If you're looking for a classic American dessert that's perfect for any occasion, you can't go wrong with a homemade cherry pie. This sweet and tangy treat is delicious on its own, but it's even better served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
- 4 cups pitted fresh cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
Start by making the crust. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the chilled butter and use a pastry cutter or your hands to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Flatten the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface until it's approximately 1/8 inch thick. Transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish and trim any excess dough around the edges.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and almond extract. Stir until the cherries are coated in the mixture. Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust and dot the top with small pieces of butter.
Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.