What To Know
- A classic cherry pie usually features a buttery, flaky crust made with lard or butter.
- Cut in the vegan butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Cover the pie with the top crust, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
Is cherry pie vegan? This question pops up often, especially for those embracing a plant-based lifestyle. The answer, unfortunately, is not a simple yes or no. It depends entirely on the ingredients used and the recipe. While the juicy cherries themselves are naturally vegan, the traditional pie crust and filling often contain animal products.
The Traditional Cherry Pie: A Vegan’s Dilemma
A classic cherry pie usually features a buttery, flaky crust made with lard or butter. These ingredients are derived from animals and therefore not vegan. The filling, too, can pose a challenge. It often includes ingredients like gelatin, which is made from animal collagen. Even the sugar used might be refined with bone char, another animal product.
Deconstructing the Cherry Pie: A Vegan’s Guide
To determine whether a cherry pie is vegan, we need to break down its components. Let’s analyze each element:
1. The Crust:
- Traditional Crust: As mentioned earlier, the traditional crust uses butter or lard, making it non-vegan.
- Vegan Crust: Thankfully, there are plenty of vegan alternatives for the crust. You can use vegan butter, shortening, or even olive oil. Many vegan recipes also utilize plant-based flours like almond flour or coconut flour for a unique texture.
2. The Filling:
- Traditional Filling: The traditional cherry pie filling often contains gelatin, which is not vegan. It also frequently uses eggs for thickening.
- Vegan Filling: There are various vegan alternatives for thickening the filling. You can use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or even chia seeds. Vegan recipes often use plant-based sweeteners like agave nectar or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
3. The Glaze:
- Traditional Glaze: The glaze on top of the pie is usually made with eggs or dairy products, making it non-vegan.
- Vegan Glaze: Vegan glazes can be made using plant-based milk, like almond milk or soy milk, along with cornstarch or arrowroot powder for thickening. You can also use vegan butter for a richer flavor.
Finding Vegan Cherry Pie: A Journey of Discovery
While making a vegan cherry pie from scratch is rewarding, it’s not always feasible. Fortunately, several options exist for finding vegan cherry pie:
1. Vegan Bakeries: Many vegan bakeries specialize in creating delicious vegan versions of classic desserts, including cherry pie. Check online directories for vegan bakeries in your area.
2. Vegan Restaurants: Some vegan restaurants offer cherry pie on their dessert menu. They often use vegan ingredients and techniques to create a delicious and cruelty-free pie.
3. Grocery Stores: Some grocery stores carry vegan cherry pie options. Look for brands that specifically label their products as vegan. Read the ingredient list carefully to ensure it doesn’t contain any animal products.
4. Online Retailers: Several online retailers specialize in vegan baked goods. You can order vegan cherry pie online and have it shipped directly to your doorstep.
Making Your Own Vegan Cherry Pie: A Recipe for Success
If you’re feeling adventurous, making your own vegan cherry pie is a fun and fulfilling experience. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- For the Crust:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup vegan butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- For the Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup sugar (or vegan alternative)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
Instructions:
1. Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Cut in the vegan butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and almond extract. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Pie: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to a pie plate and crimp the edges. Pour the cooled cherry filling into the crust. Cover the pie with the top crust, crimp the edges, and cut a few slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake: Bake the pie for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let the pie cool completely before serving.
Beyond the Pie: Embracing Vegan Desserts
While cherry pie is a classic, the vegan world offers a vast array of delicious desserts. From vegan chocolate chip cookies to vegan cheesecake, there’s a plant-based treat for every taste bud.
A Sweet Ending: The Vegan Cherry Pie Journey
The journey to finding or creating a vegan cherry pie is a testament to the creativity and resourcefulness of the vegan community. It’s a reminder that plant-based living can be enjoyable and fulfilling, even when it comes to indulging in delicious desserts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is all cherry pie vegan?
No, not all cherry pie is vegan. Traditional cherry pie often contains animal products like butter, lard, gelatin, and eggs.
2. What makes a cherry pie vegan?
A cherry pie is vegan if it uses plant-based ingredients for the crust, filling, and glaze. This includes vegan butter, shortening, plant-based milk, cornstarch, and vegan sweeteners.
3. Can I make a vegan cherry pie at home?
Yes, you can easily make a delicious vegan cherry pie at home using plant-based ingredients. There are many vegan recipes available online and in cookbooks.
4. Where can I find vegan cherry pie?
You can find vegan cherry pie at vegan bakeries, some vegan restaurants, some grocery stores, and online retailers.
5. What are some vegan alternatives to traditional cherry pie ingredients?
Here are some vegan alternatives to common cherry pie ingredients:
- Butter: Vegan butter, shortening, or olive oil
- Lard: Vegan shortening or olive oil
- Gelatin: Cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or chia seeds
- Eggs: Flaxseed “eggs” or applesauce
- Dairy milk: Almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk
