Classic cherry pie recipe that always produced an old fashioned, homemade flavor and texture. This simple recipe is perfect for serving during the holidays or any time of year for a tasty family dessert.
If you like homemade cherry pie, then you’re going to love this recipe! The flavor is one of the best I’ve ever had, and it’s so quick and easy to make.
I love the wonderful, homestyle aroma it fills the house with, and the only thing that tops it is the amazing flavor.
This is a great pie to make for the holidays or when you want to serve the family an easy yet flavor packed dessert.
Make sure to bookmark or pin this recipe so you can find it the next time you’re craving a classic cherry pie.
This recipe can be made with a homemade, or premade pie crust. Both work wonderfully, so it comes down to how much time you have. If you want a great homemade crust for your cherry pie, you will find great options below.
Pie Tip
Save this recipe for later: Cherry pie using frozen cherries
How to Make an Old Fashioned Style Cherry Pie from Scratch
If you’ve ever been to Treat Dreams before then you may have noticed a trend. I love simple recipes that provide a great flavor.
There’s nothing wrong with complex recipes (I have a number of those too) but there’s nothing better than only needing minutes to create great, homemade desserts.
And when it comes to cherry pies, this recipe combines amazing flavor without taking long to make.
In fact, prep time is just minutes and bake time is under an hour. I have a feeling you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular dessert rotation!
Have you ever had the bottom of your pie crust turn out soggy? One simple way to prevent a soggy bottom crust is adding a layer of crushed corn flakes before adding in your pie filling. It absorbs the excess liquid and produces a great crust texture.
Pie Crust Tip
Pin this great recipe: Canned cherry pie
Recipe Ingredients
This recipe has been in the family for at least three generations. And one of the things I love most about old fashioned recipes is that they tend to call for common ingredients.
And this cherry pie is made with simple ingredients that you likely have on hand already. And even if you don’t, they are easy to find at almost any grocery store.
Ingredients List
- Pitted Tart Cherries (canned, fresh, or frozen)
- Cherry Juice
- Tapioca
- Granulated Sugar
- Salt
- Almond Extract
- Butter
- Pie Crust (top and bottom)
Cherries: No old fashioned cherry pie would be complete without using tart cherries. When in season, I go with fresh, but canned works great too. Just make sure to drain them if going with canned. I have used frozen too, but you may need to add a small amount more tapioca to account for the added liquid when the cherries thaw.
Cherry Juice: When using canned cherries, I reserve the cherry juice and add extra if needed to get to a half cup of juice total.
Almond Extract: This is another required ingredient for capturing that classic cherry pie flavor. I do not recommend omitting or substituting unless you are fine with a different final flavor.
Pie Crust Options
I’ve gone with premade and homemade pie crust for this recipe, and both work great. I recommend going homemade if you have the time to make one.
It’s one of the easiest ways to elevate the flavor of your pie. And there are so many great pie pastry recipes out there to choose from.
But if you need a great pie crust recipe, the below options are some of my personal favorites.
Note: You will need two 9″ crusts. One for the bottom and one for the top of your pie.
Simple Step by Step Instructions
Like I was saying, there’s nothing better than a great tasting pie that’s easy to make. And this cherry pie literally only takes minutes to prepare.
You’re going to need a mixing bowl and a pie pan. I stir by hand, so you don’t even need a mixer!
Note: If making your own crust, prepare it before moving one.
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line pie pan with one of your crusts.
Step 2: Add your cherries, cherry juice, tapioca, salt, sugar, and almond extract to mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
Step 3: Allow mixture to stand for 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Pour cherry pie filling into crust lined pie pan.
Step 5: Crumble butter on top of filling.
Step 6: Add top crust and pinch together edges. Cover edge of crust with aluminum foil.
Note: Cut slits into top crust for ventilation. Or, you can go with a lattice top crust.
Step 7: Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Your pie is done when crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling up.
Step 8: Cool pie on wire rack. Serve warm or cool and enjoy!
Old Fashioned Cherry Pie
Equipment
- 1 9" pie pan
- 1 Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Tart Cherries pitted, drained if canned
- ½ Cup Cherry Juice
- 2½ Tbs Tapioca
- 1 Cup Granulated Sugar
- ⅙ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Almond Extract
- 1½ Tbs Butter
- 2 9" Pie Crusts
Instructions
- Note: If making your own crust, prepare it before moving one.
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Line pie pan with one of your crusts.
- Add your cherries, cherry juice, tapioca, salt, sugar, and almond extract to mixing bowl. Stir until evenly combined.
- Allow mixture to stand for 10-15 minutes.
- Pour cherry pie filling into crust lined pie pan.
- Crumble butter on top of filling.
- Add top crust and pinch together edges. Cover edge of crust with aluminum foil.
- Note: Cut slits into top crust for ventilation. Or, you can go with a lattice top crust.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes. Your pie is done when crust is golden brown and filling is bubbling up.
- Cool pie on wire rack. Serve warm or cool and enjoy!
Nutrition
Liv’s Old Fashioned Cherry Pie Recipe Notes
- Whether you go with a homemade or premade crust, be sure to have two. One for the bottom of your pie and one for the top.
- You can do a solid top crust with slits, or an old fashioned lattice crust. Both work great, just go with the presentation you prefer.
- If desired, serve your pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Store your pie covered at room temperature or in the refrigerator.