Have you ever asked yourself why chefs use cast iron skillets for cherry pie? From August 2013 to December 2023, more people are using skillets for their pies. These recipes mix old ways with new ideas. And they prove that cast iron is still top for baking desserts.
Using a cast iron skillet for pie isn’t just for old times. It makes the crust crispy all around because it spreads heat well. The skillets weigh between 6 to 10.1 pounds. This makes them great for keeping heat and easy to move in the kitchen.
Today, some electric skillets are fast and modern, cooking 20% quicker. But when it comes to cherry pie, a classic cast iron skillet wins. It mixes traditional baking with the ease of today.
No matter your baking skill, these 11 recipes have something you’ll love. They include traditional favorites and new twists. It’s a journey through the tasty world of skillet pies.
Key Takeaways:
- Cast iron skillets make the perfect pie crusts because they spread heat well.
- Skillet cherry pies are a blend of old and new baking.
- Skillets (weighing 6-10.1 pounds) help with even baking.
- Iron skillets give pies a special texture and taste.
- Recipes range from old classics to new and exciting pies.
Introduction to Cast Iron Skillet Cherry Pies
I adore making cherry pies in my cast iron skillet. They turn out perfect every time. The crust gets golden and crispy, and the cherries stay juicy.
Skill in cast iron skillet cooking makes these cherry pies a delightful masterpiece.
Skillet baking is unmatched in its variety. You can bake them at home, outdoors, or wherever there’s heat. This makes them ideal for family dinners or picnics.
The key to a fantastic cherry pie in a cast iron is good preparation. Let’s go over the simple steps now:
- Preheat your skillet in the oven
- Prepare your cherry filling
- Roll out your pie crust
- Assemble the pie in the hot skillet
- Bake until golden brown
And, don’t forget, keeping your skillet well-seasoned is important. This keeps it ready for more cherry treats and whatever else you cook.
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Fresh cherries | 4 cups | Main filling |
Sugar | 3/4 cup | Sweetens filling |
Cornstarch | 1/4 cup | Thickens filling |
Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon | Balances sweetness |
Pie crust | 2 (9-inch) | Encases filling |
The Allure of Indulgent Desserts
Indulgent desserts are my love, especially cherry pies. They are a part of sweet memories and fun times. Cherry pies with their rich taste show that making food with love is important.
Cherry pies highlight seasonal fruits with their balance of sour and sweet. A cast iron skillet brings out their best. It gives a crunchy crust and evenly cooks the pie.
I’ve picked up key things in making cherry pies:
- A 10.5-inch cast iron skillet is great for 4-6 servings.
- Baking needs 30-35 minutes at 425°F for the perfect crust.
- I prepare the skillet with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of cornmeal.
Indulgent desserts are more than delicious treats. They’re about savoring different tastes and the happiness food brings. A slice of cherry pie makes any moment special, whether sharing with family or friends.
Cast Iron Skillet Cherry Pie Recipes
I enjoy baking pies in my cast iron skillet. It gives the pie a great taste. Plus, it’s fun to learn about healthy baking options.
Benefits of Using a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron skillets are great for making pies. They spread heat evenly. Your pie will have a crispy crust. They also keep your pie warm longer. I also use mine to make stir-fries.
Essential Ingredients for Cherry Pies
Here’s what you need for a cherry pie:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- Pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
Common Unhealthy Additions
Adding too much sugar and butter makes pie less healthy. You can use honey and applesauce instead. It cuts calories but keeps the taste.
Eat your cherry pie in moderation. It’s a sweet treat. Have a healthy dish like chicken and cabbage stir-fry too.
Classic Butter-Laden Cherry Pie
I love making traditional pies, especially with a buttery crust and sweet cherry filling. This classic cherry pie in a cast iron skillet is a real treat. Let’s look at how to make this delicious dessert.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the cherry filling, you will need:
- 6 cups pitted cherries
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
First, make the crust by mixing dry ingredients and cutting in the butter. Add ice water until a dough forms. Chill for 30 minutes. For the filling, mix all ingredients. Roll the dough, put it in your skillet, add filling, and top with a lattice. Bake at 400°F for 40 minutes.
Each ingredient in this recipe has a special role. Butter makes the crust flaky, sugar adds sweetness, and cornstarch thickens the filling. The cherry and almond extracts boost the cherry taste, turning this classic cherry pie into something heavenly.
