A Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie is a delightful and tangy dessert treat that is sure to satisfy those with a sweet tooth. This pie combines the tartness of the sour cherries with a sweet sugar filling and a flaky pie crust, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The pie is baked until golden brown and the filling is bubbling, making it an ideal dessert for any occasion.
The key ingredient in this recipe, sour cherries, may not be readily available in your home. They are a bit different from the sweet cherries you might usually see in the supermarket. Sour cherries are smaller, softer, and, as the name suggests, more tart. They are often found in the frozen fruits section if not fresh, so don't forget to check there.
Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie Ingredients
sour cherries: Sour cherries are known for their tart flavor which provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet sugar filling in this pie.
sugar: Sugar is used to sweeten the pie and balance out the tartness of the cherries.
cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the cherry filling, helping it to set and become firm.
lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the tartness of the sour cherries and adds a bit of freshness to the pie.
salt: A pinch of salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients and balances the overall sweetness of the pie.
flaky pie dough: Flaky pie dough is used for the crust of the pie. It provides a buttery and flaky texture that complements the cherry filling.
One reader, Anjanette Coy says:
This deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is a game-changer! The tartness of the cherries perfectly balances the sweetness of the flaky crust. It's a delightful treat that's worth the effort. The pie is a showstopper at gatherings, and the recipe is now a family favorite. Highly recommended!
Essential Techniques for Making a Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie
How to prepare the pie filling: Combine the pitted sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl and toss until well combined.
How to roll out the pie dough: Roll out the larger piece of flaky pie dough to a 13-inch round, about 1/8 inch thick, and the smaller piece to a 12-inch round.
How to line the pie plate with dough: Line a 9 1/2-by-1 3/4-inch glass pie plate with the larger piece of dough, then brush the overhang with water before spooning in the filling.
How to top the pie with dough: Lay the smaller piece of dough over the filling, press the edges together, trim the overhang, fold it under itself, and crimp the edges.
How to bake the pie: Bake the pie at 375 degrees F in the lower third of the oven until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown, about 2 to 2 1/4 hours. Cover the edge with foil if it begins to darken.
How to cool the pie: Let the pie cool for 5 hours at room temperature before serving.
How To Make Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie
Sour cherry pie is the summer dessert you never knew you needed. The tartness of the cherries bring so much vibrancy to this rich dessert.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbssour cherries,(7½ cups), pitted
- 1½cupssugar
- ¼cupcornstarch
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
- pinch of salt
- flaky pie dough
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F and position a rack in the lower third.
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In a bowl, toss the cherries with the 1½ cups of sugar, the cornstarch, the fresh lemon juice and the salt.
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Roll out the larger piece of Flaky Pie Dough to a 13-inch round, about ⅛-inch thick
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Line a 9½x1¾-inch glass pie plate with the dough.
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Brush the overhang with water and spoon in the filling.
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Roll out the smaller piece of dough to a 12-inch round and lay it over the filling; press the edges together.
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Trim the overhang to ½ inch, fold it under itself and crimp.
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Lightly brush the top with water and sprinkle with sugar.
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Cut a few slits for steam to escape.
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Bake the pie for about 2 hours until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown.
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Cover the edge of the pie with foil if it begins to darken.
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Let cool for 5 hours at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1739.87kcal
- Fat: 2.77g
- Saturated Fat: 0.63g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.83g
- Carbohydrates: 440.69g
- Fiber: 14.85g
- Sugar: 376.80g
- Protein: 9.21g
- Sodium: 180.61mg
- Calcium: 149.80mg
- Potassium: 1592.13mg
- Iron: 3.22mg
- Vitamin A: 580.60µg
- Vitamin C: 96.62mg
Crucial Technique Tip for a Perfect Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie
When working with sour cherries, it's important to remember that they can be quite tart. If you prefer a sweeter pie, you may want to increase the amount of sugar used. Conversely, if you enjoy the tartness, you can reduce the sugar. Always taste your filling before adding it to the pie to ensure it's to your liking. Additionally, when rolling out your flaky pie dough, ensure it's evenly rolled to prevent any parts from cooking faster than others. A good tip is to rotate the dough 90 degrees after every few rolls to help achieve an even thickness.
