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A slice of tart cherry pie topped with vanilla ice cream, served on a white plate.

Tart Cherry Pie: A Delightfully Sweet Indulgence

Experience the perfect balance of sweet and tart with this classic tart cherry pie, encased in a flaky, golden crust. A delightful indulgence for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • large bowl
  • pastry blender
  • Rolling Pin
  • 9-inch pie plate
  • baking sheet
  • wire rack

Ingredients
  

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter cold, cut into cubes
  • 0.5 cup ice water
  • 6 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries pitted
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
  • 0.25 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 0.25 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the pie crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces. Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerat
  • Prepare the cherry filling: In a large bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss gently to coat the cherries evenly. Let stand for 15 minutes.
  • Assemble the pie: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer it to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim the edges, leaving about a 1-inch overhang. Pour the cherry filling into the pie crust. Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
  • Create the top crust: Roll out the second disc of dough. You can either place it as a full top crust, cutting vents, or cut it into strips for a lattice top. Place the top crust over the filling. Crimp the edges to seal. In a small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk. Brush this egg wash over the top crust. Sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  • Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake for 20 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
  • Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack for at least 3-4 hours before slicing and serving. This allows the filling to set properly.

Notes

For an extra flaky crust, ensure all your butter and water are very cold. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them completely before mixing with the filling ingredients, and you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Keyword cherry pie recipe, fruit pie, homemade pie, tart cherry pie