Cherry Pie - Washington Dairy

Cherry Pie

For the Pie Crust:

For the Cherry Filling:

Get ready to celebrate Twin Peaks Day with this classic Cherry Pie! A true nod to the iconic show, this pie features a buttery, flaky crust filled with rich, glossy cherry filling. Whether you’re indulging in nostalgia or just craving a perfect slice, this pie is sure to satisfy. Grab a cup of coffee and dig in!

Classic Cherry Pie

For the Pie Crust:

  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (plus more as needed)
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 cup (16 tbsp) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup ice water

For the Cherry Filling:

  • 2.2 pounds frozen dark cherries
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 Tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Directions:
Make the Pie Crust
  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Add the cold, cubed butter.
  2. Cut in Butter: Use a pastry cutter, food processor, or two forks to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. A few larger butter pieces are okay.
  3. Add Ice Water: Measure ½ cup ice water, stirring to ensure it’s very cold. Drizzle in 2 tablespoons at a time, gently stirring after each addition, until the dough forms clumps and holds together. Avoid adding more water than necessary.
  4. Form and Chill Dough: On a floured surface, gather the dough and fold it into itself until cohesive. Divide into two discs about 1 inch thick. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 5 days).
Prepare the Cherry Filling
  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon zest, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Cook the Filling: Stir over low heat until the cherries release some liquid. Increase heat to medium and continue stirring occasionally, being careful not to crush the cherries.
  3. Thicken the Filling: Once the mixture starts bubbling, let it boil for about a minute while stirring gently until it thickens and becomes glossy. The mixture should lose its cloudy appearance.
  4. Cool: Pour the hot cherry mixture into a large bowl and allow it to cool to room temperature before assembling the pie.
Assemble the Pie
    1. Fill the Crust: Spoon the cooled cherry filling into the prepared pie crust and spread evenly. Place small butter pieces over the filling.
    2. Prepare the Top Crust: Roll out the second pie crust disc into a 12-inch circle. Drape it over the filling to create a full top crust or cut into strips for a lattice top.
    3. Seal the Edges: Trim any excess overhanging dough, leaving enough to pinch together the top and bottom crusts. Flute the edges using your fingers.
    4. Egg Wash & Venting: Brush the top crust with egg wash. If using a full top crust, cut 3-4 small slits to allow steam to escape.
Bake  the Pie
  1. Preheat & Bake: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake for 15 minutes.
  2. Adjust Temperature: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 50-60 minutes until the crust is deeply golden brown and the filling is bubbling occasionally.
  3. Monitor Browning: If the crust browns too quickly, tent loosely with aluminum foil. A deep golden crust enhances flavor and texture.
  4. Cool & Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and cool completely on a wire rack before serving.

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