Cherry pie has a way of feeling like a whole occasion, even when the recipe itself is pretty simple.
This version comes from The Elvis Presley Cookbook, our September Cookbook Club pick of the month, and it checks all the classic boxes: tart red cherries, a sweet filling, a little almond extract, and a golden pastry crust.
Nothing too fussy. Just a very good pie.
Cherry Pie
Makes 4–6 servings
Ingredients
- Pastry for 2 piecrusts, unbaked
- 2½ cups sugar
- Salt to taste
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups canned sour red cherries
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line an 8-inch pie pan with 1 layer of crust.
- In a large saucepan mix together the sugar, salt, and flour. Drain the juice from the cherries, reserving ¾ cup of juice. Add the cherry juice to the saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and pour in the almond extract.
- Place the cherries in the piecrust, and pour the thickened juice over the cherries.
- Roll out the second pastry for the top crust, then cut into even strips. Moisten the edges of the bottom crust with water, and place the top crust over the cherry filling. Press the edges together, trimming off any excess dough. Let the pie stand for 10 minutes, then brush the edges of the crust with milk.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the crust is light brown. Reduce the heat to 325°F and continue baking about 15 minutes more. Let the pie cool before serving.
Why We Like This Cherry Pie
The sour red cherries keep the filling bright instead of overly sweet, while the almond extract gives it that classic bakery-style flavor.
And because the filling comes together on the stovetop first, you get a thick, glossy center without much guesswork.
In other words: old-school pie, low drama.
Cook Along With The Foyer Cookbook Club
This September, we’re cooking from The Elvis Presley Cookbook for The Foyer Cookbook Club.
If you’re looking for an easy cherry pie recipe with a little vintage charm, this is a very good place to start. Add coffee, ice cream, or both. We won’t overcomplicate it.