Cherry pie filled with ripe sweet cherries is a summer favorite.

What makes the recipe work is to not add too much sugar.

The cherries are already naturally sweet.

Close up of the best cherry pie on a plate. The pie has a lattice crust and the cherry pie filling is visible.

Elise Bauer

We also add some almond extract to the filling.

The Best Cherries for Pie

Look for dark, sweet Bing cherries for this pie.

verify your cherries are firm and plump.

A slice of a cherry pie with a fresh cherry filling visible on the plate.

Elise Bauer

Avoid cherries that look shriveled or blemished.

Frozen cherries can also be used to make pie.

Just let them thaw completely in a colander before making your pie.

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Elise Bauer

Those pits can be rather time consuming to remove."

Make Ahead Instructions for Cherry Pie

Good news!

Cherry pie is best made ahead and cooled completely to room temperature before serving.

A metal bowl with fresh cherries coated in sugar show how to make cherry pie.

Elise Bauer

Freeze for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Love Cherries?

Toss until the cherries are well coated with the sugar and other ingredients.

How to make cherry pie by using a homemade crust and filling it with cherry pie filling.

Elise Bauer

On a lightly floured clean surface, roll out the bottom crust.

Form it into a 9- or 10-inch pie pan.

Place in the refrigerator while you roll out the top crust.

Unbaked homemade cherry pie on a counter and filled with cherry pie filling. A lattice top crust is constructed over the sweet cherries.

Elise Bauer

Roll out the top crust to about the same size as the bottom crust.

Use a slotted spoon to lift the cherries out of the bowl and put them in the pie plate.

(Leave any excess liquid behind.)

How to make a cherry pie from scratch using sweet cherries and a lattice crust. The pie is baked in a metal pan pan and the crust is golden brown.

Elise Bauer

Dot with small dabs of butter.

Cover with the top crust.

Crimp to seal the edges together.

Chill the pie for 30 minutes before cooking.

In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a tablespoon of water or milk.

Use a pastry brush to brush over the top crust.

Sprinkle the top with coarse sugar.