Do you remember the first time you tasted a truly great cherry pie? Maybe it was at your grandmother’s house, or perhaps at a cozy diner on a road trip. The tart cherries, the sweet filling, the buttery crust – it’s a classic comfort food that evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia. But let’s be honest, sometimes the thought of making a traditional pie crust can feel a bit daunting. That’s where our secret weapon comes in: a graham cracker crust! This recipe delivers a delicious and easy-to-make cherry pie, combining the timeless appeal of cherry pie with the delightful simplicity of a perfectly sweet and crumbly graham cracker crust, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering, a summer picnic, or just a weeknight treat.
The Magic of Graham Cracker Crust
Why choose a graham cracker crust for your cherry pie? Several reasons make it a winner. First and foremost, it’s incredibly convenient. Forget about chilling dough, rolling it out perfectly, and the anxiety of blind baking! A graham cracker crust comes together in minutes, saving you precious time and effort. The graham cracker crust is also remarkably delicious. Its subtle sweetness and slightly nutty flavor complement the tartness of the cherries beautifully, creating a balanced and harmonious flavor profile. The crumbly texture of the crust provides a delightful contrast to the smooth, juicy cherry filling. And lastly, the graham cracker crust is surprisingly versatile. While perfect for cherry pie, it can also be used as a base for other pies and desserts, making it a valuable addition to your baking repertoire.
Gathering Your Ingredients
Before we begin, let’s make sure you have everything you need to create this amazing cherry pie. The ingredient list is simple and straightforward, focusing on quality and flavor.
For the Graham Cracker Crust
You’ll need the following for the crust:
- One and one-half cups of graham cracker crumbs. You can buy pre-made graham cracker crumbs for extra convenience, or crush your own graham crackers in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
- Six tablespoons of melted butter. Unsalted butter is recommended to control the salt level in the crust, but salted butter will also work; just be mindful of the salt in the rest of the recipe.
- One-quarter cup of sugar. Granulated sugar works perfectly fine, but you can also use brown sugar for a slightly more molasses-like flavor in the crust.
Crafting the Cherry Filling
Now, let’s focus on the star of the show – the cherry filling. Here’s what you’ll require:
- One twenty-one-ounce can of cherry pie filling. Using canned cherry pie filling is the easiest option for a quick and convenient dessert. Alternatively, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. If using fresh or frozen, you’ll need about four cups of pitted cherries. (Detailed instructions for using fresh or frozen cherries are below.)
- One tablespoon of lemon juice. Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tart note that balances the sweetness of the cherries.
- Two tablespoons of cornstarch. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, ensuring your cherry filling is perfectly thickened and not too runny.
- One-quarter cup of sugar. The amount of sugar may need to be adjusted depending on the sweetness of the cherries you are using. Taste the filling as it cooks and add more sugar if needed.
- One-half teaspoon of almond extract (optional). A touch of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds a subtle complexity to the filling.
- A pinch of salt. A small pinch of salt enhances the other flavors in the filling and balances the sweetness.
Creating Your Cherry Masterpiece: Step-by-Step
Now for the fun part! Let’s walk through the process of creating your cherry pie with graham cracker crust.
Constructing the Graham Cracker Crust
- In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened and the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of a nine-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to create a smooth and even surface.
- For a sturdier crust, bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for eight to ten minutes. This will help the crust set and prevent it from becoming soggy. Alternatively, you can skip the baking step for a no-bake crust.
- Let the crust cool completely before adding the cherry filling.
Preparing the Cherry Filling
- If using canned cherry pie filling, skip to the next step. If using fresh or frozen cherries, place the pitted cherries in a saucepan with the lemon juice, cornstarch, sugar, almond extract (if using), and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the cherries soften and release their juices.
- Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the filling thickens and bubbles, about five to seven minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Assembling and Baking the Pie
- Pour the cherry filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for twenty to twenty-five minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is lightly golden brown.
- If the crust edges are browning too quickly, cover them with foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.
- Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is crucial, as the filling will continue to thicken as it cools.
Tips for Pie Perfection
Here are a few extra tips to help you achieve the ultimate cherry pie with graham cracker crust.
When choosing cherries, consider your preference. Canned cherry pie filling is the easiest option, providing consistent sweetness and thickness. If using fresh or frozen cherries, opt for sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier for a more naturally sweet filling. Tart cherries can also be used, but you may need to increase the amount of sugar in the filling.
To prevent a soggy crust, pre-baking the crust helps. Also, avoid overfilling the pie, which can lead to excess moisture. Cooling the pie completely before slicing is also important for the filling to fully set.
Adjust the sweetness of the filling to your liking. Taste the filling as it cooks and add more sugar if needed, especially if using tart cherries. A little extra lemon juice can also help balance the sweetness.
Serving and Storing Your Masterpiece
Cherry pie is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. For storage, leftover cherry pie can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator for up to four days. Be sure to cover the pie loosely to prevent it from drying out.
Variations to Delight
Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking. Here are a few fun variations to try.
For a chocolate graham cracker crust, add two tablespoons of cocoa powder to the graham cracker mixture. This will add a rich, chocolatey flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
Adding a streusel topping is a wonderful way to elevate this recipe. Combine one-half cup of flour, one-third cup of sugar, one-quarter cup of cold butter (cut into small pieces), and one-quarter cup of chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts). Sprinkle the mixture over the cherry filling before baking.
Experiment with different extracts. Vanilla extract is a classic choice, but you can also try almond extract, amaretto extract, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
A Sweet Ending
This cherry pie recipe with graham cracker crust is a delightful combination of classic flavors and effortless preparation. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, offering a sweet and satisfying treat that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a slice of pure cherry pie perfection. Don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to this recipe. Baking is all about having fun and creating something delicious!
We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious cherry pie recipe with graham cracker crust! Please leave a comment and rating below to let us know how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your creations on social media! We’d love to see your beautiful cherry pies. For more delicious recipes and baking tips, be sure to check out our other articles. Happy baking!
