Classic Cherry Pie

Suggested Occasion: Dessert, Holidays, Summer Baking
Estimated Calories: ~350–420 kcal per slice

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Ingredients (Makes 1 pie, 8 slices)

For the Pie Crust (or use store-bought)

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup (225 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 6–8 tbsp ice water

For the Cherry Filling

• 5 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

• ¾ cup sugar

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional but amazing)

• Pinch of salt

For Assembly

• 1 egg (for egg wash)

• 1 tbsp milk

• 2 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Make the Pie Crust

1. Combine flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl.

2. Add cold butter and cut it into the flour until the texture is like coarse crumbs.

3. Add ice water gradually until the dough just comes together.

4. Divide into two disks, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.

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2. Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, almond extract, and salt.

2. Cook over medium heat for 8–10 minutes, stirring until thick and glossy.

3. Let cool completely before filling the pie.

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3. Roll Out the Dough

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).

2. Roll out one dough disk and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.

3. Trim excess dough along the edges.

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4. Add the Cherry Filling

1. Pour the cooled cherry mixture into the crust.

2. Smooth evenly.

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5. Make the Lattice Top

1. Roll out the second dough disk.

2. Cut into long strips (about 1.5–2 cm wide).

3. Arrange strips in a lattice pattern over the pie.

4. Trim edges and crimp to seal.

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6. Brush and Bake

1. Mix egg + milk to make egg wash.

2. Brush the lattice crust generously.

3. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top (optional).

4. Bake for 20 minutes at 200°C (400°F).

5. Reduce temperature to 180°C (350°F) and bake another 35–45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.

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7. Cool and Serve

1. Let the pie cool for 2–3 hours so the filling sets.

2. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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Serving Notes

• Best served slightly warm.

• Pie filling will thicken properly only after cooling.

• Fresh cherries give the best flavor, but frozen cherries work perfectly.

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Who Will Love This Dish

• Fans of classic American desserts.

• People who love fruity pies with buttery crusts.

• Anyone wanting a show-stopping dessert.

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Energy-Saving Tips

• Use store-bought pie crust to reduce prep time and electricity usage.

• Bake multiple items when the oven is already hot.