Ina Garten’s Dreamy Cherry Pie Recipe: A Sweet Summer Treat

Summers burst with sweet nostalgia, and this classic cherry pie with Ina Garten’s touch brings pure joy to any dessert table.

Ripe, juicy cherries nestled in a buttery, flaky crust promise a delightful experience that goes beyond ordinary baking.

Her recipe captures the essence of homemade comfort with professional elegance.

The golden-brown pastry promises a crisp, tender bite that melts in your mouth.

Fresh cherries sing with natural sweetness, carefully balanced by a delicate sugar blend.

Every slice tells a story of culinary craftsmanship and seasonal delight.

You’ll fall in love with this irresistible dessert that turns simple ingredients into a remarkable celebration of flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 55 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Making Ina Garten Cherry Pie

• Cherries: Juicy stars of the pie, choose ripe and firm fruits with deep color and no bruises for maximum flavor intensity.
• Sugar: Sweetens the filling and balances cherry's natural tartness, opt for fine granulated sugar for smooth texture.
• Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into luscious pie filling, select fresh, clump-free cornstarch.
• Almond Extract: Adds sophisticated nutty depth to enhance cherry's natural sweetness, use sparingly for delicate flavor.

• Flour: Foundational ingredient for creating tender, flaky pie crust, choose all-purpose flour for consistent results.
• Butter: Provides rich flavor and creates signature flaky layers, use cold unsalted butter for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness, select fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Ice Water: Crucial for binding dough without developing tough gluten, use chilled water from refrigerator.

• Extra Sugar: Sprinkled on top for golden, crispy crust with delightful crunch, use coarse sugar for better texture.
• Butter: Small pieces scattered on filling to add richness and create luxurious mouthfeel, use cold butter for best results.

Tools Required for Ina Garten Cherry Pie

• Medium Pot: Essential for cooking cherries and creating filling.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing sugar and cornstarch.
• Pie Pan (8-9 inch): Holds the entire pie structure.
• Rolling Pin: Helps roll out pie dough evenly.
• Pastry Brush: Useful for wetting pie crust edges.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for cutting steam vents in top crust.
• Cooling Rack: Allows pie to cool properly after baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

Baking Instructions for Ina Garten Cherry Pie

Cherry Filling Preparation

• Cherry Juice Extraction Heat cherries in a pot until they release their natural juices, creating a rich, vibrant base for the pie.
• Thickening Magic Blend sugar and cornstarch into the hot cherry mixture, stirring gently to create a luscious, smooth consistency. Add a hint of almond extract for depth of flavor.
• Pie Crust Foundation Roll out delicate pie dough, carefully dividing it into two beautiful layers that will cradle the cherry goodness.
• Pie Assembly Gently transfer the cooled cherry filling into the bottom crust, dotting with tiny butter pieces for extra richness. Crown the pie with the second crust, crimping edges and creating a small steam vent for perfect baking.
• Baking Transformation Place the pie in a preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece. Let it rest and settle after baking, capturing all the delicious juices and flavors.

Tips and Flavors for Ina Garten Cherry Pie

• Replace fresh cherries with frozen or canned varieties, adjusting sugar levels based on their natural sweetness and liquid content.
• Add a splash of bourbon or brandy to the cherry filling for a sophisticated, warming undertone that complements the fruit's natural sweetness.
• Experiment with lattice designs, braided edges, or cookie cutter shapes on top of the pie to make your dessert visually stunning and uniquely personal.
• Mix sweet and tart cherries together for a more complex flavor profile and prevent the filling from becoming too one-dimensional.

How to Serve Ina Garten Cherry Pie Perfectly

• Serve Fresh and Chilled: Cool the cherry pie completely before slicing to let the filling set properly, ensuring clean and beautiful pie wedges that hold their shape.
• Pair with Creamy Companions: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream to complement the warm, tart cherry flavors and add a delightful contrast.
• Create a Delightful Presentation: Dust the pie with powdered sugar just before serving to add an elegant touch and make the golden-brown crust look even more appetizing.
• Enjoy Temperature Variations: Serve the pie slightly warm for a gooey, comforting dessert or at room temperature for a more structured texture that highlights the cherry filling's rich flavor profile.

Save and Reuse Ina Garten Cherry Pie Leftovers

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the cherry pie in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil or plastic wrap to maintain freshness and prevent the crust from getting soggy.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the cooled pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the pie's delicate texture.
• Room Temperature Tips: Keep the pie at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon. Place it on a countertop away from direct sunlight or heat sources to maintain its quality.
• Slice and Serve Strategy: Cut the pie only when you're ready to eat. This helps keep the filling intact and prevents unnecessary moisture from making the bottom crust soggy. Warm individual slices in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes for a freshly baked taste.