Heavenly Lattice Cherry Pie – A Simple Recipe with an Elegant Twist

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a slice of cherry pie—especially one that’s made from scratch. With a perfectly flaky, golden lattice crust and a sweet, tart cherry filling, this pie captures the essence of comfort food. The cherry filling bursts with fresh flavors, while the lattice top adds a professional touch that makes this pie a standout dessert. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced baker, this cherry pie recipe will help you create a stunning and delicious pie that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 4-6 tablespoons cold water

For the Cherry Filling:

• 4 1/2 cups fresh pitted cherries
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Lattice Topping:

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough begins to come together.
4. Form the dough into two equal discs, wrap them in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the fresh cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat and let the cherry filling cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out one disc of dough on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish.
3. Gently place the dough into the pie dish, pressing down along the bottom and edges.
4. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the pie crust, spreading it evenly.
5. Roll out the second disc of dough and cut it into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern on top of the pie.
6. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges to seal the crust.
7. Brush the lattice top with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a beautiful, golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Pie

1. Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
3. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to set properly.

Tips for Success

• Use Cold Butter: The key to a flaky, tender crust is using cold butter. It creates layers in the dough that will puff up as it bakes.
• Chill the Dough: Be sure to chill the dough before rolling it out to help prevent it from shrinking in the oven.
• Thicken the Filling: If you prefer a thicker filling, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to ensure the cherries stay in place when sliced.
• Serve with Ice Cream: For an extra indulgence, serve slices of cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Conclusion

This lattice cherry pie is a dessert that never disappoints. From the sweet cherry filling to the buttery, flaky crust, every bite is filled with layers of flavor and texture. It’s the perfect pie to serve for holidays, family gatherings, or a weekend treat. By following this simple recipe, you’ll be able to create a homemade pie that looks as amazing as it tastes. Indulge in this delicious classic and treat yourself to a piece of cherry pie today!