Cherry Apple Pie
Cherry apple pie is a wonderful dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries and apples. This classic pie is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just a simple treat to enjoy at home. The crisp crust and juicy filling make it a delightful dessert that everyone will love.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to make this cherry apple pie recipe. First, it is easy to prepare, even for beginners. The instructions are straightforward, helping you create a delicious pie without any hassle.
Second, this recipe uses fresh ingredients. Using real, fresh fruit not only makes your pie taste better, but it also adds a lovely, homemade touch. The combination of tart apples and sweet cherries provides a beautiful balance of flavors that is hard to resist.
Third, baking pie at home lets you control the ingredients. You can adjust the sweetness according to your liking. You will also know exactly what goes into your pie, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought options filled with preservatives.
Lastly, serving a homemade cherry apple pie is a great way to impress family and friends. When they see you put effort into crafting this lovely dessert, they will appreciate the time and care you have taken to create something special.
How to Make Cherry Apple Pie
Creating a cherry apple pie involves a few simple steps: making the crust, preparing the filling, assembling the pie, and baking it to golden perfection. Let’s dive deeper into each step to ensure your pie comes out just right.
Ingredients
To make cherry apple pie, you will need the following ingredients:
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 230 g unsalted butter (cold & cubed)
- 140 g ice cold water
- 4 tart apples (about 700g after peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 300 g red cherries (pitted & halved)
- 50 g brown sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons sugar crystals or coarse sugar
These ingredients combine to create a delicious pie that is sure to please your taste buds.
Directions
1. Pie Crust
The first step in making cherry apple pie is preparing the crust. Start by taking a large mixing bowl and combining the all-purpose flour and salt. Mix them well to ensure even distribution.
Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix the butter into the flour mixture. You want to achieve a texture that looks like coarse crumbs. This process is essential for creating a flaky crust.
Slowly pour in the ice-cold water while mixing. Add just enough until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to overmix. Once combined, divide the dough into two equal portions and wrap them in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate the dough for at least one hour. This chilling time is crucial as it helps to relax the gluten, making the crust tender when baked.
2. Pie Filling
While the dough chills, you can prepare the filling. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the tart apples. Once you have your apple slices, place them in a bowl. Then, add the halved red cherries to the apples.
In that same bowl, sprinkle in the brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together gently until the fruit is well-coated with the sugar and spices. This mixture will create a tasty filling for the pie.
3. Assemble the Pie
When the dough has chilled, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Take one of the dough disks from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface. Aim for a circle about 1/8 inch thick. Once rolled out, carefully fit it into a pie dish.
Fill the crust with your fruit mixture, spreading it evenly. Take the second disk of dough and roll it out as well. Place this rolled dough over the filled pie. Use your fingers to seal the edges, crimping them as desired. To let steam escape during baking, cut a few slits in the top of the pie.
Before baking, brush the top crust with the beaten egg. This will give your pie a lovely golden color. Finally, sprinkle the sugar crystals or coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness and crunch.
4. Bake
Now, it’s time to bake the pie! Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. Start to check for doneness around the 45-minute mark. The pie should be golden brown and bubbling with juices.
Once done, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling time allows the filling to set, making for easier serving.
How to Serve Cherry Apple Pie
Serving cherry apple pie is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. You can serve it warm or at room temperature. Many people enjoy a slice of pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy ice cream complements the warm, fruity pie perfectly.
Another option is to drizzle some whipped cream over your pie slice for added richness. You can also sprinkle some extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on top for decoration.
If you’re hosting a gathering, consider serving your pie with coffee or tea. This combination is delightful and will make your dessert even more enjoyable for everyone.
How to Store Cherry Apple Pie
If you have leftovers or if you want to make the pie ahead of time, storing it is easy. After the pie has cooled completely, cover it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Cherry apple pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep it for longer, it’s best to refrigerate it. In the refrigerator, the pie can last for about 4 to 5 days.
If you want to store the pie for an extended time, consider freezing it. Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it in the oven before serving.
Tips to Make Cherry Apple Pie
Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith for the filling. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cherries.
Keep Ingredients Cold: Ensure your butter and water are cold before mixing. This helps create a flaky crust.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overworking it can lead to a tough crust.
Let the Pie Cool: Allow the pie to cool for a sufficient time before serving. This helps the filling set.
Use Fresh Cherries: If cherries are not in season, you can use frozen cherries. Just ensure to drain excess liquid before adding them to the mixture.
Variation
If you want to try a twist, consider adding some lemon juice to the filling. This can give your pie a refreshing zing. You can also mix in different spices such as nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. For an even sweeter option, use honey instead of brown sugar for the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries in this pie. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding them to the filling.
How can I tell when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles through the slits in the top crust.
Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using it. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
Making cherry apple pie at home is a rewarding experience. With a few simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious dessert that will impress everyone. Enjoy your baking!
Cherry Apple Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Combine the all-purpose flour and salt in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and mix until the texture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Slowly pour in the ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Divide the dough into two equal portions, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Peel, core, and slice the tart apples and place them in a bowl.
- Add the halved red cherries, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix gently until coated.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Roll out one dough disk and fit it into a pie dish.
- Fill the crust with the fruit mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second disk of dough and place it over the filled pie. Seal edges and cut slits in the top crust.
- Brush the top with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar crystals.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking for doneness at 45 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool for at least 30 minutes before serving.