Nothing says classic American dessert quite like a perfectly baked cherry pie, with its flaky, golden crust and sweet-tart filling.
Whether you prefer traditional recipes passed down through generations or modern interpretations with unique twists, the right cherry pie can become your signature dish.
We’ve carefully selected six outstanding cherry pie recipes that range from classic double-crust versions to innovative variations featuring amaretto, streusel toppings, and even a no-bake option.
Each recipe offers detailed instructions and tips to help you create a memorable dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Classic Lattice-Topped Cherry Pie with Almond Extract
Transform fresh cherries into a stunning lattice-topped pie that combines sweet-tart flavors with a hint of almond.
This classic dessert features a flaky, golden-brown crust filled with juicy cherries and a touch of almond extract that elevates the traditional recipe to new heights.
Ingredients:
• 4 cups pitted fresh cherries
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 2 tablespoons coarse sugar for topping
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, salt, and lemon juice in a large bowl.
Step 3: Line a 9-inch pie dish with one pie crust and pour in the cherry mixture.
Step 4: Cut the second crust into ½-inch strips for lattice.
Step 5: Create the lattice pattern by weaving strips over and under each other.
Step 6: Trim excess dough and crimp edges decoratively.
Step 7: Brush lattice with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 8: Bake for 45-50 minutes until crust is golden and filling bubbles.
Step 9: Cool completely for at least 3 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: Place a baking sheet under your pie while it bakes to catch any potential overflow. For the perfect slice, let your pie cool completely – rushing this step will result in a runny filling that won’t hold its shape.
Rustic Sour Cherry and Vanilla Bean Farmhouse Pie
Transport yourself to a charming countryside kitchen with this delightfully tart and sweet farmhouse pie.
The combination of fresh sour cherries and fragrant vanilla beans creates a perfectly balanced filling, while the rustic, hand-crimped crust adds that homemade touch that makes this dessert truly special.
Ingredients:
• 2½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• ¼ cup ice water
• 4 cups fresh sour cherries, pitted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 vanilla beans, split and scraped
• 1 large egg (for egg wash)
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms. Divide into two discs, wrap, and chill for 1 hour.
Step 3: Combine pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, vanilla bean seeds, and lemon juice in a bowl.
Step 4: Roll out one dough disc and line a 9-inch pie dish. Fill with cherry mixture.
Step 5: Roll out second disc and create a lattice top or full coverage with decorative vents.
Step 6: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with sugar.
Step 7: Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.
Pro Tip: Let your pie cool for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly. If your cherries are particularly juicy, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent a runny filling.
Dark Chocolate Cherry Pie with Cocoa Crust
Indulge in this decadent dessert that combines the richness of dark chocolate with the tartness of cherries, all nestled in a homemade cocoa crust.
This pie strikes the perfect balance between sweet and bitter, making it an impressive finale to any dinner party or a special weekend treat.
Ingredients:
For the Cocoa Crust:
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• ¾ cup cold butter, cubed
• 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Filling:
• 4 cups pitted fresh cherries
• 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step 1: Mix flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar in a food processor. Pulse in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 2: Add ice water gradually until dough forms. Wrap and chill for 1 hour.
Step 3: Roll out dough and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Blind bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Heat cream until nearly boiling, pour over chocolate, and stir until smooth.
Step 5: Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla into the chocolate mixture.
Step 6: Arrange cherries in the pre-baked crust and pour chocolate mixture over them.
Step 7: Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until filling is set but still slightly jiggly.
Pro Tip: For the perfect slice, let your pie cool completely for at least 4 hours before cutting. If your cherries are particularly juicy, toss them with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before adding to prevent a soggy bottom.
Bourbon-Infused Black Cherry Deep Dish Pie
Indulge in this luxurious deep dish pie that combines the sweet-tart flavors of black cherries with the warming notes of bourbon.
This show-stopping dessert features a buttery, flaky crust filled with juicy cherries and a hint of vanilla, perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests.
Ingredients:
• 2½ lbs fresh black cherries, pitted
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup bourbon
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract
• 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for topping
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Mix cherries, sugar, bourbon, cornstarch, and extracts in a large bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Line a 9-inch deep dish pie pan with bottom crust, leaving a slight overhang.
Step 4: Pour cherry mixture into crust and dot with butter pieces.
Step 5: Cover with top crust, crimp edges, and cut slits for venting.
Step 6: Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes until golden brown and filling bubbles.
Step 8: Cool for at least 3 hours before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent a soggy bottom crust, place your pie on the lowest oven rack and brush the bottom crust with beaten egg white before adding the filling. For the best results, use fresh cherries when they’re in season, typically during summer months.
Streusel-Topped Tart Cherry and Cream Pie
Streusel-Topped Tart Cherry and Cream Pie combines the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, crowned with a buttery crumb topping.
This delightful dessert features a creamy filling studded with juicy tart cherries, all nestled in a flaky pie crust.
Your family will love this show-stopping pie that’s perfect for any special occasion or holiday gathering.
Ingredients:
• 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
• 4 cups tart cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
For the Streusel Topping:
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ⅓ cup cold butter, cubed
• ½ cup chopped pecans
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Beat cream cheese until smooth, then mix in sugar, eggs, and vanilla until well combined.
Step 3: Fold in flour and cherries gently.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into your pre-baked pie crust.
Step 5: Make the streusel by combining flour and brown sugar, then cut in cold butter until crumbly.
Step 6: Mix in pecans and sprinkle the streusel evenly over the filling.
Step 7: Bake for 45-50 minutes until the center is set and topping is golden brown.
Step 8: Cool completely before serving.
Pro Tip: To prevent your streusel from sinking into the filling, chill the assembled pie for 15 minutes before baking. If using frozen cherries, make sure to drain them thoroughly to avoid a runny filling.
Honey-Sweetened Fresh Cherry Crumble Pie
Transform fresh, juicy cherries into a delightful dessert that perfectly balances sweet and tart flavors.
This rustic pie features a buttery crumble topping and uses natural honey as a sweetener, making it a healthier alternative to traditional sugar-laden pies.
Ingredients:
For the filling:
• 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 prepared pie crust
For the crumble topping:
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Line a 9-inch pie dish with your prepared crust and refrigerate while preparing the filling.
Step 3: Mix cherries, honey, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla in a large bowl.
Step 4: Combine oats, flour, and cinnamon in a separate bowl.
Step 5: Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 6: Drizzle honey over the crumble mixture and mix until just combined.
Step 7: Pour cherry filling into the prepared crust.
Step 8: Sprinkle crumble topping evenly over cherries.
Step 9: Bake for 45-50 minutes until filling bubbles and topping browns.
Pro Tip: To prevent the edges from burning, cover the pie’s rim with aluminum foil for the first 30 minutes of baking. Let the pie cool for at least 3 hours before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a cherry pie filling thicken properly without becoming too runny?
Combine 4 tablespoons of cornstarch with your cherry mixture and cook until bubbling. Let the filling cool completely before adding it to your crust to ensure proper thickness.
How can you prevent a soggy bottom crust in your cherry pie?
Pre-bake your bottom crust for 10 minutes at 375°F before adding the filling. Brush the crust with egg wash to create a barrier between the filling and dough.
Should you use sweet or tart cherries for the best pie flavor?
Use tart cherries like Montmorency for traditional pie flavor and better texture control. Mix with sweet cherries in a 3:1 ratio if you prefer a balanced sweetness.
What’s the ideal baking temperature and time for a perfect cherry pie?
Start at 425°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 375°F for another 30-35 minutes. Look for golden-brown crust and bubbling filling through the vents.
How long should you let your cherry pie cool before serving?
Allow your pie to cool for at least 3-4 hours at room temperature. This ensures the filling sets properly and won’t run when you cut into it.
Final Thoughts
These six cherry pie recipes offer something for everyone, from classic lattice-topped versions to creative variations with almond and vanilla accents.
Remember to select fresh, ripe cherries when in season, or opt for quality frozen ones during off-peak months.
Don’t rush the cooling process – it’s crucial for achieving that perfect slice.
Whether you choose the traditional route or experiment with unique additions, your homemade cherry pie will surely impress.
Just remember: a little patience and attention to detail will reward you with a deliciously memorable dessert.
