Cherry Pie with Creamy Filling: A Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Cherry pie is one of the quintessential desserts that brings a sense of nostalgia and comfort to anyone who enjoys a sweet treat. The addition of a creamy filling elevates the traditional cherry pie to a new level of indulgence. This recipe combines the tartness of fresh or frozen cherries with a rich, velvety custard-style filling, all nestled in a golden, flaky pie crust. Whether served warm or cold, this cherry pie with a creamy filling is sure to impress your guests or become your go-to dessert for family gatherings.

Ingredients

To make the cherry pie with creamy filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Pie Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
  • 2-3 tablespoons ice water
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

• For the Cherry Filling:

  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Creamy Filling:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ¾ cup whole milk
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• For the Topping (Optional):

  • Whipped cream or powdered sugar for garnish

Instructions

Preparing the Pie Crust

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix.
2. Cut the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough starts to come together. Be careful not to add too much water – you want a dough that is firm but not sticky.
4. Chill the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it just a few times until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Making the Cherry Filling

1. Cook the Cherries: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and becomes a glossy syrup. This will take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Cool the Mixture: Once thickened, remove the cherry filling from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla extract.

Preparing the Creamy Filling

1. Whisk the Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Heat the Cream and Milk: In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and milk. Heat over medium heat until just starting to simmer, but not boiling.
3. Temper the Eggs: Gradually add a little of the hot cream mixture to the egg mixture, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling the eggs. Once tempered, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the cream, whisking continuously.
4. Thicken the Custard: Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens to the consistency of custard, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the creamy filling to cool to room temperature.

Assembling the Pie

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll Out the Dough: On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish.
3. Assemble the Layers: Fit the dough into the pie dish. First, spread a thin layer of the creamy filling over the bottom of the crust. Then, spoon the cooled cherry filling on top of the creamy layer. Gently smooth out the top.
4. Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the edges of the crust start to brown too quickly, cover them with foil.
5. Cool: Allow the pie to cool for at least 1 hour before slicing to ensure the filling sets properly.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Cherries: If you have access to fresh cherries, they will give your pie a more vibrant flavor. Frozen cherries can work in a pinch, but be sure to drain excess moisture before using.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with adding spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or almond extract to the cherry filling for additional depth of flavor.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be made a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit overnight helps the flavors meld and the filling to set properly.

If you're looking to make your cherry pie even more exceptional, there are a few extra touches you can add. These tips can help you enhance the texture, flavor, and presentation of your dessert.

1. Adding a Streusel Topping

For an extra crunchy texture, consider adding a streusel topping to your pie. You can make the topping by combining butter, sugar, flour, and a pinch of salt. Simply sprinkle the mixture over the cherry and creamy filling before baking. The streusel will bake to a golden, crispy perfection, adding a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy filling and juicy cherries.

2. Infuse the Creamy Filling with Flavor

While vanilla is a classic flavor that pairs wonderfully with cherries, you can experiment by adding other flavorings to the creamy filling. A teaspoon of almond extract will give it a nutty aroma, while a splash of orange or lemon zest can complement the cherries with a citrusy note. If you want a richer taste, a splash of amaretto or a dash of cinnamon can add a warm, comforting depth to the filling.

3. Chill the Pie Before Serving

Though you might be tempted to dig into your freshly baked pie right away, allowing it to chill for at least 2 hours can significantly improve the texture of the creamy filling. This extra time allows the pie to set, so the slices hold together better when served. The flavors will also have more time to meld, and the pie will taste even more delicious.

4. Make the Crust Your Own

If you’re looking for a twist on the traditional pie crust, try using a graham cracker crust or a ginger snap crust. These alternatives will add a hint of spice and sweetness to the base, making a wonderful pairing with the tart cherry filling and creamy topping. If you prefer a slightly sweeter and crunchier crust, consider adding a tablespoon of sugar to your standard dough recipe.

5. Try Different Types of Cherries

While tart cherries are typically used for cherry pie, feel free to experiment with different types of cherries for varying flavor profiles. Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier can give a milder, more sugary taste. A blend of tart and sweet cherries will offer a balanced flavor that’s neither too sour nor too sweet. Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar in the filling to achieve the perfect level of sweetness for your preference.

6. Serving Suggestions

Serve your cherry pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence. If you're aiming for a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. The refreshing mint and sugar will beautifully complement the flavors of the pie and make it look even more enticing.

7. Freezing for Later

If you have leftovers or want to prepare the pie ahead of time, you can freeze the pie before baking. Simply assemble the pie and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the freezer and bake from frozen, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This is a great option if you need to make a dessert ahead of time or want to save the pie for a later occasion.

The cherry pie with creamy filling is an iconic dessert that blends the tartness of fresh cherries with a smooth, comforting custard-style filling. By incorporating some of the additional tips above, you can elevate this recipe and make it uniquely your own. Whether you stick to the classic flavors or experiment with new twists, this pie will undoubtedly impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Now that you have all the steps and extra ideas for a perfect cherry pie, it’s time to roll up your sleeves, get baking, and enjoy the wonderful results!

Conclusion

This cherry pie with a creamy filling is a versatile and irresistible dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tart cherries and sweet, rich cream creates a flavor experience that is sure to please your taste buds. Whether you serve it at a family dinner, a holiday celebration, or as an afternoon treat with tea, this pie will be a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to top it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a beautiful finishing touch.

Enjoy baking and indulging in this delicious dessert!