Cherry pie is a classic dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries with a buttery and flaky pastry crust. This recipe provides a straightforward method for making a delicious cherry pie that will delight your taste buds. With a simple homemade pastry and juicy Morello cherries, this pie is sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
INGREDIENTS:
- 150g/5oz plain flour
- 25g/1oz icing sugar
- 100g/4oz butter, cubed
- 50g/2oz ground almonds
- 3 tablespoons chilled water
- 700g/11⁄2lb pitted Morello cherries
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Caster sugar for sprinkling
PREPARATION:
- Sift the plain flour and icing sugar into a bowl.
- Add the cubed butter to the bowl and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the ground almonds.
- Add almost all of the chilled water to the flour mixture and stir it in with a flat-bladed knife until the mixture forms a dough. Add the remaining water if needed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface and gather it together into a ball.
- Roll out the dough on a sheet of baking parchment into a circle about 26cm/101⁄2in in diameter. Flatten it slightly, cover it with cling film, and refrigerate it for 20 minutes.
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F/Gas mark 6.
- Spread the pitted Morello cherries in the bottom of a greased 23cm/9in pie dish.
- Cover the pie dish with the rolled-out pastry, and trim any overhanging edges.
- Brush the pastry top all over with the lightly beaten egg, and sprinkle it lightly with caster sugar.
- Place the pie dish on a baking tray to catch any drips, and bake the pie for 35–40 minutes until the pastry is golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before serving.
YIELD: Serves 6–8
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Morello cherries are recommended for this recipe due to their tart flavor and ability to hold their shape during baking. If using other cherries, adjust the sugar to taste and be mindful of their juiciness.
- Serve the cherry pie warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
- Leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Gently reheat before serving to enjoy the full flavors of the pie.
Cherry pie is a timeless dessert that showcases the natural sweetness and tartness of cherries in a buttery and flaky pastry crust. With this simple and straightforward recipe, you can create a homemade cherry pie that will impress your family and friends.
The process begins with making a homemade pastry crust by combining plain flour, icing sugar, cubed butter, and ground almonds. The mixture is worked together until it resembles fine crumbs, and chilled water is added to form a dough. The dough is then rolled out into a circle and refrigerated before use.
The Morello cherries, known for their tart flavor, are spread evenly in the pie dish, creating a luscious fruit filling. The chilled pastry is placed on top of the cherries, and any excess is trimmed off. A final touch of beaten egg and a sprinkle of caster sugar adds a golden and sweet crust to the pie.
Once baked to perfection, the cherry pie emerges from the oven with a delightful aroma and inviting appearance. Allow it to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the warm slices with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the sweet cherries and buttery pastry creates a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Whether enjoyed as a comforting dessert on a cozy evening or served as a delightful centerpiece for a special occasion, this cherry pie is sure to impress. The simplicity of the recipe allows the natural flavors of the cherries to shine through, creating a memorable dessert experience for everyone.
So, the next time you have a craving for a classic and delicious dessert, try making this homemade cherry pie. With its flaky crust and juicy cherry filling, it’s a dessert that will bring joy and satisfaction to all who taste it.
