Classic Homemade Cherry Pie with a Perfect Lattice Crust

Introduction

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a homemade cherry pie. The sweet, tangy filling made with fresh cherries, paired with a perfectly flaky crust and a beautiful lattice top, is the epitome of classic dessert perfection. This cherry pie recipe is not only delicious but also looks impressive on any table. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, this pie will always be a crowd-pleaser. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a pie that’s both gorgeous and mouthwatering.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 4-6 tablespoons ice-cold water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 5 cups fresh cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• Pinch of salt

For the Lattice Topping:

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

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter, or your fingers, to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
3. Slowly add ice-cold water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together.
4. Divide the dough into two equal portions, shape them into discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a large bowl, combine the fresh cherries, sugar, lemon juice, almond extract (optional), and salt. Toss gently to combine.
2. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Stir this into the cherry mixture.
3. Transfer the cherry mixture to a saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the filling thickens and becomes bubbly. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface into a 12-inch circle, then transfer it to a 9-inch pie dish. Gently press the dough into the dish and trim the excess.
3. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
4. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into 1-inch strips. Create a lattice pattern on top of the filling by laying the strips of dough in a crisscross fashion.
5. Trim the edges of the dough and pinch the lattice and bottom crust together to seal.
6. Brush the lattice top with a beaten egg to give it a golden finish while baking. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sugar for an added sparkle.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake it in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the lattice.
2. Allow the pie to cool for at least 2 hours before serving to ensure the filling sets properly.

Tips for Perfecting Your Cherry Pie

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and ice-cold water are key for achieving a flaky, tender crust.
• Lattice Technique: If you’re new to making a lattice crust, practice with the strips of dough before placing them on the pie. You can even cut the dough into shapes if you prefer a decorative look.
• Prevent a Soggy Bottom: To avoid a soggy crust, you can pre-bake the pie crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling. This will help the crust stay crispy.
• Chill the Dough: Resting the dough in the fridge before rolling it out helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

Conclusion

This cherry pie is a showstopper—bursting with sweet and tangy fruit, encased in a buttery, flaky lattice crust. Whether you’re baking for a holiday celebration or simply treating yourself, this classic cherry pie will never disappoint. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create a pie that’s both stunning and delicious. So grab your apron, roll up your sleeves, and bake this beautiful cherry pie today—your family and friends will be asking for seconds!