Imagine a warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen, promising a delightful dessert that’s both comforting and impressive. This rustic apple pie with dried cherries brings that charming, homemade feel right to your table. The classic sweetness of apples gets a delightful twist from the tart chewiness of dried cherries. It’s a surprisingly easy bake, perfect for beginners, yet elegant enough to impress anyone.
Why You’ll Love This Rustic Pie
You’ll adore this homemade rustic apple pie with dried cherries for its simple elegance and irresistible taste. It perfectly embodies the joy of baking.
- Embrace Simple, Comforting Flavors: This pie captures the essence of homemade goodness with familiar, heartwarming spices. You’ll love its straightforward yet deeply satisfying taste.
- Perfect Blend of Sweet and Tart: The crisp sweetness of apples perfectly balances the bright tang of dried cherries in every bite. Each mouthful offers a delightful contrast of flavors.
- Showcase Beautiful Rustic Aesthetic: Forget fussy perfection; the charm of this pie lies in its beautifully imperfect, handmade look. It’s naturally elegant and inviting.
- Impress Guests Effortlessly: Despite its impressive appearance and gourmet taste, this pie is surprisingly easy to prepare. You can present a showstopper without stress.
- Comforting Dessert for Any Season: While apples and cherries evoke autumn, this pie is a delicious treat year-round. Enjoy it warm during colder months or chilled on a summer evening.
Ingredients
To create your own delicious rustic apple pie with dried cherries, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 1 splash sherry
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 4 Organic Gala Apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 (3 ounces) package Dried Tart Cherries
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 pre-made pie crusts
- 1 teaspoon canela (ground cinnamon)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar garnish
- Caramel Dessert Sauce, as needed, for serving
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right ingredients enhances your pie’s flavor and texture. Feel free to customize to your liking.
- Best Apples for Pie: For a delicious rustic apple pie, use a mix of apples for balanced flavor and texture. Gala provides sweetness, while Granny Smith adds tartness and holds its shape well. Honeycrisp offers a good crisp texture. For a more in-depth guide to selecting the ideal fruit, explore various sources on the best apple varieties for pie.
- Substituting Cherries: Dried tart cherries add a unique chew and tang. If you prefer, you can use fresh or frozen tart cherries, but you may need to increase the cornstarch slightly to absorb extra moisture.
- Homemade vs. Store-Bought Pie Crust: Pre-made pie crusts make this recipe quick and easy, perfect for beginners. If you have time and experience, a homemade butter crust adds an extra layer of flavor and flakiness.
- Spice Variations: Canela is a type of cinnamon stick, ground for a finer flavor. You can use regular ground cinnamon. For added warmth, consider a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or a touch of ground ginger.
- Sherry Alternatives or Omissions: The sherry adds a subtle depth of flavor. If you prefer not to use it, simply omit it or substitute with a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar for a hint of acidity, or an equal amount of apple juice.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes baking a breeze. You likely have most of these items already in your kitchen.
- 9-inch pie dish (ceramic or glass works best for even baking)
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paring knife and apple peeler/corer
- Whisk or spoon
- Rolling pin (if modifying crust)
- Baking sheet (for catching drips and easy transport)
Instructions
Baking this delightful rustic apple pie with dried cherries is a straightforward process. Follow these steps for a beautiful and delicious result.
1. Prepare the Filling
Begin by preparing the flavorful heart of your pie. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the apple juice, sherry, brown sugar, and melted, cooled unsalted butter. Whisk these wet ingredients together until well combined and the sugar begins to dissolve. Next, add your peeled, cored, and sliced Gala apples along with the dried tart cherries to the bowl. Sprinkle the two tablespoons of cornstarch over the fruit mixture. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring the cornstarch coats all the fruit evenly. This step is crucial for thickening the filling. Allow the mixture to stand for 15 minutes. This resting period lets the cornstarch begin to hydrate and the apples release some of their juices, creating a more cohesive filling.
2. Assemble the Pie
Now, it’s time to assemble your beautiful rustic apple pie with dried cherries. Take one of your pre-made pie crusts and carefully place it into your 9-inch pie dish. Gently press it into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the apple and dried cherry filling directly into this prepared pie shell, mounding it slightly in the center. Next, prepare your cinnamon sugar topping. In a small bowl, mix together the 1 teaspoon of ground canela (cinnamon) and 2 teaspoons of granulated sugar garnish. Evenly sprinkle this aromatic mixture over the top of the fruit filling. Take your second pre-made pie crust and slice it into eight 1/2-inch-thick strips. Artfully drape these strips over the filled pie shell in a criss-cross, lattice-like pattern. Finally, carefully pinch the edges of the top crust strips and the bottom crust together to fasten them securely. You can crimp them decoratively for a more rustic edge.