Component | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Crust (1/8 of pie) | 230 | 15 | 22 | 3 |
Filling (1/8 of pie) | 120 | 0 | 30 | 1 |
Total (1 slice) | 350 | 15 | 52 | 4 |
Double-Crust Sugar Bomb Cherry Pie
I enjoy baking sweet cherry treats. This Double-Crust Sugar Bomb Cherry Pie is perfect for a sweet tooth. It’s rich and sugary, appealing to anyone with a love for dessert. I’ll share the recipe and baking steps for this amazing double crust pie.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
- 2 pie crusts (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your cast iron skillet in a 425°F oven.
- Mix cherries, sugar, cornstarch, butter, lemon juice, and almond extract in a bowl.
- Line the hot skillet with one pie crust.
- Pour the cherry mixture into the crust.
- Cover with the second crust, creating a lattice pattern if desired.
- Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
Purpose of Each Ingredient
Cherries are the heart of our dessert, bringing sweetness. Sugar makes a syrupy filling. Cornstarch thickens it. Butter adds richness and helps bind. Lemon juice cuts the sweetness. Almond extract boosts cherry flavor. The double crust provides structure and a crunch. Egg wash and coarse sugar top it off with shine and texture.
This pie is ready in about 25 minutes and feeds 4. It’s great for family meals or special events. For a less sweet option, consider making this shrimp and dumpling stir-fry.
Cream Cheese Stuffed Cherry Pie
I really enjoy making treats with cream cheese. This cherry pie is a favorite creation of mine. It mixes the tang of cherries with cream cheese’s rich taste, making a treat you’ll love.
To make this dessert, grab a 12-inch cast iron skillet. You’ll also need the items listed below:
- 24 ounces (680g) cream cheese, softened
- 42 ounces (1.19kg) canned cherry pie filling
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar
- 34 Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
First up, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Mix crushed chocolate wafers, melted butter, and sugar into a crust. Press it into your skillet and bake for 8-10 minutes.
Let the crust cool down. Then, mix the cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar until smooth. Spread it over the crust and add cherry pie filling on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes until it’s done.
Nutritional Information (per serving) | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 430 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 21g |
Sugar | 24g |
This cherry pie serves 8 people and is ready in about an hour. It’s creamy thanks to the cheese, and the cherries offer a nice tang. The crust made from chocolate wafers balances the soft filling. Remember, enjoy it in moderation!
Chocolate-Drizzled Cherry Pie Extravaganza
I love making chocolate cherry desserts. This pie is a real eye-catcher. It mixes sour cherries with deep chocolate taste.
Chocolate Selection Tips
Using high-quality dark chocolate is best. Look for 60-70% cocoa. This flavor blends well with the cherries. Pick a brand of dark chocolate you really like.
Drizzling Techniques
To make the pie look amazing, learn to drizzle well. Melt the chocolate carefully, either in a double boiler or the microwave. Stir until smooth. Let it cool a bit before you use it.
For the drizzle, use a piping bag or a spoon. Make gorgeous designs on the top of your pie.
Here’s a quick recipe breakdown:
- Crust: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 cup cold butter
- Filling: 4 cups pitted cherries, 1 cup sugar, 1/4 cup cornstarch
- Drizzle: 4 oz dark chocolate, 2 tbsp heavy cream
Bake the pie in a 10-inch cast iron skillet at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Once it cools, add the chocolate drizzle. This recipe makes 8 servings, each about 400 calories. Enjoy it, but remember to eat treat-size portions!
Caramel Pecan Cherry Pie Delight
Making caramel sweets is a passion of mine. This Caramel Pecan Cherry Pie Delight is a special twist on traditional nut pie recipes. It features sweet cherries, decadent caramel, and crispy pecans for an irresistible treat.
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this pie:
- 3 (14.5 oz) cans sour cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 homemade pie crust (for bottom and top)
Follow these steps to make this amazing cherry and nut pie:
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Then, drain the cherries, keep 1 cup of the juice.
- Mix sugar and cornstarch in a skillet.
- Slowly add cherry juice and cook it until thick.
- Put in the cherries and caramel sauce, stir.
- Pour the mixture into the pie crust, add pecans on top.
- Put the top crust on, make some slits.
- Bake for about 40-45 minutes until it looks golden.
Every part of this recipe has an important role. The cherries bring a tang, caramel sweetens things, and the pecans a satisfying crunch. The pie is great for 8 servings. Each piece has 370 calories, 50g of carbs, and 18g of fat.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 370kcal |
Carbohydrates | 50g |
Protein | 3g |
Fat | 18g |
Sugar | 23g |
You can make the filling and crust up to a couple of days ahead. Just keep them in the fridge. Any leftovers are good for up to 5 days in the fridge or up to 2 months frozen. Remember, enjoy this delicious pie in moderation!
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Cherry Pie
Making desserts with bourbon is a favorite hobby. This cherry pie with brown sugar and bourbon is special. It has deep flavors and a hint of alcohol. This recipe is perfect for any gathering.
Bourbon Selection Guide
I look for bourbon that has hints of caramel and vanilla for this pie. These sweet notes go well with the cherries. Adding just a bit of bourbon to the mix gives the cherry filling a rich flavor.
Balancing Flavors
For the right mix, I add 1/2 to 2/3 cup of light brown sugar. It teams up perfectly with the sour cherries and the bourbon’s kick. A bit of lemon juice adds a fresh zing to it all.
Here’s a list of what I put in the filling:
- 5 cups fresh cherries
- 2-3 tablespoons bourbon
- 1/2 – 2/3 cup light brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons corn starch
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
This pie is baked in an 8-inch cast iron skillet for a rustic feel. It takes about 15-20 minutes to prep and 45-50 minutes to bake. Serving 6-8, it’s perfect for a small group.
The alcohol in the pie filling cooks off while baking. This leaves behind a delightful, rich taste. The result is a unique cherry pie. It’s sure to stand out among your recipes with brown sugar.
Marshmallow-Topped Cherry Pie Indulgence
I enjoy making desserts with marshmallows. This cherry s’mores pie is a real crowd-pleaser. It brings together gooey marshmallows and fresh cherries. It’s a perfect treat for any summer get-together.
First, gather the ingredients for the cherry filling:
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Here’s how to prepare the pie:
- Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a cast iron skillet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbling.
- Add 2 cups of mini marshmallows on top.
- Broil for 1-2 minutes until marshmallows are golden.
The sugar makes the cherries sweet. Cornstarch thickens the cherries into a gooey filling. Lemon juice adds a refreshing touch. Marshmallows give it a classic s’mores flavor and feel.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 362.45 kcal |
Total Fat | 12.98g |
Carbohydrates | 58.02g |
Protein | 3.94g |
This pie with marshmallows and cherries is a fun take on classic skillet treats. It’s amazing when it’s warm. There’s nothing like it for a taste of the outdoors.
Coconut Cream Cherry Pie Fusion
I enjoy making cherry recipes, especially this Coconut Cream Cherry Pie Fusion. It’s a blend of coconut’s sweet creaminess and cherries’ tartness. This dessert looks as good as it tastes, especially in a cast iron skillet.
Coconut Cream Preparation
To start the coconut cream, I combine coconut milk, sugar, and cornstarch. I simmer this mix until it thickens, always stirring. After it cools, it’s ready to be layered in the pie.
Layering Techniques
I begin with a graham cracker crust, then add the coconut cream. Next, goes the cherry filling. You can also create pretty layers by alternating the cream and cherries on top.
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Coconut milk | 1 cup | Provides creamy texture and coconut flavor |
Sugar | 1/4 cup | Sweetens the coconut cream |
Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons | Thickens the coconut cream |
Graham crackers | 1 1/2 cups crushed | Forms the crust |
Cherries | 3 cups pitted | Main fruit filling |
This recipe makes a Coconut Cream Cherry Pie Fusion for 8. Each slice has about 275 calories. It’s a great dessert for gatherings or when you want something tropical.
Deep-Fried Cherry Pie Pockets
I’m excited to share my recipe for deep-fried cherry pie pockets. These are a fun twist on fried desserts. They are a great snack for fairs, or a special dessert.
For this recipe, you’ll need:
- 32.6 ounces canned biscuits (2 cans Pillsbury’s Grands! Southern Homestyle)
- 20 ounces cherry pie filling
- 1 cup canola oil
- 4 tablespoons flour for rolling
Let’s make these mouth-watering cherry hand pies:
- Roll out each biscuit into a 5-inch circle.
- Place 1 tablespoon of cherry filling in the middle.
- Fold and press the edges with a fork.
- Heat oil in a skillet on medium.
- Fry pies until golden brown, 15-20 seconds each side.
- Drain and add sugar on top if you like.
This makes about 16 hand pies. Each one has around 289 calories. The crust is flaky, the filling is fruity. And frying them gives that crispy outside that’s so good.
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 289 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 39g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 13g |
Sugar | 2g |
For a healthier choice, air fry at 350°F for 8-10 minutes. Remember, they’re best fresh. But you can keep them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Enjoy your cooking!
Nutella-Swirled Cherry Pie Decadence
Here’s a new take on cherry pie that you’re going to love! I’m sharing my special recipe for Nutella-swirled cherry pie. It’s the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving or any other big day. This pie mixes the sour taste of cherries with the sweet Nutella perfectly.
Nutella Swirling Tips
For beautiful swirls, warm the Nutella a bit to make it easier to spread. Just drop spoonfuls on the cherry and swirl with a knife. This trick makes each piece look great and taste even better.
Baking Adjustments for Nutella
Be careful when baking with Nutella. It can easily burn if cooked too long. So, watch your pie and maybe take it out of the oven a bit earlier than you normally would.
Ingredient | Amount | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Cherry filling | 4 cups | Base flavor |
Nutella | 1/2 cup | Chocolate hazelnut swirl |
Pie crust | 1 (9-inch) | Holds filling |
Egg wash | 1 egg + 1 tbsp water | Golden crust |
To start, make your cherry filling and put it in your pie crust. Next, warm up the Nutella and put it on top. Swirl it all together with a knife. Then, bake at 375°F for about 45 minutes. Cool it down before slicing to experience the magic of Nutella and cherry together!
Salted Caramel Cherry Pie Indulgence
I adore making fancy recipes with cherries, and this pie is a top favorite. It’s a mix of sweet and salty that just works. Keep reading for a simple guide to making this dreamy dessert in your skillet.
- 4 cups pitted frozen tart cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 cup cherry juice
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
The salted caramel sauce you’ll whip up is simple but rich.
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
To start, make the caramel sauce. In a pot, heat the sugar and water till it’s amber. Add cream, butter, and salt off the heat. Let it cool.
Now, the cherry filling. Combine cherries, sugar, cornstarch, juice, and water in your skillet. Let it simmer till it’s thick, then mix in balsamic vinegar. Add a half-cup of the caramel sauce.
Next, layer 10 strips of pastry in a lattice. Chill for 30 minutes, then cook at 350°F for 35-45 minutes. Before serving, dust it with sea salt.
Serving Size | Calories | Carbs | Protein | Fat |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 slice | 680 | 77g | 6g | 39g |
This pie gives 8 servings and takes 1 hour and 25 minutes to make. It’s great for special times or when you want a fancy dessert. Just remember not to overdo it with something this rich.
Health Considerations and Moderation
Cast iron skillet cherry pies are tasty but high in calories. It’s key to enjoy them wisely and look for healthier desserts.
Calorie Content Overview
A classic slice of cherry pie has 300-400 calories. But, there’s a way to make a lighter version:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 158 |
Total Fat | 7g |
Carbohydrates | 35g |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 2g |
Protein | 2g |
Enjoying in Moderation
Eat, enjoy, but in moderation. Balance treats with a nutritious diet. Try only one slice, and eat it with a wholesome meal.
Healthier Alternatives
To lower sugar, switch to Lakanto Monk Fruit Baking Sweetener. It’s free of carbs and calories. Plus, choose whole wheat flour and fresh fruits for the crust. This way, you get a healthy, flavorful option.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
Cast iron skillet cherry pies bring lots of fun ways to serve desserts. They look great right from the skillet, giving a warm, comfortable vibe. A 9-inch skillet is just right – it’s big enough and keeps the pie warm.
For the topping, a mix of fresh and cooked cherries is perfect. Adding powdered sugar or warm caramel sauce makes it look even better. I often add vanilla ice cream or whipped cream to balance the sweetness. Mint leaves on top add a pretty pop of color.
Want to make your pies look even better? Serve them on small plates with a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa. Use cookie cutters for cute shapes on top. Remember, even a little touch can turn your pie into a work of art.