Cherry Pie Recipe by Alton Brown That’s Rustic and Sweet

Alton Brown’s cherry pie unleashes a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate with unrivaled grace.

Crimson cherries burst through buttery pastry layers, creating a sensational masterpiece that captivates dessert enthusiasts.

This extraordinary recipe blends traditional techniques with modern culinary finesse, transforming simple ingredients into an unforgettable experience.

Delicate fruit nestles between golden, crisp crusts that whisper sweet promises of indulgence.

Professional bakers and passionate home cooks will marvel at the intricate balance of tart and sweet elements.

Each slice tells a story of precision, passion, and pure gastronomic delight.

Get ready to fall in love with a dessert that redefines the art of pie-making.

Directions to Make Cherry Pie

• Whip Up Tender Pie Pastry

Mix flour and salt in a bowl, then slice cold shortening into tiny bits using knives until the mixture looks like sandy crumbs. Splash in chilled water and gently knead until a soft dough forms.

• Shape and Chill Dough Rounds

Divide dough into two smooth disks, wrap each in plastic, and let them rest in the refrigerator for about an hour to relax the gluten and firm up the fat.

• Craft Bottom and Top Crusts

Roll each disk into delicate circles big enough to cover your pie dish. Drape one layer into the pan, trimming edges neatly. Keep the second disk chilled and ready for topping.

• Create Luscious Cherry Filling

Toss cherries with sugar and cornstarch in a saucepan. Let the fruit release its natural juices, then simmer gently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thick sauce. Stir in a touch of butter and almond extract for depth of flavor.

• Assemble and Bake Pie

Pour the cooled cherry mixture into the bottom crust. Crown with the second pastry round, crimping edges and cutting playful steam vents. Slide into a preheated oven and bake until the crust turns a gorgeous golden brown.

• Cool and Serve

Allow the pie to rest for several hours, letting the filling set and flavors meld. Slice and serve this gorgeous cherry treasure to delighted guests.

Enhancing Cherry Pie Flavor

Swap traditional shortening for cold butter to create an extra-rich, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. The butter technique adds a delightful homemade flavor that elevates the entire pie experience.

Enhance cherry filling by adding a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) or a pinch of cinnamon for deeper, more complex taste notes. These small additions transform an ordinary pie into a gourmet dessert that will impress family and friends.

Cover pie edges with aluminum foil during the first 25 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning. This simple trick ensures a beautifully golden crust without burnt edges, maintaining the pie’s visual appeal and delicate flavor profile.

Prepare pie dough and refrigerate up to 3 days in advance or freeze for up to 2 months. Freezing the dough allows busy home bakers to have homemade pie crust ready whenever a sweet craving strikes, making dessert preparation stress-free and convenient.

Serving Alton Brown’s Cherry Pie

• Serve with Creamy Companions: Pair your cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the tartness of the cherries and add a luxurious, cool contrast.
• Garnish with Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or crushed amaretti cookies on top of each slice to enhance the almond extract's flavor and add a delightful textural element.
• Create Dessert Presentation: Place a slice on a rustic wooden board, dust with powdered sugar, and add a small mint leaf for an elegant, Instagram-worthy dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
• Enjoy Temperature Variations: Serve the pie slightly warm for a comforting treat or completely cooled for a refreshing summer dessert, allowing the flavors to fully develop and intensify.

Keeping Cherry Pie Fresh Longer

• Preserve Pie Perfection: Keep your cherry pie fresh and delightful with these smart storage tips.
• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its flaky crust and prevent moisture buildup.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Shield your pie from freezer burn by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Frozen pies stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Slice and Serve Strategy: Cut clean slices by using a sharp knife dipped in hot water. Wipe the blade between cuts to ensure picture-perfect portions every time. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.
• Room Temperature Magic: Let freshly baked pie rest at room temperature for 2-3 hours. This cooling period helps filling set and allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more delectable dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Alton Brown’s Cherry Pie Ingredient Breakdown

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached, fresh flour for optimal texture and flavor.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and balanced taste.
• Vegetable Shortening: Select high-quality, room temperature shortening for maximum flakiness.
• Cold Water: Use filtered water straight from the refrigerator for the best dough consistency.

• Fresh Cherries: Pick plump, deep red cherries without blemishes or soft spots.
• Granulated Sugar: Opt for pure cane sugar to enhance natural cherry sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Select pure, fresh cornstarch to ensure smooth thickening.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-fat European-style butter for rich, creamy texture.
• Almond Extract: Use pure extract for intense, authentic almond flavor.

• Egg Wash (Optional): Select farm-fresh eggs for golden, glossy crust surface.

Kitchen Tools for Cherry Pie

• Mixing bowl: For combining dry ingredients and forming dough.
• Whisk: To evenly mix flour and salt.
• Two knives or pastry blender: Perfect for cutting shortening into flour mixture.
• Plastic wrap: To cover and chill dough disks.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out pie crust into circular shapes.
• 9-inch pie dish: To shape and hold the bottom crust.
• Baking sheet or plate: For chilling the top crust.
• Non-aluminum saucepan: To cook cherry filling without chemical reactions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring filling while cooking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To accurately measure ingredients.
• Baking tray: To place in oven for even heat distribution.
• Sharp knife: For trimming pie crust edges and cutting steam vents.

Rustic Alton Brown Cherry Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s cherry pie masterpiece blends tart cherries with a flaky, buttery crust. Sweet-tangy filling nestles between golden pastry layers, promising a classic American dessert that delights you with each delectable slice.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1 cup (240 ml) shortening, chilled
• 2 cups (340 g) pitted sour cherries
• 1 ¼ cups (250 g) white sugar
• 10 tsps (15 g) cornstarch
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) butter
• ½ cup (120 ml) cold water
• 1 pinch salt
• ¼ tsp (1 ml) almond extract

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Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: Mix flour and salt in a large bowl, then integrate shortening using pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Dough Chilling: Add ice-cold water to form a compact dough, divide into two disks, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to relax gluten.
3. Crust Shaping: Roll out each dough disk into 11-inch circles, transferring one to a 9-inch pie dish and placing the second on a chilled baking sheet.
4. Filling Development: Combine cherries, cornstarch, and sugar in a non-aluminum saucepan, allowing natural juices to emerge, then cook on medium heat until juices thicken and become translucent.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Remove filling from heat, fold in unsalted butter and almond extract, then cool to room temperature.
6. Pie Assembly: Spread cooled cherry filling evenly in bottom crust, cover with top crust, trim excess dough, crimp edges, and cut steam vents.
7. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius, place pie on preheated baking tray, and bake 45-55 minutes until crust turns golden-brown and filling bubbles slightly.
8. Cooling and Serving: Remove pie from oven and allow to cool completely for 2-3 hours before slicing to ensure proper texture and setting.

Notes

• Keep Dough Cold: Refrigerate dough disks for 30-60 minutes to relax gluten, ensuring a flaky, tender crust that doesn’t shrink during baking.
• Prevent Soggy Bottom: Preheat a baking tray in the oven to crisp up the bottom crust, preventing a wet, unappetizing pie base.
• Control Cherry Moisture: Let cherries rest with sugar and cornstarch to release natural juices, helping create a perfectly thickened, non-runny filling.
• Steam Vent Strategy: Cut small vents in the top crust to release steam, preventing a soggy top and allowing the pie to bake evenly and beautifully.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg