This Cherry Apple Pie combines the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of apples, wrapped in a perfectly flaky crust. It’s a delightful dessert that suits any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations. The unique blend of flavors makes this pie a standout choice for both traditionalists and adventurous eaters alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making this pie is a breeze.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of tart cherries and sweet apples creates a delicious balance that will satisfy your taste buds.
- Versatile Dessert: Perfect for any season, this pie can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for any occasion.
- Beautiful Presentation: The golden crust and vibrant filling make this pie not only tasty but also visually appealing.
- Great for Sharing: This recipe yields a generous portion, ideal for sharing with friends and family.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on your cherry apple pie, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Pie dish
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients without spilling.
- Rolling pin: This tool helps achieve the desired thickness of the pie crust for an even bake.
- Pie dish: A good quality pie dish ensures even cooking and makes serving easier.
Ingredients
To make this delicious cherry apple pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Crust:
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 230 g unsalted butter (cold & cubed)
- 140 g ice cold water
For the Filling:
- 4 tart apples (about 700g after peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 300 g red cherries (pitted & halved)
- 50 g brown sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Topping:
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons sugar crystals or coarse sugar
How to Make Cherry Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
To start, mix the flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Add the cold butter cubes and blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water until it forms a dough. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
Step 2: Make the Filling
While the dough chills, prepare the filling. In another bowl, combine sliced apples with pitted cherries. Add brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until evenly coated.
Step 3: Roll Out the Dough
Once chilled, take out one disc of dough. On a floured surface, roll it out into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Transfer it carefully into the dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Pie
Pour your prepared filling into the crust. Roll out the second disc of dough for your top crust or create a lattice design as preferred. Seal edges by crimping with fingers or using a fork.
Step 5: Bake the Pie
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle sugar crystals over it. Bake in preheated oven for about 70 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let your cherry apple pie cool completely before slicing. Serve as is or with whipped cream if desired! Enjoy this delightful twist on classic apple pie!
How to Serve Cherry Apple Pie
Cherry apple pie is a delightful dessert that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a quiet night at home, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve warm slices of cherry apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts in your mouth.
Whipped Cream Topping
- Add a generous dollop of homemade whipped cream on top to create a light and airy contrast to the rich filling.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce adds sweetness and an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the cherries.
A Side of Fresh Berries
- Serve the pie with a side of fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing and fruity complement.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- Pair slices of cherry apple pie with a cup of coffee or herbal tea to balance the sweetness and enhance the dessert experience.
How to Perfect Cherry Apple Pie
To ensure your cherry apple pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Use Cold Ingredients: Always use cold butter and water for the pie crust. This helps create a flaky texture that everyone loves.
Balance Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on the tartness of your cherries and apples. Taste your filling before baking to ensure it’s just right.
Let It Rest: Allow your pie to cool for at least 30 minutes after baking. This helps the filling set, making it easier to slice without spilling.
Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or ginger for extra depth in flavor alongside cinnamon.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Apple Pie
Cherry apple pie can be complemented by various side dishes that enhance its flavors. Consider these tasty options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic pairing that adds creaminess and balances the tartness.
- Fresh Fruit Salad – A light mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness and contrasts nicely.
- Cheese Platter – Sharp cheeses, like aged cheddar, create a savory balance to the sweet pie.
- Chocolate Mousse – Rich chocolate mousse offers an indulgent twist alongside the fruity flavors.
- Caramel Flan – This creamy dessert adds another level of sweetness and richness to your meal.
- Pecan Crumble – A crunchy pecan crumble brings texture and additional nutty flavors that complement the pie well.
- Cinnamon Sugar Donuts – These sweet treats are perfect for those who love more sweetness alongside their dessert.
- Roasted Nuts – A bowl of lightly salted roasted nuts can provide a savory contrast and crunchy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a cherry apple pie can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls you should avoid.
- Bold crust: Not chilling the dough properly can lead to a tough crust. Always use cold butter and refrigerate the dough before rolling it out.
- Bold filling overload: Adding too much filling can cause overflow during baking. Use the specified amounts for apples and cherries to ensure a perfect ratio.
- Bold undercooking: Not baking long enough may leave the pie soggy. Make sure the crust is golden brown and the filling bubbles slightly to confirm it’s done.
- Bold neglecting spices: Skipping spices like cinnamon can dull the flavor. Always incorporate spices for added depth in your cherry apple pie.
- Bold using warm water: Using warm water in your dough can result in a less flaky crust. Stick with ice-cold water for best results.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cherry apple pie in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cherry Apple Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
Reheating Cherry Apple Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking for doneness.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making cherry apple pie.
How do I make my Cherry Apple Pie crust flaky?
To achieve a flaky crust, use very cold ingredients and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent gluten formation.
Can I use frozen cherries in my Cherry Apple Pie?
Yes, you can! Just make sure they are thawed and drained well before adding them to your filling.
What is the best way to prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Pre-bake your crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps set it and keeps it from getting soggy.
Can I customize my Cherry Apple Pie recipe?
Absolutely! You can add other fruits like blueberries or peaches, adjust spices, or even swap out sugar for a sweeter alternative based on your preference.
How do I know when my Cherry Apple Pie is done baking?
Look for a golden-brown crust and bubbling filling. The apples should be tender but not mushy.
Final Thoughts
This cherry apple pie is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with different fruits or spices. Its crispy crust combined with juicy filling makes it an irresistible dessert. Give this recipe a try and delight your family with this delightful twist on classic flavors!
Cherry Apple Pie
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Apple Pie, a perfect blend of tart cherries and sweet apples enveloped in a buttery, flaky crust. This pie is not only a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings and holidays but also an easy-to-make dessert that will impress everyone at your table. With its beautiful presentation and comforting taste, this recipe invites creativity, allowing you to serve it warm with ice cream or topped with fresh whipped cream for a truly enjoyable experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 340 g all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 230 g unsalted butter (cold & cubed)
- 140 g ice cold water
- 4 tart apples (about 700g after peeled, cored, and sliced)
- 300 g red cherries (pitted & halved)
- 50 g brown sugar
- 20 g cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 egg (beaten) for brushing
- 2 tablespoons sugar crystals or coarse sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Blend in cold butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water to form dough. Divide into discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Make the Filling: In another bowl, toss sliced apples and cherries with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla until coated.
- Roll Out Dough: On a floured surface, roll out one disc into a circle to fit your pie dish. Place it in the dish.
- Assemble: Pour filling into the crust and cover with the second rolled-out disc or create a lattice top. Seal edges.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar crystals. Bake for about 70 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Allow cooling before slicing; serve plain or with toppings like whipped cream or ice cream.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 27mg