We're thrilled to share our take on the beloved cherry pie, a timeless dessert that boasts a buttery homemade crust and a luscious fruity filling.

It's no surprise this recipe won first place at the 1999 National Pie Championship! With simple ingredients and a touch of care, this pie will delight your family and guests alike.

Simple Ingredients, Spectacular Results

The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity. For the crust, we'll need all-purpose flour, salt, chilled shortening, and cold water. The filling is a flavorful blend of sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, a touch of butter, and almond extract. Each element combines to create a perfectly balanced dessert that's as beautiful as it is delicious.

Creating the Perfect Pie Crust

We begin by whisking the flour and salt together, then cutting in the chilled shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Next, we mix in cold water by hand until the dough comes together. After dividing it into two disks, we chill the dough to make it easier to roll out. One disk forms the base, while the other becomes the top crust, ensuring our pie has a golden, flaky finish.

Making the Cherry Filling

The filling starts by mixing cherries, sugar, and cornstarch in a saucepan, allowing the juices to release naturally. As we bring it to a boil and then simmer, the mixture thickens into a luscious, translucent delight. Finally, we stir in butter and almond extract for added richness and flavor. Once cooled to lukewarm, the filling is ready to be poured into the prepared crust.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

After filling the bottom crust with the cherry mixture, we cover it with the top crust, sealing the edges and creating vents for steam. The pie bakes at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-55 minutes, emerging with a golden crust and bubbling filling. Allowing the pie to cool for a few hours ensures the filling sets perfectly.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

We love pairing a slice of this cherry pie with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience. If you have leftovers (though we doubt you will), the pie can stay on the counter for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to five days.

Award-Winning Flavor in Every Bite

Whether for a special occasion or a weekend treat, this award-winning cherry pie is sure to win hearts. Let us know how it turns out for you—this recipe is a true treasure, and we're excited to see it grace your table!