When cherries reach their peak of sweetness, it’s time to bake a pie. You can use a piecrust cutter to make a decorative top crust that hints at the fruit within, or simply make a lattice crust if you prefer. Use a cherry pitter to speed up the prep work.
Deep-Dish Cherry Pie
2 rolled-out rounds deep-dish piecrust
1 cup (8 oz./250 g) sugar, plus more for sprinkling
2 Tbs. arrowroot
2 Tbs. cornstarch
Pinch of salt
2 lb. (1 kg) sweet cherries, such as Royal Ann, Bing or Rainier, pitted
1 egg beaten with 1 tsp. water
Fit 1 dough round into a 9-inch (23-cm) deep-dish pie dish. Trim the edges flush with the rim of the dish.
Using a cherry piecrust cutter according to the manufacturer’s instructions, cut out the top crust using the second dough round. Refrigerate the dough-lined pie dish and top crust for 30 minutes.
While the crust is chilling, in a bowl, toss together the sugar, arrowroot, cornstarch and salt. Add the
cherries and stir gently to combine. Let stand at room temperature until the dough is chilled.
Position a rack in the lower third of an oven and preheat to 425°F (220°C).
Pour the filling into the chilled pie shell. Place the top crust on the pie, trim the edges flush with the rim of the dish and crimp the edges to seal. Brush the top crust with the egg wash and sprinkle with sugar.
Bake the pie for 20 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C). Bake until the filling bubbles and the crust is golden, 55 to 60 minutes more.
Transfer the pie to a wire rack and let cool for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. Serves 8.
Williams-Sonoma Test Kitchen
