Twin Peaks Cherry Pie

Ingredients

Crust

310 grams (2 1/2 cups) all-purpose flour
0.33 teaspoon (1/3 teaspoon) salt
120 grams (1/2 cup or 1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
60 grams (1/4 cup) sour cream
1 large egg

Filling

600 grams (4 cups) pitted cherries
100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar
30 grams (1/4 cup) cornstarch

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Essential for combining your dry and wet ingredients seamlessly.
Rolling Pin
Crucial for achieving that perfect, even dough – remember to flour it well!
Pie Dish (22 cm)
Choose a pie dish that conducts heat evenly for a crispy crust.
Plastic Wrap
Great for keeping your dough fresh in the refrigerator.
Baking Sheet
Helps catch any filling overflow while baking.
Microwave
For warming up each slice to perfection before serving.

Instructions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly so the butter stays cold. You could also use a pastry cutter or a food processor for this step.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, mix together the sour cream and egg until well combined. Add this mixture to the flour and butter mixture. Knead the dough gently until it comes together. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Don't overwork the dough to keep it tender and flaky.

Step 3

For the filling, if using frozen cherries, thaw and strain any excess water. In a large bowl, mix the cherries with sugar and cornstarch until evenly coated.

Step 4

Divide the chilled dough into two portions: one larger (about 2/3) and one smaller (about 1/3). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the larger portion of dough to fit a 22 cm (9-inch) pie dish. Press the dough into the dish and trim any overhang. Chill the prepared crust in the freezer for 15 minutes. This helps prevent the crust from shrinking while baking.

Step 5

Sprinkle the bottom of the chilled pie crust with breadcrumbs or crushed biscuits to absorb extra moisture from the filling. Add the cherry mixture, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6

Roll out the smaller portion of dough and place it over the filled pie. Trim and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top crust with beaten egg yolk for a golden finish.

Step 7

Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Bake the pie for about 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil.

Step 8

To prevent the filling from spilling, allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. Before serving, heat a slice in the microwave and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream. This pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla or almond ice cream.

Step 9

Indulge in the essence of Twin Peaks with this exquisite cherry pie that captures the charm of the iconic show's setting.

Servings

Imagine a crisp autumn afternoon 🌰🍂, with the smell of baked cherries wafting through the air. This pie is *perfect* to serve after a cozy dinner or at a family gathering.

Top with Ice Cream: There's nothing quite like a warm slice of cherry pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top. 🍦
Pair with Fresh Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds an extra touch of elegance and flavor. 🥄
Enjoy with Coffee: Enhance your experience by pairing your slice with a hot cup of coffee, just like a scene out of Twin Peaks. ☕
Transform into a Breakfast Treat: Believe it or not, a slice of this cherry pie can make your mornings special. Pair it with a fresh cup of tea for a delightful start to your day. 🍒

Variations

Want to make this recipe accommodating for all dietary needs?

Gluten-Free Version: Swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free blend in equal proportions. Make sure your cornstarch is gluten-free as well!
Vegan Version: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute. Use a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water) for the egg, and opt for a dairy-free sour cream. 🌱🍒

Both variations can still deliver the delicious flavor and charming experience that this cherry pie promises. Give them a try!

Faq

How do I prevent my crust from getting soggy?
Chilling the crust in the freezer before adding the filling helps, as well as sprinkling breadcrumbs on the bottom to absorb extra moisture.
Can I use canned cherries instead of fresh or frozen ones?
Yes, you can use canned cherries. Just make sure to drain them well and reduce the added sugar if they are packed in syrup.
What’s the best way to know if the pie is done?
The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling. A 40-minute bake time at 175°C usually does the trick.
Should I pre-bake the bottom crust?
Pre-baking isn't necessary for this recipe as chilling the crust and using breadcrumbs will help keep it crisp.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Absolutely! The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before using.
How do I store leftover pie?
Leftover pie should be stored in the refrigerator, covered. It can last for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for a warm treat!