Imagine a dessert so divine it could make even the most disciplined food lover weak in the knees - welcome to the world of Amish Cream Cherry Pie! This isn't just another cherry pie; it's a generations-old recipe that captures the heart of traditional American baking. With its golden, flaky crust and luscious cherry filling bursting with sweet-tart flavors, this pie is more than a dessert - it's a nostalgic journey that promises to transport you straight to a cozy Amish kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 2 cups pitted cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the pie crust to a golden brown while allowing the cherry filling to cook properly.
- Prepare your pie crust by placing it in a 9-inch pie pan. If you are using a frozen pre-made crust, let it thaw according to the package instructions. Press the crust firmly against the sides and bottom of the pan to ensure it fits well.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, and lemon juice. Gently stir the mixture until the cherries are evenly coated with the sugar and cornstarch. This will help thicken the filling as it cooks.
- Let the cherry mixture sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the cherries to release some of their juices, which will enhance the flavor of the filling.
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Make sure to include all the juices for added flavor.
- Dot the top of the cherry filling with small pieces of butter. This will add richness to the filling as it bakes.
- If desired, you can add a lattice crust or additional pie crust on top. If using a full top crust, make sure to cut slits in the crust to allow steam to escape.
- Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Keep an eye on the pie during the last few minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time helps the filling set up properly.
- After cooling, slice the pie into eight servings. Serve warm or at room temperature, and consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Cherries: While the recipe works with pitted cherries, using fresh, ripe cherries will elevate the pie's flavor dramatically.
- Cornstarch Consistency: Be precise when measuring cornstarch to ensure your filling has the perfect thickness - not too runny, not too firm.
- Crust Protection: If the pie crust edges start browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
- Cooling is Crucial: Resist the temptation to cut into the pie immediately. Letting it cool allows the filling to set properly, giving you clean, beautiful slices.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can transform this already amazing pie into an absolute showstopper!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
