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Ina Garten Cherry Pie Recipe

Ina Garten Cherry Pie Recipe

Is there anything quite as delightful as a homemade cherry pie? Especially if it’s from Ina Garten’s mind!

You’ve simply got to give this one a try – I’m so glad I finally did!

For the best results, make sure to chill your pie crust dough before rolling it out, which will help achieve that flaky texture we all adore.

I love how the addition of almond extract really enhances the cherry flavor, adding a delicious depth to each bite.

How to Make Ina Garten Cherry Pie Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 6 tbsp Cold Unsalted Butter
  • 3/4 cup Chilled Vegetable Shortening
  • 5 cups Fresh Cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (small bits)
  • 1 tbsp Sugar, for sprinkling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Step 2:

Combine flour and kosher salt in a large bowl.

Cut in cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles crumbs.

Step 3:

Roll out the crust on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.

Step 4:

In a medium bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice.

Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared pie crust.

Step 5:

Dot the top of the cherry filling with small bits of butter.

Wet the edges of the bottom crust.

Add the top crust and press the edges together to seal.

Step 6:

Make a small cut in the top crust to let steam escape.

Sprinkle the top crust with 1 tbsp of sugar.

Step 7:

Bake for about 50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.

Let it cool on a rack before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

ina garten cherry pie with lemon juice

Use Fresh Cherries

While canned cherries might work, using fresh cherries gives the pie a deeper, more vibrant flavor.

Chill Your Ingredients

Make sure your butter and shortening are well-chilled before mixing them with the flour for a flakier crust.

Mix Gently

When combining the cherries with sugar and other ingredients, do so gently to avoid breaking the fruit.

Allow to Cool

Letting the pie cool completely helps the filling set, making it easier to slice and serve.

Try Different Sugars

Sprinkling coarse sugar on top adds a delightful crunch to your pie crust.

What to Serve with Ina Garten Cherry Pie

Vanilla Ice Cream

A classic accompaniment to cherry pie is a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

The creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor perfectly balance the tartness of the cherries.

It’s a sure way to satisfy anyone who loves a traditional dessert pairing.

Fresh Whipped Cream

If you prefer something lighter, try dolloping some fresh whipped cream on top of your slice.

The airy texture adds a lovely contrast to the dense pie crust.

You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon on the cream for an extra hint of spice.

Lemon Sorbet

Lemon sorbet is a refreshing option that complements the cherry pie’s sweetness.

The tartness of the lemon enhances the cherry flavor, making each bite more enjoyable.

Serve a small scoop on the side for a unique and delightful pairing.

Mixed Berry Salad

For a healthier side, a mixed berry salad can work wonders.

Combine strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries with a hint of mint and a drizzle of honey.

This colorful and fresh option offers a pleasing taste and added nutrients.

Almond Biscotti

Almond biscotti provides a crunchy contrast to the soft pie filling.

The almond flavor in the biscotti pairs beautifully with the cherry’s natural sweetness.

Serve a couple of these crunchy delights to add an unexpected twist to your dessert.

Variations and Substitutions

You can switch things up if fresh cherries aren’t available by using frozen or canned ones.

Remember to adjust the sweetness according to the type you’re using.

Don’t have cornstarch?

Try using tapioca starch or flour to thicken the pie filling.

Adding a splash of almond extract can deepen the flavor and give a delightful twist.

Crust Alternatives

Feel free to experiment with different crusts!

A graham cracker crust adds a nice, crunchy texture.

A shortbread crust can create a buttery base that pairs well with the tart cherries.

Sugar Substitutes

If you’re looking to reduce refined sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup.

You might need to adjust the amount of cornstarch to maintain the right consistency.

Nutty Enhancements

Sprinkle chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling for a wonderful crunch.

This can add a layer of texture that’s really delightful.

Spice It Up

Cinnamon or nutmeg can be added to the filling to introduce some warmth and spice.

Just a pinch can make a big difference in the overall flavor.

Being flexible in the kitchen can lead to some fantastic results.

These variations and substitutions let you tailor the pie to your tastes preferences or dietary needs.

How to Store Leftover Ina Garten Cherry Pie

Room Temperature Storage

For short-term storage, keep your cherry pie at room temperature for up to two days.

Place the pie on a plate or in a pie carrier and cover it loosely with aluminum foil or a clean kitchen towel.

Ensure your indoor environment is cool and not humid to maintain the pie’s freshness.

Refrigeration

For longer storage, refrigerate your cherry pie to keep it fresh for up to four days.

Place the pie in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.

Refrigerating the pie helps retain its texture and prevents it from becoming soggy or stale.

Freezing

If you want to store your pie for an extended period, freezing is an excellent option.

First, place the pie uncovered in the freezer until it becomes solid.

Wrap the frozen pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place it back in the freezer.

Frozen cherry pie can stay fresh for up to four months, preserving its delicious taste and texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skimping on Chilled Ingredients

Make sure your butter and vegetable shortening are extremely cold.

Warm fats can ruin your pie crust’s texture.

I always recommend chilling your ingredients and tools before starting.

Overmixing the Dough

Be gentle with the dough to keep it flaky.

Overmixing can make it tough and less enjoyable.

I suggest stopping mixing as soon as the dough starts to come together.

Neglecting to Adjust Sweetness

Cherries can vary in sweetness, so taste them before adding sugar.

Adjust the sugar according to how sweet your cherries are.

This ensures your pie isn’t overly sweet or too tart.

ina garten cherry pie recipe hdr

Ina Garten Cherry Pie Recipe

Is there anything quite as delightful as a homemade cherry pie?
For the best results, make sure to chill your pie crust dough before rolling it out, which will help achieve that flaky texture we all adore.
I love how the addition of almond extract really enhances the cherry flavor, adding a delicious depth to each bite.
Prep Time40 minutes
Cook Time46 minutes
Total Time1 hour 26 minutes
Course: Dessert
Servings: 8 people

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups All-purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 6 tbsp Cold Unsalted Butter
  • 3/4 cup Chilled Vegetable Shortening
  • 5 cups Fresh Cherries pitted
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 3 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1/4 tsp Salt
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter small bits
  • 1 tbsp Sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F.
  • Combine flour and kosher salt in a large bowl.
  • Cut in cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles crumbs.
  • Roll out the crust on a floured surface and place it into a 9-inch pie dish.
  • In a medium bowl, mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, salt, and lemon juice.
  • Pour the cherry mixture into the prepared pie crust.
  • Dot the top of the cherry filling with small bits of butter.
  • Wet the edges of the bottom crust.
  • Add the top crust and press the edges together to seal.
  • Make a small cut in the top crust to let steam escape.
  • Sprinkle the top crust with 1 tbsp of sugar.
  • Bake for about 50 minutes, until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbly.
  • Let it cool on a rack before serving.

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