Recipe – Classic Cherry Pie

Classic cherry pie is one of the much-loved summertime pies. You don’t need special ingredients, and the pie is deliciously satisfying with fresh filling and the flakiest lattice crust.

The origin of the Classic Cherry Pie

Cherry pie is a beloved dessert in American cuisine, and its origins can be traced back to early colonial times. Here’s a brief history of the classic cherry pie:

1. European Influence: The concept of pies filled with fruits dates back to medieval Europe. Pies were a common way to preserve and enjoy seasonal fruits. English and Dutch settlers brought these traditions with them to North America.
2. Native Cherries: When European settlers arrived in America, they encountered various types of cherries. The tart Montmorency cherry and the sweet Bing cherry were among the most commonly used for cherry pies. Native American tribes had also been using cherries in their culinary practices.
3. Early American Pies: Pies filled with fruit, including cherries, became popular in early America due to the abundance of fruits and the practicality of using them in pies. These pies were typically sweetened with sugar, maple syrup, or molasses.
4. Pioneering Recipes: The first recorded cherry pie recipe in American cookbooks can be found in “American Cookery” by Amelia Simmons, published in 1796. It featured a simple recipe for “Cherry Pudding” which resembled modern cherry pies.
5. Evolution of Pie Crust: The crust for cherry pies has evolved over the years. Early pie crusts were often not eaten but served as a vessel to hold the filling. As pie-making techniques improved, crusts became flakier and more flavorful, enhancing the overall pie experience.
6. Regional Variations: Cherry pie has regional variations in the United States. For example, in Michigan, the state with a significant cherry industry, cherry pie is celebrated as a local specialty. They even have a National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, where they bake the world’s largest cherry pie.
7. Cultural Icon: Cherry pie has also become an iconic symbol of American culture. It is often associated with events like Independence Day (Fourth of July) and is featured in songs, literature, and art. The phrase “as American as apple pie” highlights the cultural significance of pies in American society, which includes cherry pie.
8. Modern Variations: Today, cherry pie recipes come in various forms, including classic recipes with a lattice crust, crumb toppings, or even variations like sour cherry pies. Canned cherries, fresh cherries, or frozen cherries are commonly used to make cherry pies, depending on the season and availability.

Why is the Classic Cherry Pie so famous in the United States?

Classic cherry pie holds a special place in American culinary culture for several reasons, which have contributed to its fame in the United States:

1. Cultural Significance: Cherry pie is often seen as a symbol of American tradition and patriotism. The phrase “as American as apple pie” is well-known and demonstrates the association between pies, including cherry pie, and American culture. This cultural symbolism has helped cement its fame.
2. Historical Roots: Cherry pie has a long history in the United States, dating back to colonial times. It was a popular dessert among early settlers and has continued to be a cherished part of American culinary heritage.
3. Seasonal Availability: Cherries are a fruit that is widely available during the summer months in many parts of the United States. This seasonal availability has contributed to cherry pie being a popular summertime dessert.
4. Versatility: Cherry pie can be made in various ways, allowing for creativity in the kitchen. Whether it’s a classic double-crust pie, a lattice-topped pie, or a crumb-topped pie, there are many ways to prepare and present cherry pie to suit different tastes.
5. Local Specialties: Some regions of the United States, like Michigan, are particularly known for their cherry production. This has led to the creation of local specialties and celebrations centered around cherry pie, further elevating its fame.
6. Iconic Pop Culture References: Cherry pie has been featured in popular culture, including literature, music, and movies. For example, it’s famously referenced in the TV show “Twin Peaks,” where it plays a significant role in the storyline, further ingraining it in American pop culture.
7. Family and Tradition: Many families have their cherished cherry pie recipes that are passed down through generations. The act of making and sharing cherry pie with loved ones has helped solidify its place in American family traditions.
8. Diners and Bakeries: Cherry pie is a common dessert item in diners and bakeries across the United States. Its availability in such establishments has made it accessible and well-loved by a broad cross-section of the population.

Classic Cherry Pie Recipe

Follow this classic cherry pie recipe and see how easy it is to make a tasty pie.

Basic Recipe Information

• Approximate prep time — 25 minutes
• Approximate cooking time — 1 hour
• Servings — 6-8 Pieces

Required equipment

• Oven
• 9-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowl
• Large saucepan
• Rolling pin
• Whisk
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups

Ingredients

Before we list the ingredients, let’s briefly talk about the cherries. The amount of sugar and lemon juice in the classic cherry pie recipe will differ depending on the type of cherries you use ( sweet or tart berries). You can use pitted fresh or frozen cherries, but the latter should be well-thawed and drained.

For 2 1/2 lbs of sweet cherries (5 cups), you will need 3/4 cup (150g) of granulated sugar. When it comes to sour cherries, you increase the sugar to 1 cup (200g).

With sweet cherries, you will need 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. If it is the tart cherries, you will use 1 1/2 teaspoons.

Other classic cherry pie ingredients include:

• 3 tablespoons (22.5 g) cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon (13g) vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, to sprinkle
• 2 pie crusts (if box frozen, thaw)
• Milk for brushing crust

Preparation Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cherry filling.

Put 3 cups of the cherries in a large saucepan. Add in sugar, corn starch, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly. Cook while stirring the cherry filling over medium heat for approximately 6 to 8 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Take the saucepan from the heat and transfer the filling to a mixing bowl. In the bowl, add the remaining cherries and stir to combine. Let the mixture cool.

Step 2: Transfer one pie crust to the pan.

Roll the crust on a floured surface as the cherry filling cools to make it a 13-inch diameter circle. Unroll it and gently place it over the 9-ich pie pan. Using a sharp knife, trim the edges so that the crust fits well in the pan.

Step 3: Prepare for baking.

Preheat the oven to 375⁰F. Line up a rimmed baking sheet with bakery paper for even baking and adjust the rack to the lower third.

Step 4: Pour in the cherry filling.

Transfer the filling into the pie crust on the pan. Makes sure to spread the mixture evenly, and then place dots of butter on top.

Step 5: Prepare the second pie crust.

Unroll and cut the crust into 3/4 to 1-inch strips with a sharp knife. Organize the pieces to form a lattice pattern on top of the pie. Merge the edges with the base pie crust. Then, make a few slits in the middle of the top crust. Well, this will allow steam to escape when baking the classic cherry pie.

Step 6: Sprinkle coarse sugar.

Brush the top of the pie crust with a small amount of milk before sprinkling the sugar.

Step 7: Bake.

Place your cherry pie on the baking sheet. Place on the center shelf and Bake at 375⁰F until you see the crust turn golden brown. You will also see bubbles through the slits. Baking your classic cherry pie should take 40 minutes to 1 hour.

Once cooked, remove the pie from the oven and wait for at least four hours for the dish to cool on a wire cooling rack before serving.

How to serve and garnish

Once cooled, slice the pie and pair it with vanilla ice cream. If desired, you can sprinkle a little powdered sugar over it to garnish.