Sour Cherry Pie Recipe: A Sweet and Tart Delight

Sour cherry pie is a dessert that brings together the perfect balance of tart and sweet, making it a must-try for any cherry lover. The unique flavor of sour cherries paired with a buttery, flaky crust creates a mouthwatering combination. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or just craving something delicious, this sour cherry pie recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.

Why Choose Sour Cherries for Your Pie?

Sour cherries, also known as tart cherries, are smaller and have a vibrant red hue. These cherries are known for their sharp, tangy flavor that adds an irresistible zing to your pie. While sweet cherries are delicious, sour cherries offer a more complex taste that pairs perfectly with sugar, making them an ideal choice for pies. Not only do sour cherries taste great, but they are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, giving this dessert a healthier twist!

Ingredients for Sour Cherry Pie

Before you begin baking, make sure you have all your ingredients ready. Here’s a breakdown of what you will need for this perfect sour cherry pie:

Pie Filling:

• Fresh or Frozen Sour Cherries: The star of the recipe! These provide the tartness that makes the pie so unique.
• Granulated Sugar: Balances the sourness of the cherries, creating that perfect sweet-tart flavor.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling for a smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the flavor of the cherries and adds a touch of brightness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the filling.
• Almond Extract (Optional): A small amount of almond extract gives the pie a lovely, subtle aroma.
• Salt: Brings out the natural flavors of the cherries.

Pie Crust:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the crust, providing structure.
• Salt: Balances the flavors of the dough.
• Granulated Sugar: A hint of sweetness to complement the savory crust.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flaky crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together without making it too soft.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Gluten-Free Option: You can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free crust.
• Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free pie, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative.
• Sweet Cherry Pie: If sour cherries aren’t available, you can substitute with sweet cherries, but keep in mind you’ll need to adjust the sugar to balance the sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Pie Crust

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 2 ½ cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 tablespoon sugar.
2. Cut in Butter: Add 1 cup of chilled, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it forms coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6 to 8 tablespoons of ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two equal portions, flatten each into a disk, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare the Cherry Filling

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix 4 cups of pitted sour cherries, 1 cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional), and ¼ teaspoon salt.
2. Rest the Mixture: Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes to allow the cherries to release their juices.

Assemble the Pie

1. Roll Out the Dough: Flour your work surface and rolling pin. Roll out one disk of dough into a 12-inch circle for the bottom crust.
2. Transfer to Pie Pan: Carefully transfer the dough into a 9-inch pie pan and trim any excess dough.
3. Add the Cherry Filling: Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared crust and spread it evenly.
4. Top Crust: Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filling. You can opt for a full crust or a lattice top for a decorative touch.
5. Seal the Edges: Crimp the edges to seal in the filling and brush the top crust with an egg wash (1 beaten egg and 1 tablespoon water).

Bake the Pie

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake: Bake for 45-50 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
3. Cool: Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack for at least two hours before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Sour Cherry Pie

• Use Fresh Cherries: If you have access to fresh sour cherries, use them for the best flavor. They’re in season during the summer months.
• Taste the Filling: Depending on the tartness of your cherries, you may need to adjust the sugar. Taste the filling and add more sugar if necessary.
• Don’t Rush Cooling: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set. This ensures clean slices and prevents the filling from spilling out.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

• Ice Cream: Serve warm slices of sour cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast in temperature and flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream on top adds a creamy touch.
• Cheese Pairing: Try pairing the pie with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The salty, tangy cheese complements the tartness of the pie beautifully.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to three months.

Why This Sour Cherry Pie is a Must-Try

This sour cherry pie recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, with simple ingredients that create a perfectly balanced dessert. Whether you’re a baking novice or an experienced home baker, this recipe is sure to deliver a pie that’s both satisfying and impressive. Give it a try the next time you have a craving for something sweet and tangy!

Conclusion

Sour cherry pie is a timeless dessert that combines the tangy flavor of fresh sour cherries with a buttery, flaky crust. The balance of tart and sweet in each bite is simply irresistible, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday, or just to satisfy a craving, this pie is sure to impress. By following the easy step-by-step instructions, you can create a homemade pie that will have everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite topping, like ice cream or whipped cream, for an extra special treat!

FAQ: Sour Cherry Pie

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