There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a freshly baked pie wafting through your kitchen, and when that pie is a Gluten Free Cherry Pie, it’s pure comfort food bliss!
This sumptuous dessert captures the essence of childhood memories, picnics, and family gatherings with its vibrant cherry filling encased in a flaky, buttery crust. Trust me, you’ll love indulging in every bite of this easy, satisfying treat that’s perfect for a weeknight dessert or a special occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Cherry Pie
- Nostalgic Comfort: Dive into the velvety cherry filling and let the childhood memories of grandma’s kitchen wash over you.
- Insanely Easy to Prepare: Seriously, you won’t need to be a pro baker to whip this up!
- Perfectly Sweet & Tart: The natural sweetness of cherries, balanced with a hint of tartness, makes each bite a delightful experience.
- A Crowd Pleaser: Whether it’s for a cozy night in or a holiday gathering, this pie will quickly become the star of the dessert table.
- Naturally Gluten Free: Enjoy the flavors you love without worrying about gluten – everyone can indulge!
Ingredients Explained
1. Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This blend mimics the texture of regular flour and is key to achieving that flaky crust.
2. Unsalted Butter: For a rich, buttery flavor and a tender, flaky crust. Keep it cold for the best results!
3. Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cherry filling and helps create a golden-brown crust.
4. Fresh Cherries: Use sweet cherries when in season for the best flavor – they’ll burst with juiciness!
5. Cornstarch: Acts as a thickener for the cherry filling, preventing it from running.
6. Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the sweetness, enhancing the rich cherry flavor.
7. Salt: A small but mighty addition that elevates all the flavors in your pie.
8. Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water): Gives the crust that beautiful golden sheen when baked.
9. Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla rounds out the flavors, making the filling even more comforting.
10. Cinnamon (optional): Adds warmth and depth to the filling for a little extra flavor!
How to Make Gluten-Free Cherry Pie
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for that perfect golden crust.
- Prepare the crust by mixing gluten-free flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Pit and slice your cherries in half, then toss them in a bowl with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it in a pie pan, trimming any excess. Pour in the cherry filling.
- Roll out the second disc for the top crust. You can create a lattice design or simply lay it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush the crust with egg wash to create a beautiful finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown. Let it cool before serving!
Tips for the Best Gluten-Free Cherry Pie
- Chill Your Dough: The colder the dough, the flakier the crust. Don’t skip the cooling time!
- Mix and Match Cherries: For a more complex flavor, try combining sweet cherries with sour cherries.
- Prevent a Watery Filling: Ensure your filling isn’t over-saturated by using the right amount of cornstarch.
- Experiment with Spices: A touch of nutmeg or ginger can add a warm, inviting flavor that pairs beautifully with cherries.
- Serve Warm or Cold: This pie is delicious either way, but serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat!
How to Store
- Fridge: Cover leftover pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: To enjoy your pie warm, pop individual slices in the microwave for 30 seconds or reheat the whole pie in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries for this pie?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess liquid.
2. What can I substitute for the butter?
You can use dairy-free butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version.
3. Is there a gluten-free pie crust that I can buy?
Yes, many stores offer pre-made gluten-free pie crusts. Just check the ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
4. How do I know when the pie is done?
The filling should be bubbling, and the crust should be a beautiful golden-brown.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! This pie works well with blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just adjust the sugar accordingly based on the fruit’s sweetness.
So there you have it! This gluten-free cherry Pie is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home. Enjoy every slice and the delightful memories you’ll create!
Gluten-Free Cherry Pie
Ingredients
For the crust
- 2 cups Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour Key for achieving a flaky crust.
- 1 cup Unsalted Butter Keep it cold for the best results.
- 1 tbsp Granulated Sugar For sweetening the crust.
- 1 tsp Salt Elevates all flavors.
- 1 egg Egg Wash (1 egg + 1 tbsp water) Gives the crust a golden sheen.
For the cherry filling
- 4 cups Fresh Cherries Use sweet cherries when in season.
- 1 cup Granulated Sugar Sweetens the filling.
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice Balances the sweetness.
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch Thickens the filling.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract Rounds out the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp Cinnamon (optional) Adds warmth and depth to the filling.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Mix gluten-free flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add cold water until the dough comes together. Divide into two discs, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Pit and slice your cherries in half, then toss them in a bowl with sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and vanilla extract.
Assembly
- Roll out one dough disc on a floured surface and place it in a pie pan, trimming any excess. Pour in the cherry filling.
- Roll out the second disc for the top crust. Create a lattice design or simply lay it over the filling. Seal the edges and cut slits for steam to escape.
- Brush the crust with egg wash.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown.
- Let it cool before serving.
