Homemade Cherry Pie – Classic Recipe with Flaky Crust

This Classic Cherry Pie is the perfect blend of sweet and tart with a golden, buttery crust that melts in your mouth. Filled with fresh or frozen cherries, this homemade pie bursts with juicy flavor in every bite.
Whether served warm with vanilla ice cream or cooled for slicing, this pie brings the nostalgic taste of summer right to your table. Perfect for holidays, picnics, or cozy family dinners, it’s a timeless dessert everyone loves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bursting with real cherry flavor
• Flaky, buttery homemade crust
• Easy to make with fresh or frozen cherries
• Beautiful lattice topping for a classic look
• Perfect for holidays, summer gatherings, and year-round dessert tables

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 6 tablespoons ice water

For the Cherry Filling

• 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cubed

For the Topping

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven: to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make crust: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water until dough forms. Divide dough into two discs, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare filling: In a saucepan, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened (about 8 minutes). Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and cool slightly.
4. Assemble pie: Roll out one dough disc and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Pour in cherry filling and dot with butter.
5. Add lattice top: Roll out second disc and cut into strips. Arrange in a lattice pattern over filling, trim, and crimp edges.
6. Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until crust is golden and filling is bubbly.
8. Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart cherries for the best flavor balance.
• If using frozen cherries, drain well to avoid excess liquid.
• Add 1 teaspoon almond extract for a flavor twist.
• For an easier version, use a store-bought crust, still delicious!

Storage & Freezer Instructions

• Room temperature: Store covered for up to 1 day.
• Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for 4–5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm slices in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

Serving & Pairing Ideas

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Drizzle with a touch of cream or chocolate sauce for indulgence.
• Enjoy with hot tea or coffee for a cozy afternoon treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can, though homemade filling gives fresher flavor and texture.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Brush the bottom crust with a little beaten egg before adding filling, or bake the pie on the lower rack.

Can I make this pie ahead?

Yes! Bake, cool, and store at room temperature for up to a day before serving.

What’s the best way to pit cherries quickly?

Use a cherry pitter, or press cherries through a bottle neck with a chopstick.

Ready to Make It?

This Homemade Cherry Pie delivers everything you love about classic desserts, a crisp, golden crust and juicy, ruby-red filling that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether for holidays or everyday comfort, it’s a true kitchen favorite that never goes out of style.

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