Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 6-8 tbsp ice water
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 tbsp milk (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water until the dough comes together.
- Divide dough in half, shape into disks, wrap in plastic, and chill.
- In a large bowl, combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt.
- Toss to coat the cherries evenly and set aside.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disk of chilled dough to fit the pie dish.
- Place rolled dough into the pie dish and trim excess edges.
- Pour cherry filling into the prepared crust, spreading it evenly.
- Roll out the second dough disk and cover the filling or create a lattice top.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare an egg wash with the egg and milk, and brush over the crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is golden.
- Allow the pie to cool on a wire rack before slicing.
- Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.