Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dessert game! This Bourbon Sour Cherry Pie is not just another ordinary pie - it's a decadent masterpiece that combines the tartness of fresh sour cherries with the rich, warming notes of bourbon. Imagine a golden, flaky crust cradling a luscious filling that's both sweet and complex, promising to transform your ordinary dessert experience into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a curious home cook, this recipe will become your new go-to showstopper that's guaranteed to impress!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups sour cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup bourbon
- 1 pie crust
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This will ensure that your pie crust bakes evenly and becomes golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups of pitted sour cherries with 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 cup of bourbon. Gently stir the ingredients together until the cherries are well-coated and the mixture is evenly combined. Let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cherries to release some of their juices.
- While the cherry mixture is resting, roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface. If you're using a store-bought pie crust, follow the package instructions for preparation.
- Once the crust is ready, carefully place it into a 9-inch pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess crust hanging over the edges, leaving about 1/2 inch overhang.
- Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it evenly. Dot the top of the filling with 1 tablespoon of butter, cut into small pieces, to add richness to the pie.
- If desired, you can create a lattice top using the remaining pie crust. To do this, roll out the second pie crust and cut it into strips. Weave the strips over the filling to create a lattice pattern, then trim and crimp the edges to seal the pie.
- To prevent the edges from browning too quickly, you can cover them with strips of aluminum foil. This is especially useful if you are baking the pie for a longer time.
- Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips, and bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Once baked, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the filling set up properly.
- Serve the Bourbon Sour Cherry Pie warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
Tips
- Cherry Selection Matters: Use fresh, ripe sour cherries for the most vibrant flavor. If fresh aren't available, high-quality frozen cherries work well too.
- Bourbon Brilliance: Choose a good-quality bourbon that you'd enjoy drinking. The alcohol will mostly cook off, leaving behind a rich, deep flavor.
- Prevent Soggy Bottom: Sprinkle a thin layer of breadcrumbs or ground almonds on the bottom crust before adding filling to absorb excess moisture.
- Lattice Like a Pro: For a picture-perfect top crust, chill your lattice strips for 10-15 minutes before weaving to make them more manageable.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the pie to cool completely to let the filling set properly. This prevents a runny filling and helps slice cleanly.
- Make Ahead Tip: This pie can be prepared a day in advance and reheated gently before serving, making it perfect for dinner parties.
- Serving Suggestion: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes this pie from delicious to absolutely divine!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
