There is something irresistibly nostalgic yet refreshingly vibrant about a great cherry pie, and when it’s vegan, it becomes a celebration of wholesome ingredients and joyful flavors that everyone can enjoy. This Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe is a sparkling harmony of sweet, tart cherries encased in a tender, flaky crust that’s buttery without dairy. Whether you’re a seasoned plant-based baker or just curious to try something new, this recipe brings together very simple, natural ingredients that create an impressive dessert perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. Let me walk you through making this delightful pie from scratch, and I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe collection just like it has in mine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this pie, each ingredient plays an important role in building the flavor, texture, and beautiful appearance of the final dessert. You’ll find that the list is wonderfully straightforward, highlighting the freshness of cherries and the comforting qualities of a homemade crust.
- Vegan pie crust: Prepared at least an hour ahead, this forms the flaky, buttery base and top of your pie that holds it all together.
- Fresh or frozen cherries (600 g): The star of the show providing natural tartness, juiciness, and vibrant color.
- Granulated sugar (150 g): Sweetens the cherries just right—adjust to taste if you prefer more or less sweetness.
- Cornstarch (40 g): Acts as a thickening agent so your pie filling isn’t runny but perfectly set.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the filling with subtle acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the cherry filling.
- Vegan butter (2 tablespoons): Used for glazing the crust, giving it a shiny golden finish and slight richness.
How to Make Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Start by making your vegan pie crust at least an hour before assembling the pie. A chilled pie crust is key to achieving that perfect flaky texture. Roll out one dough disc wider than your tart tin, carefully fit it in, and trim the edges. Don’t forget to pierce holes in the base with a fork to avoid a soggy bottom once the filling goes in.
Step 2: Choose Your Filling Method
Whether you’re using fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe has you covered! If using fresh, pit your cherries but leave them whole for the best texture. Combine them with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla. Let the mixture sit and develop, then simmer the juice until thickened before mixing it back with the cherries. For frozen cherries, thaw them gently, strain the juice, prepare a cornstarch paste, and cook similarly on the stove until thickened to create a luscious filling.
Step 3: Assemble Your Pie
Preheat your oven and lightly grease your tart tin to prevent sticking. Roll out your crust base, press it gently into the tin, and get creative with your top crust—either a full sheet with venting slits or a charming lattice design. Brush the top with melted vegan butter and sprinkle some sugar for that beautiful, golden sparkle.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake your pie initially at a higher temperature to set the crust, then reduce the heat to finish baking the filling and achieve that gorgeous golden brown color. The careful temperature drop makes sure nothing burns and the filling thickens nicely.
Step 5: Cooling and Setting
Once out of the oven, the Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe needs some patience—allow it to cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge to firm up the filling. This step will make slicing neat pieces a breeze and deepen the flavors wonderfully.
How to Serve Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of coconut whipped cream or a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream complements the cherry pie beautifully, adding creaminess and a cool contrast. Fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of powdered sugar can also enhance both the look and taste.
Side Dishes
Pair this delightful vegan pie with a cup of herbal tea or a rich, dark coffee to balance the sweetness. For brunch or dessert tables, fresh fruit salads or crisp green salads with tangy vinaigrettes make refreshing accompaniments.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on rustic plates with a drizzle of cherry syrup or vegan caramel sauce. Use mini tart tins to make single-serving cherry pies for parties, or top the pie with slivered almonds before baking for extra texture and an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cover any leftover Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to five days, allowing you to enjoy slices over several cozy evenings without losing any flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie unbaked (wrapped well) for up to a month, or freeze baked and cooled leftovers. To freeze baked pie, wrap it securely with aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in an oven set to low heat to revive the crust’s crispness and warm the filling. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. A quick 10-15 minutes at 160°C (320°F) works perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe includes a method for frozen cherries that helps you achieve the same rich flavor and perfect texture. Just thaw and prepare as directed for equally delicious results.
