Homemade Cherry Pie: Dreamy Thick Filling Recipe

Sweet summer memories flood back when I whip up this incredible homemade cherry pie packed with luscious, thick filling.

Ripe cherries bursting with natural sweetness create a vibrant dessert that melts hearts.

My grandmother’s secret technique ensures each slice holds together perfectly without running.

Tart cherries blend seamlessly with just enough sugar to balance their natural kick.

Flaky, golden crust provides the ideal crisp contrast to the rich, jammy center.

Baking this pie fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that draws everyone close.

You can easily master this classic dessert and impress your loved ones with minimal effort.

Slice into pure comfort and savor every delectable bite.

Homemade Cherry Pie With Thick Jammy Filling

• Capture Homemade Comfort: Dive into a classic dessert that brings warmth and nostalgia with every slice, perfect for family gatherings or weekend treats.
• Master Simple Baking: Craft a stunning pie with basic ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels, even beginners can create a professional-looking dessert.
• Bursting with Fresh Flavor: Enjoy a rich, thick cherry filling that showcases natural fruit sweetness, enhanced by subtle vanilla and almond notes, creating a delightful balance of taste and texture.
• Customize Your Creation: Personalize the pie with optional toppings like coarse sugar or a lattice crust design, allowing you to add your unique touch to this classic dessert.

Ingredients To Make Cherry Pie Stand Out

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure for the pie's base and top crusts.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a flaky and rich texture in the pie crust.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the flour and butter together without developing gluten.

• Fresh Cherries: The star ingredient that provides the main fruity flavor and texture of the pie.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a thick, glossy filling.
• Cornstarch: Serves as a thickening agent to prevent a runny pie filling.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the cherries.

• Vanilla Extract, Almond Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the cherry filling.
• Egg, Coarse Sugar, Unsalted Butter: Provides a golden, glossy top and additional flavor to the pie crust.

Baking Steps For Perfect Cherry Pie Crust

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (204°C) to get ready for pie magic.

Step 2: Craft the Pie Foundation

Gently drape the bottom pie crust into your pie dish, creating a smooth base for the delicious filling.

Step 3: Create Cherry Filling Fusion

• Fresh cherries
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Fresh lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Almond extract

Stir everything together until the ingredients dance and mingle perfectly.

Step 4: Transfer Cherry Mixture

Pour the vibrant cherry mixture into the waiting pie crust, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 5: Add Buttery Touches

Sprinkle small butter cubes across the filling, creating pockets of rich, melty goodness.

Step 6: Crown with Top Crust

Carefully place the second pie crust on top of the cherry filling.

Pinch and crimp the edges to seal in all the juicy goodness.

Slice a few decorative vents to let steam escape.

Step 7: Beautify the Pie

Brush the top crust with egg wash for a gorgeous golden shine.

Sprinkle coarse sugar for extra sparkle and crunch if you’re feeling fancy.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes.

Look for a gorgeous golden-brown crust and bubbling filling that signals pie perfection.

Step 9: Patience for Serving

Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the filling set and flavors meld.

Slice and serve when ready to enjoy your homemade cherry masterpiece.

Cherry Pie Tips For Rich, Jammy Results

• Select deep red, firm cherries for the most flavorful and vibrant pie filling.
• Use cornstarch to create a thick, glossy filling that won't run when sliced.
• Blind bake the bottom crust for 10 minutes to ensure a crisp, golden base.
• Cover the pie crust edges with aluminum foil if they brown too quickly during baking.
• Allow the pie to cool completely for at least 3 hours to help the filling set perfectly and slice cleanly.

Fun Twists For Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

• Gluten-Free Cherry Pie: Replace traditional pie crust with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend to create a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Cherry Pie: Swap butter for coconut oil, use plant-based egg wash alternative like maple syrup, and create crust with vegetable shortening.
• Low-Sugar Cherry Pie: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich cherry flavor.
• Berry Blend Variation: Mix cherries with raspberries or blueberries to create a mixed berry pie with complex fruit profile and vibrant color.

Serve Cherry Pie Warm With Ice Cream

• Sweet Scoop Companions: A classic vanilla ice cream scoop adds creamy contrast to the warm, tangy pie slice.
• Whipped Cream Elegance: Dollop fresh, homemade whipped cream on top for a light, airy texture that complements the rich cherry filling.
• Breakfast Transformation: Slice a chilled piece alongside morning coffee or as a decadent weekend brunch centerpiece that feels both comforting and indulgent.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Serve with a robust black tea or a glass of sweet dessert wine to enhance the cherry pie's complex flavor profile.

Store Cherry Pie For The Next Slice

• Store leftover cherry pie in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the pie in its original pie dish to maintain its shape.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place a date label on the packaging to track freshness.
• Leave the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to consume it quickly. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel to prevent dust.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed pie slices in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes. For a crispy crust, place the slice on a baking sheet and cover edges with foil to prevent burning.

FAQs

• How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Use a glass or ceramic pie dish and place it on the lowest oven rack. Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground nuts on the bottom crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw and drain them completely before mixing with other ingredients to prevent excess liquid in the pie filling.

• Why does the recipe use cornstarch?

Cornstarch helps thicken the cherry filling, creating a rich, not runny consistency. It helps the pie set properly and prevents a watery texture.

• How can I tell if the pie is fully baked?

Look for a golden brown crust and bubbling filling through the steam slits. The filling should look thick and not watery when you remove the pie from the oven.

Homemade Cherry Pie (With Thick Filling) Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade Cherry Pie delivers classic comfort with its rich, glossy filling nestled in a golden, flaky crust. Sweet-tart cherries and buttery pastry promise a nostalgic dessert that connects generations of bakers with pure, delightful flavor.

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Ingredients

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Filling Ingredients:

• 4.5 cups halved & quartered pitted fresh cherries
• 2/3 cup (135g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (28g) cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 tablespoon (14g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes

Crust Ingredients:

• 2 homemade pie crusts or all butter pie crust

Egg Wash and Topping:

• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) milk
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling on crust

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a precise 400F (204C) for optimal pie baking conditions.
2. Craft the pie crust, carefully positioning the bottom layer into a standard pie dish, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Blend fresh cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and almond extracts in a spacious mixing bowl, stirring until ingredients harmonize perfectly.
4. Transfer the vibrant cherry mixture into the prepared pie crust, spreading evenly across the surface.
5. Strategically place small butter cubes throughout the filling to enhance richness and flavor.
6. Layer the second pie crust on top, meticulously sealing the edges and creating decorative steam vents using precise knife cuts.
7. Apply a glossy egg wash across the pie’s surface, optionally sprinkling coarse sugar for a sparkling, crisp finish.
8. Roast in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling fruit filling that indicates perfect doneness.
9. Allow the pie to cool completely, letting the filling set and flavors meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Prevent soggy bottom crust by preheating a baking sheet and placing the pie dish directly on the hot surface during baking.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries interchangeably, but if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid to maintain filling thickness.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with gluten-free pie crust mix and using cornstarch as a thickener.
• Add depth to the flavor by mixing sweet and tart cherries for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 110 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg