Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Cherry Pie with Streusel Topping



The only thing better than cherry pie is an afternoon with Thomas the Train.



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...The highlight of Bob's birthday celebration was a parade of his favorite pies. The first, of course, was the blueberry icebox pie featured here a day or so ago. Today, I want to highlight a sour cherry pie. It's one of the best pies I've ever tasted and it was a regular feature in the summer kitchens of my Midwestern childhood. Bob's family lived about a mile from my own and we were exposed to many of the same foods as children. We both love this dessert and share memories of pitting cherries for the pie. We are of an age when it was not unusual to see children sitting on stoops helping to prepare fruit or vegetables for the dinner table. That means we shelled peas and learned to string beans at a very young age. We also had impressive paring knife skills. For a long period of time, folks my age reveled in the development of frozen food and thought that Clarence Birdseye deserved a special place in heaven for his part in making food preparation so much easier than it had been. The grand irony is that we have come full circle and are now back to shelling peas and stringing beans for our tables. To make this pie you are going to need frozen tart or sour cherries that have been pitted. If you opt to use fresh cherries make sure you weigh them after pitting to assure the proportions in the recipe remain the same. I'd also suggest adding an extra tablespoon of tapioca because they will release more liquid as they cook. You will need enough pastry to form a one crust pie. While a homemade short crust is ideal, a commercial product will also work well. This is an easy pie to make and the streusel topping makes it a bit unusual. Here's the recipe.

Cherry Pie with Streusel Topping...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
Pastry for a single crust pie
Crumb Topping
6 tablespoons butter, room temperature
1/4 cup firmly packed golden brown sugar
1 egg white, lightly beaten
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Filling
5 cups (2-lbs.) quick-frozen (IQF) tart pitted cherries
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons instant tapioca

Directions:

1) Roll pastry to fit a 9-inch pie or quiche pan. Refrigerate until ready to fill. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2) Combine butter and sugar in a small bowl. Blend with a fork until creamy. Mix in egg white and vanilla and stir until incorporated. Sift flour and salt into butter mixture and stir until combined. Refrigerate while making filling.
3) Combine individually frozen cherries, sugar and tapioca in a large bowl. Toss to distribute tapioca and sugar among the cherries. Let stand for 20 minutes. The fruit should still be at least partially frozen.
4) Turn filling into pie shell. Crumble topping over cherries, leaving some fruit showing so steam can escape from filling as pie bakes.
5) Bake for 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 400 degrees F and bake for about an hour until the topping is nicely browned and filling bubbles slightly. If edges darken too quickly cover with aluminum foil. Transfer to rack to cool. Yield: 8 servings.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Apple Custard Pie with Streusel Topping - One Perfect Bite
Rhubarb and Red Berry Pie - One Perfect Bite
Mile High Apple Pie with Cranberries

73 comments :

Rue said...

This sounds like heaven. I love sour cherries, and always put a crumble topping on my apple pie. Yum!

I love peeling corn, but the peas don't even make it into the house. Everyone eats them right off the vine - including the neighbours dogs!

Angie's Recipes said...

Why so many boys love Thomas Train? Oh, the boy of my sister-in-law has loads of them...on his 4th birthday, the serviette and plates were all from Thomas...and the cake was also the Thomas....
I believe that I go for this delicious streusel cherry pie!

Jeannie said...

Mmmm...that is a very scrumptious pie and a very cute boy!

Zurin said...

the pie and the little boy are gorgeous!!!! u are lucky to have both :))

Dajana said...

wonderful pie - love everything, from cherries to streusel topping.
I remember, too, when I was a child, always helped my mom to shell the peas, to peel the potatoes, prepare the fruit for strudel etc., great times. And my kids are pretty curuious, too. As soon as I get in the kitchen they're there asking if there's something they can do to help.

Diane said...

Our cherries are looking good on the tree, a week of sun and they should start ripening. I will be making this with fresh cherries:-) Yummy Diane

KathyB. said...

Thomas ( the Train) is so cute!What a smile, looks like he is thinking up something clever, like maybe how to get more pie?

Cherry pie, home made cherry pie is my all-time favorite and I request it for my birthday instead of cake. Streusel topping on cherry pie, hmmm, might have ti try it.

Deb in Hawaii said...

That is such a gorgeous picture of the pie--it is truly drool-worthy! ;-) And such a cute little guy too!)

My Little Space said...

Oh wow, time just flies, isn't it? I remember you made something with cherry on last year Bob's birthday too, which is special request from BOb himself! And this cherry pie looks as wonderful. Love the juicy picture! Wanna a bite too! Hope you'll have a fabulous day!
Regards, Kristy

My Little Space said...

And that boy is your chubby grandson's older brother, isn't he? He's a happy boy! I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time with him.

Rachana said...

This looks awesome...I love cherries and anything with cherries and now after seeing this tempting click, I am craving it.