Time-Saving Tips for Making a Sour Cherry Pie
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed before starting the recipe to streamline the cooking process.
Use pre-made pie dough: Save time by using store-bought flaky pie dough instead of making it from scratch.
Chill the dough: Place the pie dough in the refrigerator while preparing the filling to prevent it from becoming too soft and difficult to work with.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you work to avoid wasting time searching for tools or ingredients.
Prep the cherries: Use pre-pitted sour cherries to save time on the preparation process.
Use a food processor: Consider using a food processor to pit the cherries quickly and efficiently.
Prep ahead: Prepare the pie filling and dough ahead of time to save time on the day of baking.
Multi-task: While the pie is baking, use the time to clean up the kitchen and prepare other dishes or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
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2 lbs pitted sour cherries – Substitute with frozen sour cherries: Frozen sour cherries can be used as a substitute for fresh ones, as they are typically picked and frozen at their peak ripeness, preserving their flavor and texture.
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1½ cups sugar – Substitute with honey: Honey can be used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar, adding a unique flavor profile to the pie filling.
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¼ cup cornstarch – Substitute with tapioca starch: Tapioca starch can be used as a thickening agent in place of cornstarch, providing a similar consistency to the pie filling.
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice – Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar can be used to add acidity and brightness to the pie filling, similar to the effect of fresh lemon juice.
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flaky pie dough – Substitute with puff pastry: Puff pastry can be used as a substitute for traditional pie dough, adding a flaky and buttery texture to the crust.
How to Beautifully Present a Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie
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Elevate the pie crust: Create a decorative lattice or intricate design on the pie crust to showcase your attention to detail and craftsmanship. This will impress the judges and demonstrate your mastery of pastry techniques.
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Garnish with a touch of elegance: Add a final touch of sophistication by dusting the pie with powdered sugar or edible gold leaf. This subtle yet luxurious garnish will elevate the visual appeal of the dish and convey a sense of refinement.
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Incorporate a complementary accompaniment: Pair the deep-dish sour cherry pie with a house-made vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of flavors and textures will add depth to the dish and showcase your ability to create harmonious flavor combinations.
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Present with precision: When plating the pie, ensure that each slice is carefully and precisely portioned. Attention to detail in presentation reflects your commitment to excellence and sets the stage for a memorable dining experience.
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Highlight seasonal inspiration: Emphasize the use of fresh, seasonal sour cherries in your presentation. Incorporate elements of the season, such as a sprig of mint or edible flowers, to celebrate the natural beauty and flavors of the ingredients.
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Craft a stunning visual composition: Consider the use of a decorative pie plate or a carefully chosen serving platter to enhance the overall presentation. The visual impact of the dish is just as important as its taste, so aim to create a visually stunning composition that captivates the judges' attention.
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Emphasize the art of plating: Pay close attention to the arrangement of the pie slices on the plate. Utilize clean lines, symmetry, and balance to create an artful presentation that reflects your culinary expertise and attention to detail.
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Showcase the pie's rustic charm: Embrace the rustic nature of the deep-dish sour cherry pie by presenting it in a way that highlights its homemade appeal. Consider serving it in individual cast-iron skillets or rustic ceramic dishes to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia.
Essential Tools for Making a Perfect Sour Cherry Pie
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Mixing bowls: Mixing bowls are essential for combining ingredients and allowing for easy stirring and blending.
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Rolling pin: A rolling pin is used to flatten and shape the pie dough to the desired thickness and size.
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Pie plate: A 9 1/2-by-1 3/4-inch glass pie plate is necessary for baking the deep-dish sour cherry pie.
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Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used for brushing water on the pie dough and for applying an egg wash or other glazes.
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Foil: Foil is used to cover the edge of the pie if it begins to darken during baking.
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Oven: An oven is required for baking the deep-dish sour cherry pie to perfection.
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Knife: A knife is used for trimming the overhang of the pie dough and for cutting slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
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Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are essential for accurately measuring the ingredients for the pie filling.
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Spatula: A spatula is useful for transferring the pie dough to the pie plate and for smoothing the filling.
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Cooling rack: A cooling rack is used to allow the pie to cool evenly after baking.
