Ultimate Cherry Amaretto Pie Recipe Easy Sweet Dessert

The smell of baked cherries bubbling away in a buttery crust, mixed with the warm, nutty aroma of amaretto—it’s the kind of dessert that feels like a hug in pie form. I first discovered cherry amaretto pie during a holiday dinner years ago, and let me tell you, it’s been a staple ever since. There’s something magical about the combination of sweet cherries and almond liqueur. It’s indulgent, comforting, and just a little cheeky with its boozy twist. Whether you’re a pie enthusiast or just looking to try something special, this recipe is a keeper.

This pie is perfect for entertaining, holidays, or even a quiet weekend treat. It’s not just a dessert; it’s an experience. The flaky golden crust, rich cherry filling, and subtle amaretto undertone create a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will have your guests asking for seconds (and the recipe). Plus, it’s easier than you think to make! Let’s dive into this sweet bliss and get baking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Flavor Pairing: Sweet cherries and amaretto are a match made in dessert heaven, with the almond liqueur enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• No-Fuss Ingredients: You don’t need any fancy or hard-to-find items—just a handful of pantry staples and fresh cherries.
• Show-Stopping Presentation: This pie looks stunning with its glossy cherry filling and flaky lattice crust—perfect for impressing guests at any gathering.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt for dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients (think mixed berries or a gluten-free crust).
• Comfort Food with a Twist: It’s the classic cherry pie you love, but with a grown-up touch thanks to the amaretto.

This isn’t just another cherry pie—it’s the kind of dessert that creates memories. Whether you’re serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sneaking a slice cold from the fridge, it’s pure joy with every bite.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients to deliver bold flavor and satisfying texture without the fuss. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• Fresh sweet cherries: Pitted and halved. Frozen cherries can work, but fresh cherries are best for flavor and texture.
• Amaretto liqueur: Adds a rich almond flavor and a subtle boozy kick.
• Granulated sugar: Helps sweeten the cherry filling.
• Cornstarch: Thickens the filling for that perfect gooey texture.
• Lemon juice: Enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Unsalted butter: Small cubes for that luxurious richness in the filling.
• Pie crust: Homemade or store-bought. You’ll need enough for a bottom crust and lattice topping.
• Egg yolk: For brushing the crust to get that golden finish.
• Coarse sugar: Optional, for sprinkling on the crust for extra crunch and sparkle.

If you can’t find amaretto or prefer a non-alcoholic option, almond extract works beautifully as a substitute. Trust me, the flavor will still be divine.

Equipment Needed

• Pie dish: A standard 9-inch pie dish works perfectly for this recipe.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the pie crust—don’t skip this essential tool!
• Cherry pitter: Highly recommended for quick and easy cherry prep.
• Mixing bowls: Use one for the filling and another for prepping the egg wash.
• Pastry brush: Ideal for brushing the egg wash onto the crust.
• Cooling rack: Allows the pie to cool evenly after baking.

If you don’t have a cherry pitter, a sturdy straw or chopstick can work in a pinch—it’s a bit messier, but it gets the job done.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place a rack in the center.
2. Prepare the cherries: Pit and halve your cherries, then toss them in a large mixing bowl with the sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and amaretto. Stir until well-coated and set aside for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
3. Roll out the crust: Roll out your pie crust on a lightly floured surface to fit your 9-inch pie dish. Press it gently into the dish and trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.
4. Add the filling: Spoon the cherry mixture into the crust, spreading it evenly. Dot with small cubes of butter for extra richness.
5. Create the lattice topping: Roll out the second crust and cut it into strips. Lay the strips over the pie in a crisscross pattern, weaving them for a classic lattice design. Trim and pinch the edges to seal.
6. Brush and sprinkle: Whisk the egg yolk with a splash of water, then brush it over the crust. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
7. Bake the pie: Place the pie on a baking sheet to catch any drips and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling.
8. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for ultimate bliss.

Keep an eye on the crust as it bakes—if it starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil to prevent burning.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Room temperature ingredients: Let your pie crust and cherries come to room temperature before starting—this helps with texture and ease of handling.
• Don’t skip the egg wash: It’s the secret to getting that gorgeous golden crust.
• Blind baking: If your pie crust tends to get soggy, blind bake it for 10 minutes before adding the filling.
• Thicken the filling: Adjust the cornstarch amount if your cherries are extra juicy—this helps prevent a runny pie.
• Cool completely: As tempting as it is, don’t slice into the pie until it’s fully cooled. This allows the filling to set properly.

Pro tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart cherries for a more complex flavor profile. The tartness beautifully complements the amaretto.

Variations & Adaptations

• Gluten-free crust: Swap the regular pie crust for a gluten-free alternative—store-bought or homemade.
• Berry mix filling: Use a combination of cherries, blueberries, and raspberries for a summery twist.
• Non-alcoholic: Replace the amaretto with almond extract for a kid-friendly version.
• Chocolate drizzle: Add melted dark chocolate drizzle on top before serving for extra decadence.
• Mini pies: Turn this recipe into individual hand pies for picnics or parties.

One of my favorite variations? Mixing in a handful of toasted almonds with the filling for added crunch—it’s divine!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Cherry amaretto pie is best served slightly warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The creamy toppings complement the sweet-tart filling beautifully.

• Serving temperature: Warm or at room temperature.
• Storage: Cover the pie tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or microwave for about 30 seconds.

The flavors deepen as the pie sits overnight, making it even more irresistible the next day.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per slice:

• Calories: 320
• Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 2g

Cherries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, making this pie a slightly guilt-free indulgence. Just remember, moderation is key!

Conclusion

This ultimate cherry amaretto pie recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. With its perfectly balanced flavors, stunning presentation, and versatility, it’s truly a dessert worth making. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the fun variations, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

I love this pie for the memories it creates—there’s something special about sharing a homemade dessert with loved ones. So go ahead, give it a try, and don’t forget to share your creations in the comments below. Happy baking!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain them first to avoid excess liquid in the filling.

What can I substitute for amaretto?

Almond extract is a great non-alcoholic substitute—use about 1 teaspoon for similar flavor.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Blind bake the crust for 10 minutes before adding the filling, and ensure the filling isn’t too runny.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the pie a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight.

What’s the best way to pit cherries?

A cherry pitter is the easiest tool, but a sturdy straw or chopstick can work as a DIY option.

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