- 1 Baking Pan 8 inches
Steps
In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and sugar (optional).
Add the cold butter and work quickly with your fingers or a mixer until you get a sandy mixture with small visible pieces of butter.
Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together.
Divide the dough into two disks (one slightly larger for the base), wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
In a bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt.
Mix well and let it sit for 10-15 minutes to allow the cherry juices to blend with the other ingredients.
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Roll out the larger disk of dough on a floured surface and line the 8-inch baking pan, leaving about a 1/2 inch edge.
Pour the cherry filling over the base.
Roll out the second disk of dough and cover the filling. You can make cuts in the top to allow steam to escape or decorate it with a lattice pattern.
Seal the edges by pressing lightly with a fork and brush the surface with the beaten egg.
Sprinkle with sugar.
Bake the pie in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden and the filling starts to visibly bubble through the cuts.
Once baked, let the pie cool completely before cutting to allow the filling to set.