Storing and Freezing Your Homemade Sour Cherry Pie
- Once the pie has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any unwanted flavors from the refrigerator
- Store the wrapped pie in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- To freeze the pie, wrap it tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil
- Label the wrapped pie with the date and contents, then place it in the freezer for up to 3 months
- When ready to serve, remove the pie from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight
- To reheat, remove the wrapping and place the pie in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through
- If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with a strip of aluminum foil to prevent burning
- For best results, consume the cherry pie within a day or two of thawing, as the crust may become slightly soggy over time
How To Reheat Leftover Sour Cherry Pie
Here are some of the best methods for reheating leftover deep-dish sour cherry pie:
- Reheat individual slices in the microwave on medium power for 30-45 seconds, until the filling is warm and the crust is slightly softened. For a crisper crust, place the reheated slice in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- To reheat a larger portion or an entire pie, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the pie loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the crust from burning, and place it on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is heated through and the crust is crisp. For a more evenly heated pie, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- For a quicker method, reheat slices in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the pie slices in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the filling is warm and the crust is crispy.
- If you prefer a softer crust, wrap individual slices in damp paper towels before microwaving on medium power for 30-45 seconds. This method will help to retain moisture in the crust while reheating the cherry filling.
- For a more indulgent treat, cut the leftover pie into bite-sized pieces and transform them into a cherry pie sundae. Warm the pie bites in the microwave or oven, then serve them over a scoop of vanilla ice cream, topped with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
Interesting Fact About Sour Cherry Pies
The deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is a classic dessert that combines the tartness of sour cherries with a flaky pie crust. This recipe calls for 2 lbs of pitted sour cherries, 1½ cups of sugar, ¼ cup of cornstarch, 1 tbsp of fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and flaky pie dough. The cherries are tossed with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and salt before being placed in a pie plate lined with the dough. The pie is then baked until the filling is bubbling and the crust is golden brown. It's a delicious treat that's perfect for any occasion.
Is Making a Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie at Home Cost-Effective?
This deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is moderately cost-effective for a household. The key ingredient, sour cherries, can be a bit pricey, but the remaining ingredients are relatively affordable. The pie serves 8, making it a reasonable option for a family of 4. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Sour Cherry Pie Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is not particularly healthy due to several factors:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar (1½ cups), which can contribute to excessive calorie intake and potential health issues like obesity and diabetes when consumed in large quantities.
- The use of cornstarch as a thickener adds refined carbohydrates to the pie filling, which have minimal nutritional value.
- The flaky pie dough, while delicious, is likely high in saturated fats from butter or shortening, which can negatively impact heart health when consumed in excess.
- The recipe lacks any significant sources of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, or fiber, as it primarily consists of cherries, sugar, and pie dough.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of sugar used in the filling by 25-50%, depending on the sweetness of the cherries and personal taste preferences. This will help lower the overall calorie content and reduce the potential for negative health impacts associated with excessive sugar consumption.
- Replace some of the cornstarch with a whole grain alternative, such as whole wheat flour or oat flour, to increase the fiber content and provide some additional nutrients.
- Experiment with alternative pie crust recipes that use whole grain flours, such as whole wheat pastry flour, or incorporate heart-healthy fats like olive oil or avocado oil in place of some of the butter or shortening.
- Serve smaller portions of the pie and pair it with nutrient-dense toppings like a dollop of Greek yogurt, which provides protein and calcium, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added fiber and healthy fats.
- Enjoy the pie as an occasional treat rather than a regular dessert, and balance it with a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Editor's Opinion: Why This Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie Recipe Stands Out
The deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is a delightful balance of tart cherries and sweet filling, encased in a flaky, golden crust. The use of fresh lemon juice adds a bright, citrusy note that complements the cherries beautifully. The baking time ensures a perfectly cooked filling and a beautifully browned crust. The pie is a wonderful combination of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Enhance Your Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Deep-Dish Sour Cherry Pie Recipe:
This deep-dish sour cherry pie recipe is a tried and tested classic, ensuring a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors. The use of fresh sour cherries guarantees a burst of natural fruity goodness, while the addition of fresh lemon juice enhances the overall brightness of the pie. The precise measurements of sugar and cornstarch ensure a perfect consistency, and the flaky pie dough provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. Trust in the expertise behind this recipe, and indulge in a timeless dessert that will surely impress your taste buds.
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