The little boy is adorable :)

Allie and Pattie said...

mary, you had me at the first picture, but the second put this post over the top! :) What a cutie! The pie looks fabulous- my Dad is a huge fan of streusel toppings so I frequently put them on pies and tarts for him
xoxo Pattie

Sushma Mallya said...

cheery pie looks so beautiful and kid is very very cute....have a lovely day mary..take care

Sonia ~ Nasi Lemak Lover said...

Mary, you have both yummy pie and cute boy, you are so lucky !

Cherine said...

This pie is mouthwatering!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

Both photos in your post made me smile this morning! Both are so sweet!

Julie said...

Hello, Mary: Your cherry pie looks amazing. I love the photo, so beautiful. I never liked cherry pie as a kid. Today, I always go for those cream pies rather than fruit. I will have to give this one a try!

giorno26 ¸¸.•*¨*•. said...

Maryyyyyy....
tu ci farai mettere del grasso sul sedere !!!!
Troppo buona la ricetta :-)
Buona giornata.

Deana Sidney said...

How I love cherries.. and I have one bag left from last summer.. time to use them before the new batch comes in!!!

Unknown said...

Ahhh ! More pie!
PS I am a pea sheller from way back too!

Debbi Does Dinner Healthy said...

This looks fantastic!

My little boy LOVED Thomas the Train, life was all about trains for a few years. Then he grew out of it and now there isn't too much left. He's 11 now and Thomas is just "not cool" any more. *sigh*

Renée said...

It looks so ooohy-gooy good! The cherries make it look much prettier than an apple pie does. Thanks...

We Are Not Martha said...

What a cutie! And that pie is seriously beautiful... the juice dripping down?? YUM!

Sues

Lori said...

Mary I am glad that a lot fo people ahve come full circle with fruits and vegetables. Not that frozen is bad but of course fresh is always better.

Beautiful, just beautiful pie. And thank you for giving me that nice, sweet visual of children with fruits and vegetables.

Alison Kilpatrick said...

Oh wow, this looks amazing! Great photo too.

PeggyR said...

Another wonderful recipe! Cute boy! Norm will be going out to Hale Farm tomorrow to help set up for Thomas the Train who is coming in this weekend. He will also be out there Saturday helping out. He's a volunteer for the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad.

Claudia said...

This made me wax nostalgic for my Thomas the Train days with my kids! My aunts and mother did indeed think frozen vegetables were the bees knees. And later abandoned them when their kids got older and they had more time. The pie is inviting me in for a bite. I love it when pies do that.

tasteofbeirut said...

Love cherry pie but I never make it! Would love to get a hold of these frozen treats and make this!

Jaynie said...

Your pie posts are bring back memories of my Aunt Bea. When we would come up to visit every year each one of us kids and my dad would have our favorite pie waiting for us. This was no small endeavor since there was 5 kids. My dad always was my aunt's favorite.

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

One of my favorite cakes, one that I always requested for my birthday, is black forest cake. I love cherries and I love this pie even more since you added Streusel on top. I will have to make this, it will bring back fond memories of my beloved Oma (grandma). Thank you :o)

Lucie said...

This looks great--simple and satisfying. The topping adds an extra something I would love to try.

From the Kitchen said...

I was recently wondering if you could "bake a cheery pie" and you can! = ) As you probably know, the first fruits to appear in our markets are cherries. And, since I'm a better baker sans traditional crusts, this recipe is most welcome. I'd also love a visit with an adorable "little" like Thomas the Train.

Best,
Bonnie

Tizzy said...

Oh my that pie looks delicious! I love the drippy cherry juices down the sides. Mmmm, now I want pie.

San said...

Heavenly n a royal pie .Oh my ...pretty much hard to contain my taste bud on seeing it.

Pam said...

What a cutie!

My daughter and son were just asking for a cherry pie the other day...I may just have to make this!

Monica said...

The only thing my hubby loves more than blueberries...is cherries! We would love to be your neighbors! :)

3 hungry tummies said...

Oh what a fabulous looking pie that is, love the sweet syrup oozing out...He looks very happy, perhaps spotted the pie? ")

Mary Bergfeld said...

Angie, Thomas the Train, Bob the Builder and match box cars are things little boys fall in love with. Amazing, that no matter where they live if they see them they become fans. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

RamblingTart said...

I love it, Mary! :-) I spent my childhood shelling peas, snapping beans, foraging in the orchard for apples. I complained thoroughly as a child, but now I treasure those memories and love when summer comes around and I can head over to my folks house to shell peas and visit with my Mum. :-) Your pie is beautiful! :-)

Anonymous said...

Cherry pie is my favorite except I don't really like crust on top. I always eat out the yummy insides and leave the crust. This would be perfect with the streusel topping....there would be no crust to waste! Yum. Thanks

Baking is my Zen...sweet nibbles for the soul said...

Wonderful photo...great recipe too!

Mickey said...

