This Cherry Apple Pie is the ultimate dessert that combines the sweet and tart flavors of cherries and apples in a delightful, flaky crust. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy evening at home, this pie is sure to impress everyone at your table. Its juicy filling and crispy texture make it a unique twist on the classic apple pie, ensuring it stands out on any dessert table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice bakers and experienced chefs.
- Flavorful Combination: The mix of cherries and apples creates a deliciously sweet yet slightly tart filling that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Versatile Dessert: Serve this pie warm with vanilla ice cream or cold as a refreshing treat at any time of year.
- Stunning Presentation: With its beautiful golden crust and vibrant filling, this pie looks as good as it tastes.
- Customizable Recipe: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or spice levels according to your preference.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect cherry apple pie, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the baking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Rolling pin
- Pastry cutter
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Pie dish: A good-quality pie dish ensures even cooking and helps achieve the ideal crust texture.
- Rolling pin: Essential for rolling out your dough evenly for a perfectly shaped crust.
- Pastry cutter: This tool helps blend butter into flour efficiently, resulting in a flaky pastry.
Ingredients
For the Pie 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 Garnish
- 1 egg (beaten)
- 2 tablespoons sugar crystals or coarse sugar
How to Make Cherry Apple Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour and salt.
- Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to blend until crumbly.
- Gradually add ice-cold water until the dough comes together. Avoid overworking it.
- Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2: Make the Filling
- In another bowl, toss together sliced apples, pitted cherries, brown sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Let the mixture sit so that juices can release.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out half of your chilled pie dough on a floured surface to fit your pie dish.
- Transfer the rolled dough into the pie dish and fill with the cherry apple mixture.
- Roll out the second half of dough for the top crust or cut shapes for decoration.
Step 4: Bake
- Brush the top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake in preheated oven for about 70 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Allow cooling before slicing to let filling set properly.
Enjoy your homemade Cherry Apple Pie, bursting with flavors that are sure to delight!
How to Serve Cherry Apple Pie
Serving cherry apple pie can elevate any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy dinners. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this delicious dessert.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve slices of warm cherry apple pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts in your mouth.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- Lightly dust the cooled pie with powdered sugar for an elegant touch that enhances its sweetness without overpowering the flavors.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Add a drizzle of warm caramel sauce on top of the pie or on each slice for an extra layer of indulgence that pairs beautifully with the fruit filling.
Fresh Whipped Cream
- Homemade whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast to the rich flavors of the cherry apple pie, making it a perfect accompaniment.
Pair with Coffee or Tea
- Serving this dessert alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea can create a comforting end to any meal, complementing the flavors wonderfully.
How to Perfect Cherry Apple Pie
To make sure your cherry apple pie turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
Chill Your Dough: Ensure your pie crust dough is well-chilled before baking. This helps achieve that flaky texture we all love in a cherry apple pie.
Use Tart Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith, as they balance nicely with the sweetness of cherries and create a more complex flavor profile.
Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the tartness of your cherries, you may need to adjust the sugar in your filling. Taste test before baking!
Prevent Sogginess: To avoid a soggy bottom crust, pre-bake it for about 10 minutes before adding the fruit filling. This helps seal the crust and keeps it crisp.
Best Side Dishes for Cherry Apple Pie
Pairing side dishes with your cherry apple pie can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent options:
Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy texture contrasts beautifully with the warm pie, offering a delightful blend of temperatures and flavors.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses, particularly sharp cheddar, can provide a savory balance to the sweetness of the pie.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light salad made with seasonal fruits can refresh your palate after enjoying a slice of rich cherry apple pie.
Coffee Cake: Serving coffee cake alongside can create a brunch-like atmosphere that’s perfect for gatherings or afternoon tea.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruits; it’s a healthy option that complements the richness of the pie without feeling heavy.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, serving chocolate mousse provides an indulgent pairing that matches well with fruity desserts like this one.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a cherry apple pie can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Using warm butter: Warm butter can result in a tough crust. Always use cold, cubed butter for a flaky texture.
- Skipping the chilling time: Not chilling the dough can cause shrinkage during baking. Chill the pie crust for at least 30 minutes before using it.
- Overfilling the pie: Overfilling can lead to a messy overflow. Stick to the recommended filling amounts for best results.
- Not adjusting sugar for tart apples: If you use very tart apples, you might need more sugar. Taste your filling and adjust accordingly before baking.
- Ignoring baking times: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your pie and adjust cooking times as needed for a perfect golden crust.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cherry apple pie in the refrigerator.
- Use an airtight container or cover with plastic wrap.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Cherry Apple Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- The pie can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Cherry Apple Pie
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30-60 seconds. This method may make the crust softer.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my cherry apple pie filling thicker?
To achieve a thicker filling, consider adding more cornstarch or flour. This helps absorb excess liquid from the fruits.
Can I use frozen cherries in my cherry apple pie?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to your filling mixture.
What is the best way to serve cherry apple pie?
Cherry apple pie is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How long does cherry apple pie last in the fridge?
Cherry apple pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days when stored properly.
Can I customize this cherry apple pie recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix different types of apples or add spices like nutmeg for additional flavor.
Final Thoughts
This cherry apple pie is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to your taste preferences. Its combination of tart cherries and sweet apples creates a delightful dessert that everyone will enjoy. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite flavors or toppings—give this recipe a try today!
Cherry Apple Pie
Indulge in the delightful fusion of flavors with this Cherry Apple Pie, where sweet cherries and tart apples come together in a flaky crust for a memorable dessert. Perfect for any occasion – from family gatherings to cozy nights at home – this pie is sure to impress. Its juicy filling and crispy texture offer a refreshing twist on the classic apple pie, making it a standout choice at any dessert table. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or enjoy it cold; either way, you’ll be savoring every bite.
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust by mixing flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then add ice-cold water until dough forms. Chill for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine sliced apples and cherries in a bowl with brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla. Let sit to release juices.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out half of the chilled dough into a pie dish, fill with fruit mixture, and top with remaining dough.
- Brush top crust with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for about 70 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 70 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Chill your dough thoroughly to ensure a flaky crust. Adjust sugar according to the tartness of your fruit. For best results, pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes.