3. Bake the Pie
Your assembled rustic apple pie with dried cherries is now ready for the oven. Place the pie dish on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips and make it easier to transfer. Bake in your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, then check for a golden brown crust and a bubbling filling. Keep an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning; you may need to loosely tent the edges with foil after about 15 minutes. The total baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your apples, but aim for the filling to be bubbling thickly in the center and the crust to be deep golden. Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack. It is crucial to cool the pie completely for at least 3-4 hours before slicing. This allows the filling to properly set, preventing a runny mess when you cut into your delicious creation.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect rustic apple pie with dried cherries is easy with these helpful hints. They’ll ensure your pie is a success every time.
- Achieving a Truly Rustic Look: Don’t stress over perfection! The beauty of a rustic pie is its charming imperfections. Embrace slightly uneven lattice strips or a naturally crimped edge for an authentic, homemade appearance.
- Preventing a Soggy Bottom Crust: Ensure your filling isn’t too wet by allowing the apples to stand with cornstarch. For extra insurance, you can brush the bottom crust lightly with an egg white before adding the filling, or even pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before filling.
- Ensuring Perfectly Tender Apples: Slice your apples to a consistent thickness, about 1/4 inch. This ensures they cook evenly. Allowing the filling to rest for 15 minutes before baking also helps draw out some moisture and tenderize the apples.
- Tips for a Beautiful Lattice: Chill your pie crust dough for 10-15 minutes before slicing the strips. This makes them easier to handle and prevents stretching. Use a ruler and a pizza cutter for more uniform strips, but don’t worry if they’re not absolutely perfect.
- Troubleshooting Over/Under-Baking: If your crust is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with aluminum foil. If the filling isn’t bubbling after the recommended time, continue baking until it is. A bubbling filling indicates the starches have activated and the pie is cooked through.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make the most of your rustic apple pie with dried cherries with these serving, storage, and variation ideas.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Warm with Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that melts beautifully into the warm fruit.
- Add a Dollop of Whipped Cream: Light, airy whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the rich pie.
- Drizzle with Caramel Dessert Sauce: The provided Caramel Dessert Sauce adds an extra layer of sweet, buttery richness.
Storage Instructions
- Store at Room Temperature Safely: A baked pie can sit loosely covered on the counter for up to two days. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides valuable information on safe storage guidelines for fruit pies.
- Refrigerate for Extended Freshness: For longer storage, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days.
- Tips for Freezing Baked Pie: Wrap the cooled, baked pie tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations
- Different Fruit Combinations: Experiment with pears, cranberries, or a mix of berries alongside or instead of cherries.
- Add Nuts or Crumble Topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before the lattice, or create a simple oat crumble topping.
- Glaze or Egg Wash Options: For a golden, shiny crust, brush the lattice with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) before baking. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar for sparkle.
Nutrition
This rustic apple pie with dried cherries offers a delightful balance of flavors. Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes. Apples and cherries contribute dietary fiber and antioxidants to this delicious dessert.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1/8 of pie) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Total Fat | 15-20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8-10g |
| Cholesterol | 20-30mg |
| Sodium | 150-200mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50-60g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3-5g |
| Total Sugars | 30-40g |
| Protein | 3-5g |
FAQ
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers! Here are some common queries about making this delicious pie.
- Which apples are best for rustic pie? A mix of firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala works best. They offer a great balance of sweet-tart flavor and maintain texture during baking, perfect for a rustic apple pie with dried cherries.
- Can I use frozen pie crust? Yes, absolutely! Pre-made frozen pie crusts are a fantastic time-saver. Simply thaw them according to package directions before using for assembly.
- How to prevent a soggy crust? Ensure your filling isn’t too watery, and consider brushing the bottom crust with a little egg white before adding the filling. Baking the pie on a hot baking sheet can also help crisp the bottom.
- Can I make this pie ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. You can also bake the entire pie the day before serving, letting it cool completely before storing.
- Is it possible to freeze leftover pie? Yes, you can freeze individual slices or the entire leftover pie. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn, and it will keep well for up to three months.
Conclusion
You’ve mastered the art of creating a truly special dessert. This rustic apple pie with dried cherries is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy the simple pleasures of homemade baking. With its inviting aroma, perfect balance of sweet and tart, and charming rustic appeal, it’s destined to become a family favorite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and bake this elegant yet easy pie. Share your beautiful rustic apple pie with dried cherries creations with us, and savor every delicious bite!