Looks delicious! I might even be able to make it :)
Mickey

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

My mom's favourite was always cherry so needless to say I grew up on it. I love my pies streuseled or otherwise:D I do remember Thomas the Tank Engine and watching Ringo Starr as the conductor.

Cara said...

yum - anything with lots of struesel topping is a winning dessert for me!

From the Kitchen said...

Mary, Annie Dillard is a favorite of mine as well. Tinker Creek is less than 1/2 mile from where I grew up. Annie was at Hollins College when she wrote that book as I recall.

Best,
Bonnie

Mary Bergfeld said...

Bonnie, I know it is trite to say it in this fashion, but it really is a very small world. Who would have ever thought kindred readers would be found on a food blog? Blessings...Mary

Jamie said...

Oh, super luscious! I love cherry pie - it's may favorite! And I love crumbles and this looks like the perfect crumble topping (ok, it's streusel, but that's yummy too!). I love this recipe! This will make a perfect summer dessert! Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful with the struesel topping!! One lucky boy you have there!

Kim said...

Both the cherry pie and the little boy are gorgeous!
This looks like a fantastic recipe and I especially love the cherry filling dripping down the sides of the pie plate. Delicious.

Federica Simoni said...

splendida foto e ricetta super!! bravissima come sempre!! baci!

Alessandra said...

Bob is a really lucky man!

pigpigscorner said...

Beautiful shot! The spilled filling makes it looks extra yummy!

Ana Powell said...

He is so cute, lovely photo. Loved his smile.
Your pie is tempting me so much, awesome. Great photo ♥

The Blonde Duck said...

Cherry pie is my mom's favorite!

Hungry Dog said...

Oh my.What a stunning pie!

Jen_from_NJ said...

What a cutie! Love that smile :)

Your pie looks fabulous - I love the streusel topping and oozing filling!

rosasdolcevita said...

Oh my. Cherry pie is my favourite pie of all time. I am bookmarking this to try. This looks and sounds DELISH!

Thanks for stopping by the other day, Mary! I love your blog. Will be visiting your blog more often. :-)

the twins said...

that sounds so good! i've been wanting to make a pie for a while now, thanks for the great recipe.

Velva said...

Mry, this cherry pie sounds divine. Your grandson is adorable too.

We have come full circle. As a result, we can hopefully strike a balance between the fresh bounty and work that it takes to bring a delicous, healthy meal to the table, and the modern conveniences that can help to make that possible, with a bit less effort.

Unknown said...

hugs for this cute boy and a good day to you. Drooling over your cherry pie.

Unknown said...

What a BEAUTIFUL!!! smile.
Cherry pie with streusel topping looks and sound WONDERFUL!!! I have never done a cherry pie with streusel topping, a must try recipe.

Lyndas recipe box said...

Your photo is beautiful; the pie looks amazing Mary...and the little guy is adorable!
Have a great week. :)

Tina said...

What a cutie pie photo! Thanks for sharing this......great recipe too.

Tina said...

What a cutie pie photo! Thanks for sharing this......great recipe too.

Sparkly Jules said...

This looks so good, so I went to the store today to get supplies so I could make it.

My local grocery store didn't have sour cherries, only sweet black (frozen). And at $4- for 12 oz, I balked.

I live in Reno, now, can you tell me where you got your frozen sour cherries? Maybe it's a chain here in Reno. I was at Scolari's.

Thanks,

Jules

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jules, I can buy cherries at Market of Choice for about $8 for 2lbs. They are pitted. Hope all is well. Blessings...Mary

Katrina said...

We shucked a lot of corn, did peas and string beans growing up, too.

Cherry is our favorite pie. I, just this past Thanksgiving made my first cherry pie with tart frozen cherries (instead of, gasp, the canned stuff) and it was so good. I'll never use that canned stuff again.
Your pie looks and sounds de-lish. Love a streusel topping.

Eliana said...

Stunning looking pie.

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Alright now you Oregon gals!!! I am not kidding. You need to get yourselves to Orlando in April and submit these great pie recipes in the Great American Pie contest. I just told Cathy at Wives with Knives that her rhubarb is a winner. I liked the looks of your blueberry and now this cherry....I am a judge you know!! ha ha

All I can say about your other picture is "beautiful, beautiful boy!"

Karen said...

The pie looks amazing and your little grandson is a doll and looks so happy!

Lori Lynn said...

I just made my first tapioca pudding yesterday. It is interesting to me that it is used in your pie recipe. Looking forward to experimenting!
LL
P.S. Darling pics!

Alicia Foodycat said...

I can never decide whether cherry or apple pie is my favourite, but I love the look of the streusel topping!

Cindy said...

This looks delicious Mary!
I spent many hours as a child helping Mom freeze corn, bottle peaches and make tomato juice. It took a lot of food to keep my 5 brothers going! Fun, but tiring memories!

Related Posts with Thumbnails

Printfriendly