Duncan Hines Cherry Pie Recipe
Picture this: a luscious, juicy cherry pie fresh out of the oven, with a golden-brown crust and a tart, sweet filling. It’s the ultimate comfort dessert, loved by many. If you’re looking for a delicious and foolproof cherry pie recipe, look no further than the Duncan Hines Cherry Pie Recipe. This recipe is a classic and has been enjoyed by generations. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of making the perfect cherry pie using Duncan Hines’ recipe.
The Perfect Cherry Pie Crust
The first step in creating a delectable cherry pie is the crust. The crust serves as the foundation and complements the sweet cherry filling. Duncan Hines’ recipe calls for a traditional flaky pie crust, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the ingredients: You’ll need flour, salt, butter, ice water, and a bit of sugar. Make sure the butter is cold and cut it into small cubes.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Give it a good mix to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Incorporate the butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to have small chunks of butter throughout the dough, as this will create the flakiness.
4. Add the ice water: Gradually drizzle ice water into the mixture while gently incorporating it with a fork. Add just enough water until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in a tough crust.
5. Form the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out.
6. Roll out the crust: Once chilled, place the dough on a floured surface and roll it out into a circle big enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and gently press it into the bottom and sides.
A Flavorful Cherry Filling
Now that we have our perfect crust, let’s talk about the star of the show – the cherry filling. The Duncan Hines recipe utilizes canned tart cherries, which are easily accessible and have just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. Here’s how to make the cherry filling:
1. Drain the cherries: Open the can of tart cherries and drain the liquid. Reserve some of the liquid for later use.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. This mixture will act as a thickening agent for the filling.
3. Combine everything: Gently fold the dry mixture into the drained cherries, making sure that all the cherries are evenly coated. If the mixture looks too dry, add a little bit of the reserved cherry liquid to achieve the desired consistency.
4. Pour the filling into the crust: Once the cherries are well coated, pour the filling into your prepared pie crust. Make sure to distribute the cherries evenly and avoid overfilling the pie.
5. Add the top crust: With the bottom crust and cherry filling in place, it’s time to add the top crust. You can either opt for a solid top crust or create a lattice pattern for added visual appeal. Feel free to get creative!
Baking the Cherry Pie to Perfection
Now that your cherry pie is assembled, it’s time to bake it to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a beautifully golden and delicious pie:
1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Protect the edges: To prevent the edges of the pie crust from getting too brown, you can use a pie shield or create one using aluminum foil. Simply wrap the edges of the pie crust with foil to shield them.
3. Bake and reduce heat: Place the pie on the center rack of your preheated oven and bake it for approximately 45-55 minutes. After 15 minutes of baking, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even and thorough cooking.
4. Check for doneness: To see if your pie is done, insert a sharp knife into the center. If the knife comes out clean and the crust is golden brown, your pie is ready to be taken out of the oven.
5. Cool before serving: Allow the cherry pie to cool for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This will give the filling time to set and prevent it from being runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherries?
Absolutely! If you have access to fresh cherries, you can use them instead of canned cherries. Just make sure to pit the cherries before using them in your pie. You may also need to adjust the amount of sugar and thickening agent used, as fresh cherries can vary in sweetness and moisture content.
Q. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the pie crust ahead of time. Once it’s made, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let the crust come to room temperature before rolling it out for your cherry pie.
Q. Can I add other fruits to the cherry filling?
Certainly! While cherry pie is delicious on its own, you can get creative and add other fruits to the filling for a unique twist. Some popular additions include blueberries, raspberries, or even sliced peaches. Just keep in mind that adjusting the amount of sugar and thickening agent may be necessary depending on the additional fruits used.
Q. How should I store leftover cherry pie?
If you have any leftover cherry pie (which is unlikely!), you can store it in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts
There you have it – a complete guide to making the perfect cherry pie using Duncan Hines’ recipe. From the flaky crust to the flavorful filling, this cherry pie is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is a winner. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients, and let’s get baking!
