Best Cherry Puff Pastry Pie

Who doesn’t love a good cherry pie? Especially when it’s made with puff pastry that’s crispy, flaky, and just melts in your mouth. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s become my go-to dessert when I want something that looks fancy but doesn’t keep me in the kitchen all day.

The best part about this cherry puff pastry pie is how simple it is to put together. I usually prep it while my kids are doing their homework, and the kitchen fills with that sweet cherry aroma that makes everyone peek in to see what’s baking. Sure, you could make your own puff pastry from scratch, but I’ll let you in on a secret – the frozen stuff works just as well, and nobody will know the difference.

Whether you’re having friends over for coffee or need a quick dessert for a family dinner, this pie hits all the right notes. And if cherries aren’t your thing, you can switch them out for any fruit you like. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder why you ever made pie any other way.

What Kind of Cherry Pie Filling Should I Use?

When it comes to cherry pie filling, you’ve got a few good options at the grocery store. The most common type you’ll find is made with tart cherries (sometimes called sour cherries), which give that classic cherry pie taste we all know and love. If you prefer a sweeter filling, look for ones made with dark sweet cherries – these have a deeper, more mellow flavor. While canned filling is super convenient and works great in this recipe, you can also find premium brands in jars at specialty stores that tend to have bigger cherry pieces and less gel. Just make sure whatever brand you choose isn’t too runny, as this could make your puff pastry soggy. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even make your own filling using frozen cherries and some cornstarch.

Options for Substitutions

Let’s talk about ways you can switch things up with this cherry pie recipe:

• Puff pastry: If you’re out of puff pastry, you can use a regular pie crust instead. Just keep in mind that you won’t get that same flaky, puffy texture. You could also try using crescent roll dough in a pinch, though it will be less crispy.
• Cherry pie filling: While cherry filling gives this pie its classic taste, you can swap it for any other pie filling you like – apple, blueberry, or mixed berry work great. You can also make your own filling using fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.
• Frozen pie crust: No frozen crust? You can make your own using flour, butter, and cold water, or try a graham cracker crust for a different twist. Just remember to pre-bake it according to package directions.
• Powdered sugar: For the topping, granulated sugar mixed with a bit of cinnamon makes a nice alternative. Or skip the sugar and just go with whipped cream or ice cream.
• Fresh cherries: For decoration, you can skip the fresh cherries or replace them with other fresh berries, mint leaves, or a light dusting of cocoa powder.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest challenge when working with puff pastry is temperature control – using it straight from the freezer will make it crack and break, while letting it get too warm will make it sticky and impossible to handle, so aim to thaw it in the refrigerator for about 2-3 hours before use.

A common mistake is not venting your pie properly – be sure to cut several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape, preventing the filling from bubbling over and ensuring your crust stays crispy rather than soggy.

For the flakiest results, avoid stretching or pulling the puff pastry as you place it over the filling, since this can cause it to shrink back during baking and create an uneven top crust.

One final tip: brush the pastry with egg wash before baking for that perfect golden-brown shine, but be careful not to let the egg wash drip down the sides, as this can prevent the layers from puffing up properly.

What to Serve With Cherry Puff Pastry Pie?

This sweet and flaky pie is perfect on its own, but adding a few simple sides can make it even more special! A scoop of good vanilla ice cream is the classic choice – the cold, creamy ice cream pairs so nicely with the warm pie and creates that perfect hot-and-cold contrast. If you’re serving this for afternoon tea or coffee, a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar is all you need. For a complete dessert spread, I like to put out some extras like fresh berries, chocolate sauce, or even a small scoop of cherry garcia ice cream to really play up those cherry flavors.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: Your cherry puff pastry pie will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just cover it well with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The pastry might lose some of its crispness over time, but it’ll still taste great!

Freeze: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze the whole pie or individual slices. Wrap them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months. It’s like having a ready-made dessert whenever you need one!

Warm Up: To enjoy your pie later, let frozen slices thaw overnight in the fridge. For the best texture, warm individual slices in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes – this helps crisp up the pastry again. Add your favorite toppings like whipped cream or ice cream just before serving.

Preparation Time	30-40 minutes
Cooking Time	40-45 minutes
Total Time	70-85 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 1200-1400
• Protein: 6-8 g
• Fat: 50-60 g
• Carbohydrates: 180-200 g

Ingredients

• 1 frozen deep dish pie crust (9 inches)
• 2 cans cherry pie filling (21 ounces/595 grams each)
• 1 puff pastry sheet
• Optional toppings:
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar for sprinkling
• Whipped cream
• Vanilla ice cream
• Fresh cherries for decoration

Step 1: Prepare the Puff Pastry and Pie Crust

Start by defrosting 1 sheet of puff pastry.

This process can take about 30-40 minutes.

Once defrosted, carefully unfold the pastry sheet.

Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Place a 9-inch deep-dish pie crust on a baking sheet with turned-up sides to catch any potential overflow during baking.

Step 2: Fill the Pie and Prepare Puff Pastry Topping

Fill the pie shell with 2 cans of cherry pie filling, spreading the filling evenly.

If you wish to add decorative cutouts to the puff pastry, make these before placing it over the pie.

Next, place the defrosted puff pastry over the filled pie and gently fold over the edges.

Use kitchen scissors or a knife to trim any excess corners from the puff pastry.

If you did not make cutouts, be sure to cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape during baking.

Step 3: Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Around 15 minutes before the pie is done, cover it with an aluminum foil tent to prevent the delicate puff pastry from burning at this high temperature.

If you prefer a slightly browned edge for added crispiness, you can let it brown a little before covering, but keep a close eye on it towards the end of the baking time.

Step 4: Cool, Garnish, and Serve

Once baking is complete, remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

Before serving, you can enhance its presentation and flavor with a dusting of confectioner’s sugar.

Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, and perhaps a few fresh cherries to top it off.

Enjoy your delightful dessert!