Is it necessary to chill the pie before slicing?
Yes, chilling the pie after baking allows the filling to set fully, which makes slicing cleaner and prevents the filling from oozing out too much. At least an hour in the fridge is recommended for the best experience.
What can I substitute for vegan butter in the glaze?
If you don’t have vegan butter, you can use a light brushing of maple syrup or a neutral oil like coconut oil to help the crust brown and sparkle with sugar.
Can I make the pie crust from scratch?
Definitely! Making your own vegan pie crust is rewarding and easy, and it really elevates the dish. Just be sure to chill it properly and handle it gently for the best results.
How do I prevent the cherry pie crust from becoming soggy?
Piercing holes in the bottom crust before baking prevents sogginess by allowing steam to escape. Also, pre-baking or blind baking the crust slightly can create a firmer base that holds the filling well.
Final Thoughts
After all that, I hope you are just as excited as I am to dive into making this wonderful Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe. Its fresh cherries, flaky crust, and perfectly balanced sweet-tart filling make it such a joyous dessert to share. Whether for a special occasion or a sweet treat to brighten your day, this pie never fails to impress. Give it a try and watch it become a cherished classic in your kitchen!
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Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Vegan Cherry Pie features a flaky, homemade vegan pie crust filled with a luscious cherry filling made from fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Perfectly glazed with vegan butter and baked to golden perfection, this pie offers a delightful balance of tart and sweet flavors with a rich, plant-based twist.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 batch vegan pie crust (prepared at least 1 hour ahead)
Cherry Filling
- 600 g fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 150 g granulated sugar (plus extra for garnish)
- 40 g cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter (for glazing)
Instructions
- Prepare the pie crust: Make the vegan pie crust according to your chosen recipe and chill for at least 1 hour before use.
- Prepare cherry filling (fresh cherries): Wash and pit cherries, leaving them whole. Toss cherries with sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to release juices. Strain cherries over a fine mesh sieve, reserving the juice.
- Cook cherry juice: Pour reserved cherry juice into a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in cherries. Cool to room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Prepare cherry filling (frozen cherries): Heat frozen cherries gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat for 5 minutes until defrosted. Drain juices into a bowl through a fine mesh sieve.
- Make cornstarch paste: In a medium bowl, whisk sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and ¼ cup strained cherry juice to form a paste.
- Cook filling: Add reserved cherry juices and cornstarch paste back to saucepan. Simmer over medium heat 5 minutes, stirring frequently until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cherries, and cool 10-15 minutes.
- Preheat oven and prepare tart pan: Preheat oven to 200°C (392°F). Lightly grease tart tin using vegan butter or oil.
- Roll out bottom crust: Remove dough from fridge, rest 5 minutes at room temperature. Roll out one disc larger than tart tin diameter on floured surface. Transfer carefully to tin and press into base and sides. Trim edges and crimp edges. Pierce base with fork holes to prevent bubbling.
- Prepare top crust: Roll out second disc of dough. Place whole or create lattice top. Trim excess pastry, crimp edges to seal. If top is whole, cut slits for steam vents.
- Glaze crust: Melt vegan butter and brush evenly over the top crust. Sprinkle with granulated sugar for sparkle and sweetness.
- Bake the pie: Bake in preheated oven at 200°C (392°F) for 20 minutes. Then reduce heat to 190°C (374°F) and bake another 30 minutes until crust is golden brown and filling bubbly.
- Cool and chill: Let pie cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to a day, to allow filling to set and make slicing easier.
- Store leftovers: Cover leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Notes
- For pitting cherries, use a cherry pitter or carefully remove with a knife to keep cherries whole, which improves texture.
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your cherries and personal preference.
- Chilling the pie before rolling out helps prevent dough shrinkage during baking.
- Allow pie to fully chill after baking to ensure the filling sets properly and slices cleanly.
- You can use fresh or frozen cherries; just follow the appropriate filling method for best results.
