There’s nothing quite as comforting and celebratory as a homemade Foolproof Cherry Pie. With a flaky, buttery crust and a vibrant cherry filling that’s always the perfect balance of sweet and tart, this pie is a guaranteed winner—whether you’re baking for the holidays or just an ordinary weekend dessert. You’ll love how approachable this recipe is, and by the end, you’ll have a show-stopping dessert that really lives up to its foolproof name!

Foolproof Cherry Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about simple, quality ingredients working their magic together. Every item here, from the juicy cherries to the splash of almond extract, plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or the gorgeous, deep-red color that makes Foolproof Cherry Pie truly irresistible.

All-butter pie crust: For best results, use a homemade crust; the butter ensures a flaky texture and rich flavor that supports the cherry filling beautifully.
Cherries (2 pounds, pitted, fresh or frozen): Choose ripe, juicy cherries—fresh for a summery brightness, frozen for convenience and consistent results all year.
Cornstarch (3 tablespoons): The thickener that helps transform cherry juices into luscious, sliceable filling—no runny pie here!
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Just enough sweetness to highlight the cherries without overwhelming their natural flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors and keeps your pie from tasting flat.
Vanilla extract (3 teaspoons): Lends warm, aromatic undertones and rounds out the cherry flavor beautifully.
Almond extract (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way—this hint of almond is classic in cherry pie and makes the flavor pop.
Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brings brightness and helps balance the sweetness of the filling.
Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, cubed): Melts into the filling for added richness and helps create that glossy finish.
Egg (1 large): Whisked into a wash for the crust, it gives a golden, shiny finish once baked.
Water (2 teaspoons): Combined with the egg for the perfect egg wash consistency.
Sparkling sugar (2 tablespoons, optional): For a sparkling, bakery-style finish on your crust—totally optional but adds extra flair!

How to Make Foolproof Cherry Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Bottom Crust

Start by prepping your all-butter pie dough. Remove it from the refrigerator about 10 minutes before you roll it out so it’s supple, but not too soft. On a lightly floured surface, roll from the center outward, rotating the dough after each roll. This keeps it even and prevents the dough from sticking or tearing. Gently place the rolled dough into your buttered pie pan, nestling it into every corner without stretching. Trim the edges for a neat overhang, and then chill the crust—an essential step to guarantee it will bake up crisp and flaky!

Step 2: Make and Chill the Lattice Strips

With the second batch of dough, roll out a 12-inch circle and slice it into strips, thick or thin as you like—this is where you can get creative! Place these on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until you’re ready to build your beautiful Foolproof Cherry Pie. Chilling the lattice strips helps them hold their shape while you weave them over the filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Cherry Filling

Combine your pitted cherries, cornstarch, sugar, salt, vanilla and almond extracts, and that vital squeeze of lemon juice in a saucepan. Simmer gently on medium-high while stirring constantly—this prevents sticking and ensures every cherry gets enveloped in the thickening juices. Once the mixture’s glossy and thickened, cool it to room temperature. This optional patience pays off, resulting in a perfectly sliceable pie.

Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven so it’s nice and hot when the pie goes in. Retrieve both dough components from the fridge. Gently spoon the luscious cherry filling evenly into your chilled pie shell, dot with butter cubes, and then weave your lattice strips over the top. Tuck the edges and crimp for a rustic, homemade look that will wow everyone before they even take a bite. Finish with an egg wash and a generous sprinkle of sparkling sugar, if you’d like that extra crunch and shimmer.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake your Foolproof Cherry Pie at high heat for an initial blast that sets the crust, then lower the temperature so the filling can bubble and thicken without burning. Watch for that deep golden color and bubbling fruit—the hallmarks of a done pie! Cool on a wire rack for at least two hours (yes, patience again!) so the filling sets enough to slice cleanly, revealing those glossy, jewel-like cherries inside.

How to Serve Foolproof Cherry Pie

Garnishes

A dollop of softly whipped cream or a scoop of real vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the tart cherries and flaky crust of your Foolproof Cherry Pie. For extra flair, try a sprinkle of toasted almond slices or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top—each adds a lovely finishing touch without overwhelming the pie’s natural flavors.

Side Dishes

Because this pie is a centerpiece all on its own, keep the sides simple. A small bowl of fresh summer berries or a glass of cold milk makes a light, refreshing pairing. If you want to dress it up a bit, offer a drizzle of warmed chocolate sauce or a pour of cream on the side—something subtle that lets the Foolproof Cherry Pie remain the star.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or bringing this pie to a potluck, try pre-slicing and plating individual pieces topped with cream or ice cream just before serving. You can even serve mini pies baked in small tart pans for a personal touch. For picnic presentations, cut cooled slices and wrap them in parchment for a nostalgic, ready-to-go treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Foolproof Cherry Pie with foil or plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerated for up to four days. If you’re storing in the fridge, let slices come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor before enjoying again.

Freezing

This pie freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil and place in an airtight bag or container, then freeze for up to two months. You can freeze foolproof cherry pie whole, or freeze individual slices for pie-on-demand at any time.

Reheating

To warm slices, pop them in a 300-degree F oven for 10 to 15 minutes until heated through and the crust is crisp again. If you’re reheating a whole frozen pie, bake straight from the freezer at 350 degrees F for about 30-40 minutes, tenting with foil if the crust browns too quickly.

FAQs

Can I use canned cherries for Foolproof Cherry Pie?

You can use canned cherries in a pinch, but drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly since canned cherries are often sweetened. Fresh or frozen cherries are best for texture and flavor.

Do I have to make my own pie crust?

While homemade all-butter crust really elevates this Foolproof Cherry Pie, you can use high-quality store-bought crust in a rush. The filling is so good, it will shine regardless!

What variety of cherries is best for this pie?

Tart cherries like Montmorency are traditional and bring that classic cherry pie flavor, but sweet cherries will also work—just reduce the sugar a bit to compensate.

How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?

Chilling the crust, baking at a high initial temperature, and letting the filling cool before assembly all help keep the crust flaky. You can also bake your Foolproof Cherry Pie on a preheated baking sheet to give the bottom extra heat.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the cherry filling up to two days in advance and refrigerate. This actually makes pie assembly a breeze and improves the flavor as it rests.

Final Thoughts

Baking a Foolproof Cherry Pie transforms simple ingredients into pure comfort and joy, every single time. If you’ve ever worried that pie is too tricky, this recipe will turn you into a cherry pie superstar! Invite some friends, share a slice, and enjoy the delicious tradition you’ve just created.

Foolproof Cherry Pie Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch pie 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible sweetness of a homemade Foolproof Cherry Pie. With a buttery crust and a luscious cherry filling, this classic dessert is sure to impress your family and friends.

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Have ready and refrigerated one batch of foolproof all-butter pie crust. Remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out to fit the pan.
Prepare the lattice strips: Roll out the pie dough, slice into strips, and refrigerate until needed.
Cherry Pie Filling: Simmer cherries, cornstarch, sugar, salt, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon juice until thickened.
Egg Wash: Beat egg and water together.
Assembly and Baking: Fill pie crust with cherry filling, top with butter, create lattice crust, brush with egg wash, sprinkle with sugar, and bake.

Notes

For a glossy finish, brush the baked pie with a simple syrup made of equal parts sugar and water, boiled until slightly thickened.
You can use a mix of sweet and tart cherries for a more complex flavor profile.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American