Ina Garten Cherry Pie Recipe: Rustic Homemade Goodness

Sweet cherry pie transports you straight to grandma’s sun-drenched kitchen with its nostalgic charm.

Bursting with ruby-red fruit and encased in buttery, golden pastry, this dessert tells a story of summer’s sweetest memories.

Professional bakers know that magic happens when simple ingredients dance together in perfect harmony.

Each slice reveals a vibrant filling that dances between tart and sugary notes.

Flaky crusts cradle plump cherries, creating a symphony of textures that melts on your tongue.

Carefully selected fruits and a touch of love transform an ordinary pie into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything You’ll Need for Ina Garten Cherry Pie

• Fresh Cherries: Select plump, deep-colored cherries with vibrant shine and firm texture.
• Frozen Cherries: Choose high-quality packages without frost crystals or ice chunks.
• Canned Cherries: Look for cherries packed in light syrup without artificial colors.

• Cornstarch, Sugar: Select pure, fine-grain options for smooth sauce consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Pick fresh, bright lemons with smooth skin and heavy weight.

• Pie Crust, Flour: Choose unbleached, all-purpose flour for tender, flaky texture.
• Butter: Select unsalted, high-fat European-style butter for rich flavor.
• Egg White: Use fresh, room-temperature eggs for perfect crust glaze.
• Granulated Sugar: Pick fine, white sugar for elegant crust sparkle.
• Ground Cinnamon: Select fresh, fragrant spice for warm, aromatic undertones.

Tools to Make Cherry Pie Right

• Saucepan: Medium-sized pot for cooking cherry sauces and thickening fillings.
• Measuring Cups: Precise tools for measuring sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice.
• Measuring Spoons: Small utensils for accurate ingredient portions.
• Cutting Board: Flat surface for halving fresh cherries.
• Sharp Knife: Essential for pitting and cutting cherries.
• Mixing Bowl: Spacious container for combining ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon: Sturdy utensil for stirring sauces and mixtures.
• Pie Pan: 9-inch round dish for baking the cherry pie.
• Rolling Pin: Tool for flattening and shaping pie crusts.
• Wire Rack: Cooling surface for letting pie rest after baking.
• Pastry Brush: Small brush for applying egg white to crust.
• Aluminum Foil: Protective cover to prevent over-browning.
• Whisk: Handy tool for mixing cornstarch and dissolving lumps.

Cherry Pie Instructions You Can Follow

• Create Cherry Base

Wash and remove cherry pits. Simmer cherries with lemon splash in a pot until natural juices emerge. Gently separate cherries from liquid, keeping juice simmering.

• Transform Liquid into Silky Sauce

Whisk cornstarch into cherry juice until smooth. Return mixture to heat, stirring continuously until sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Fold cherries back into sauce.

• Prepare Pie Foundation

Roll out bottom pie crust into a smooth circular shape. Gently transfer to baking dish, pressing edges carefully to fit pan contours.

• Build Delicious Layer

Pour thickened cherry mixture into prepared crust. Distribute evenly, creating gentle mounds across surface. Optional: Sprinkle subtle cinnamon dust for enhanced flavor.

• Complete Pie Masterpiece

Cover with top crust, creating decorative lattice or full coverage. Crimp edges together, sealing precious filling inside. Brush surface with egg wash for golden shine.

• Bake and Perfect

Slide pie into preheated oven. Bake until crust turns golden brown and filling bubbles softly around edges. Shield with foil if crust browns too quickly.

• Cool and Celebrate

Allow pie to rest and settle for several hours. Slice carefully, revealing beautiful cherry layers. Serve at room temperature with optional vanilla scoop.

Variations to Switch Up Cherry Pie Flavor

Smart Tweaks and Flavor Boosters

Swap fresh cherries with frozen or canned varieties, adjusting sugar levels to match natural sweetness of chosen fruit.

Enhance filling by adding ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract for deeper, more complex flavor profile.

Experiment with different pie crust styles like lattice top, crumble topping, or decorative cutout designs to personalize your dessert.

Prepare cherry filling and pie crust a day in advance, refrigerate separately, then assemble and bake when ready to serve for stress-free entertaining.

How to Present Cherry Pie Perfectly

• Pair with Creamy Delight: Serve warm cherry pie alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic, mouthwatering combination that balances the pie's tartness with cool, smooth creaminess.
• Create a Brunch Centerpiece: Present the cherry pie as a stunning dessert for weekend brunches, complementing other breakfast favorites like quiche or frittatas with its vibrant, fruity appeal.
• Elevate with Beverage Companions: Enhance the pie experience by pairing with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a hot cup of freshly brewed coffee to bring out the cherries' rich, deep flavors.
• Garnish with Fresh Touches: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves or add a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to give the pie an elegant, restaurant-quality presentation that delights the eyes and taste buds.

Cherry Pie Storage Tips

• Preserve Cherry Pie Perfection: Smart Storage Strategies
• Refrigerate freshly baked pie within 2 hours of cooling to maintain optimal flavor and texture. Cover loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Extend Deliciousness: Refrigeration Recommendations
• Store cherry pie in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Place in an airtight container to keep pie fresh and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Long-Term Preservation
• Wrap pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen cherry pie maintains best quality for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Serving Suggestions: Temperature and Presentation
• Enjoy pie chilled or slightly warmed. Let refrigerated pie sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and soften crust.

Rustic Cherry Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s cherry pie blends sweet-tart cherries with a buttery, flaky crust that sings of summer’s bounty. Bakers will savor each homemade slice, celebrating classic American dessert traditions with this timeless recipe.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) cherries, fresh sour or 3 (14.5 oz/410 g) cans or 8 cups frozen
• ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup (40 g) cornstarch
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps butter
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 large egg white, beaten
• homemade or ready-made pie crust
• granulated sugar, for sprinkling on top

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cherry Mixture: Combine fresh cherries, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer until cherries release their natural juices, creating a vibrant, aromatic base.
2. Create Thickening Agent: Whisk cornstarch with reserved cherry liquid until smooth. Integrate the mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously to develop a glossy, luxurious sauce that coats the cherries perfectly.
3. Enhance Flavor Profile: Incorporate preserved cherries, additional cornstarch, sugar, butter, and lemon juice. Gently fold cherries into the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and intensify while cooling completely.
4. Prepare Pie Crust: Defrost frozen cherries, adjusting cornstarch and sugar levels to balance natural sweetness. Preheat oven to 204 degrees Celsius, rolling out pie crusts to precise dimensions.
5. Assemble Pie: Line pie dish with first crust layer, distributing cherry filling evenly. Optional: sprinkle ground cinnamon and dot with butter fragments to elevate taste complexity.
6. Craft Decorative Top: Create either an intricate lattice pattern or full crust top. If using complete crust, puncture small steam vents to prevent pressure buildup during baking.
7. Finish and Bake: Seal pie edges with an elegant crimped border. Brush with egg white and sprinkle sugar for a golden, glistening exterior. Bake for 40-45 minutes, protecting crust with aluminum foil if browning too quickly.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow pie to rest on a wire rack for several hours, ensuring filling sets perfectly. Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly chilled, revealing a luscious, jewel-toned filling.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Measure ingredients accurately using kitchen scales for consistent results.
• Cherry Selection: Choose ripe, firm cherries without bruises for the best flavor and texture.
• Cornstarch Control: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth, glossy filling.
• Temperature Technique: Allow pie to cool completely for at least 3-4 hours to achieve perfect slice stability.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg