Unleash Your Inner Pastry Chef: A Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Make Cherry Pie with Graham Cracker Crust

Craving a taste of summer? Look no further than a delicious cherry pie! This classic dessert is perfect for any occasion, and its sweet and tangy filling is a true crowd-pleaser. But what if you want to take your cherry pie to the next level? Enter the graham cracker crust! This simple yet satisfying crust adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor that complements the sweet cherries perfectly. Let’s dive into how to make cherry pie with a graham cracker crust, step-by-step.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need:

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 4 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted and drained
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Additional:

• 1 large egg yolk, beaten (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash)
• Granulated sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Crafting the Perfect Graham Cracker Crust

The foundation of a great cherry pie is a sturdy and flavorful crust. Let’s create that magic with our graham cracker crust:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your crust bakes evenly.

2. Combine the dry ingredients. In a medium bowl, whisk together the graham cracker crumbs and sugar.

3. Add the melted butter. Pour the melted butter into the bowl and stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. The mixture should resemble wet sand.

4. Press into the pie pan. Press the mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring you cover the bottom and sides evenly.

5. Bake the crust. Bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. This pre-baking helps prevent a soggy crust.

6. Let the crust cool. Remove the pie pan from the oven and let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Creating the Cherry Pie Filling

Now that our crust is ready, let’s create the heart of our pie: the cherry filling.

1. Prepare the cherries. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely before using. Pit and drain the cherries, reserving any excess juice.

2. Combine the filling ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the cherries, sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, and lemon juice. Stir gently until well combined.

3. Thicken the filling (optional). If you prefer a thicker filling, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture and stir until fully incorporated.

Assembling Your Cherry Pie

The moment we’ve all been waiting for: assembling the pie!

1. Pour the filling into the crust. Carefully pour the cherry filling into the cooled graham cracker crust.

2. Create an egg wash. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolk and milk or water.

3. Brush the edges. Brush the egg wash along the edges of the crust to create a golden brown finish.

4. Sprinkle with sugar. Sprinkle a generous amount of granulated sugar over the top of the filling.

5. Bake the pie. Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden brown.

6. Let the pie cool. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving. This will allow the filling to set properly.

Tips for Pie Perfection

• Use high-quality cherries. For the best flavor, choose fresh, ripe cherries.
• Don’t overfill the crust. Leave a little space at the top to allow for the filling to expand during baking.
• Use a pie shield. A pie shield will help prevent the crust from browning too quickly.
• Serve with whipped cream or ice cream. For an extra special treat, serve your cherry pie with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

A Taste of Summer in Every Bite

There you have it! You’ve just created a delicious and beautiful cherry pie with a graham cracker crust. The combination of the sweet cherry filling and the buttery, crunchy crust is truly irresistible. Enjoy this taste of summer with your loved ones, and savor every bite!

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust?

A: Absolutely! You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time. Just be sure to pre-bake it according to the package instructions.

Q: Can I use a different type of fruit?

A: You can certainly use other fruits, such as blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Q: How do I store leftover pie?

A: Store leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze the pie?

A: You can freeze the unbaked pie for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Q: What are some other variations for this recipe?

A: You can add a sprinkle of almond extract to the filling for a hint of nutty flavor. You can also add a layer of streusel topping for a crunchy, buttery topping.