Perfectly Crisp Apple Cherry Pie: Secrets to Flaky Crust

Ingredients

For the Dough:

2.5 cups all-purpose flour (320 grams)
11 tablespoons unsalted butter (160 grams)
0.5 cup sugar (80 grams)
1 large egg
1 egg yolk

For the Filling:

4 apples (500-600 grams)
1.5 cups frozen cherries (300 grams)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
You'll need a large mixing bowl for combining the dough ingredients. Stainless steel is a good option for easy cleaning and durability.
Food Processor
If you prefer not to use your hands for mixing the dough, a food processor can make this task quicker and easier.
Rolling Pin
A rolling pin will help you achieve that perfect thin dough crust. Opt for a non-stick one for smoother rolling.
Pie Dish
A standard 9-inch pie dish works great for this recipe. Ceramic or glass dishes provide even baking.
Sharp Knife
A sharp knife is essential for peeling and chopping the apples finely.
Plastic Wrap
Useful for wrapping the dough and letting it rest in the fridge.

Instructions

Step 1

Preparing the Dough

Cut the butter into small pieces and mix with the flour and sugar. Rub together with your hands until you get a crumbly texture. You can also use a food processor for this step.

Add in the egg and egg yolk, kneading the mixture into a soft dough that doesn’t stick to your hands. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour.

Step 2

Preparing the Filling

Peel the apples, core them, and cut into small cubes. The firmer the apple, the smaller the cubes should be.

Thaw the cherries and drain the excess juice.

Combine the apples, cherries, cinnamon, sugar, and cornstarch in a bowl.

Step 3

Assembling the Pie

Take the dough out of the fridge and warm it up a bit with your hands. Divide it into two parts, one slightly larger than the other.

Roll out the larger part into a thin circle. Carefully transfer it into a pie dish, forming the edges and trimming any excess dough.

Spread the filling evenly over the base.

Roll out the smaller part of the dough and place it over the filling. Trim the edges and seal them with a fork. Make a small cut on top to allow steam to escape.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the pie for 35-40 minutes.

Let the pie cool before serving.

Servings

Ready to dig into your freshly baked Apple & Cherry Pie? Here are some *serving ideas* to make it even more delectable! - **Simple yet Classic**: Serve a warm slice of pie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is simply irresistible. 🍦 - **Cheese, Please**: Have you ever tried pie with a slice of sharp cheddar? It might sound unusual, but the savory cheese complements the sweet-tart filling wonderfully. - **Sweet & Spicy**: Add a dollop of cinnamon whipped cream on top. Just whip heavy cream with a touch of cinnamon and sugar until soft peaks form. - **Perfect Pairing**: Pair your pie with a cup of *steaming hot coffee* or *spiced tea*. The flavors will enhance each other beautifully. No matter how you serve it, make sure to savor each bite. Enjoy! 🥧😋

Variations

Thinking about making this pie gluten-free or vegan? Here are some simple tweaks you can make: - **Gluten-Free**: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend includes xanthan gum for better dough elasticity. - **Vegan**: Use a vegan butter substitute and replace the egg and egg yolk with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). These variations ensure everyone can enjoy this *heavenly pie*, regardless of dietary restrictions! 🌿🍏🍒

Faq

How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown, and the filling bubbly. If you're unsure, insert a knife into the center to check if the apples are tender.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Just make sure to pit them and measure them out to the same quantity stated in the recipe.
How do I prevent my bottom crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake the bottom crust for about 10 minutes before adding the filling. This helps keep it crisp.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Bring it to room temperature before serving or reheat it in the oven.
Why is my dough so sticky?
You might need to add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches a workable consistency. Ensure your butter is cold to avoid this issue.
How do I make decorative edges on my pie crust?
Use a fork to crimp the edges or gently pinch the dough between your fingers to create a fluted design. A lattice top is also a lovely option and easier than it looks!