How to Make the Perfect Cherry Pie: A Guide to Home-Cooked Syrup

Making a cherry pie from scratch is a delightful culinary experience, and one that can rival the taste of the commercial canned options. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of creating a syrup that perfectly mimics the rich, sweet, and thick filling found in store-bought cherries pies.

Ingredients

About 4 cups pitted and halved fresh cherries 1 to 1.5 cups sugar (adjust to taste) 2 to 3 tablespoons of cornstarch 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (to balance the sweetness) 1/4 cup of water Optional: 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cherries

Wash the cherries, pit them, and halve them. You can also chop them into smaller pieces if preferred.

Make the Syrup

In a medium saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Cook over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries start to release their juices and the mixture begins to bubble. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a couple of tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Once the cherry mixture is bubbling, slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the mixture. Continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the syrup is thick and glossy. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more water to reach your desired consistency.

Cool the Filling

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the filling cool before using it in your pie. Cooling the filling will help it set up a bit more.

Assemble the Pie

Use your favorite pie crust recipe or store-bought and fill it with the cooled cherry mixture. Top with a second crust or a crumb topping. Bake according to your pie recipe instructions.

Tips

Adjust Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your cherries, you may need to adjust the amount of sugar. Flavor Variations: You can enhance the flavor of the filling by adding spices like cinnamon or almond extract. Chill the Dough: If you're making your own pie crust, chilling it before baking will result in a flakier texture.

Enjoy your homemade cherry pie, a quintessential treat that will unquestionably delight your senses!