Elaine GordonIf you’re planning to serve Trader Joe’s cherry pie, you’re in for a treat! This dessert is rich in flavor and can easily become the star of your gathering.
Partner it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of fresh cream for an indulgent experience. Whipped cream adds lightness and balances the pie’s sweetness, as does a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
You might even consider pairing it with a tangy yogurt, which can cut through the sweetness remarkably well. If you want to get fancy, splash a little tart cherry juice on the side. It not only complements the cherry flavor but also brings out its depth.
Trader Joe’s cherry pie has been an iconic staple for many. It’s that one dessert people tend to grab from the freezer section, often reminiscing about their childhood or time spent at Grandma’s house. I’ll admit, the first time I tried it, I was skeptical.
A store-bought pie? Could it really be as delightful as homemade? Spoiler alert: it is! Its balance of sweet cherries, buttery crust, and perfect toppings make it a go-to dessert in my home.
While many might think of cherry pie as just another sugary dessert, it holds a special spot in the heart of many gatherings. Be it a barbecue, holiday dinner, or a cozy night in, this pie wraps itself around memories like a warm hug. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a pro baker to enjoy this classic. Trader Joe’s has crafted a labor of love right in their freezer aisle.
What is Trader Joe’s Cherry Pie?
Trader Joe’s cherry pie is a delightful dessert that features a golden, flaky crust and a luscious filling of sweet cherries. Unlike many other frozen desserts, this pie manages to capture that home-baked essence. The cherries used are often dark, sweet varieties that enhance the pie’s flavor profile.
What makes this pie special? It’s not just about the ingredients; it’s about how they come together. Each bite transports you to a summer harvest, making it a crowd-pleaser any time of year. Trader Joe’s pays careful attention to balancing sweetness and tartness, ensuring that each slice delivers a burst of flavor.
What is the Flavor Profile of This Dish?
The flavor profile of Trader Joe’s cherry pie is a complex symphony of sensations. Imagine sinking your teeth into a piece. The crust is buttery and slightly crisp – the perfect contrast to the warm, gooey filling.
The cherries inside are sweet yet possess a slight tang, creating a harmonious balance. The juiciness of the fruit adds a delightful texture while the hints of almond and lemon juice run through the filling, enhancing the cherry flavor. The added sugar brings out the natural sweetness of the cherries while maintaining just enough acidity to ensure it isn’t cloyingly sweet.
Why You’ll Love This
So, why will you love Trader Joe’s cherry pie? Here’s the deal. For one, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. You can simply pop it in the oven, wait for the aroma to fill your home, and voilà—dessert is ready. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even as a cozy treat for yourself after a long day.
Moreover, the nostalgic feelings this pie evokes can elevate any occasion. It’s not just dessert; it’s a connection to shared experiences and cherished moments. Every bite is like a stroll down memory lane, reminding you of summers spent picking cherries or family dinners where pie was the star of the meal.
Ingredients
Before diving into how to prepare this delightful dessert, let’s familiarize ourselves with the ingredients that make it shine:
For the Cherry Pie Filling:
- 5 cups (794 to 850 grams) fresh, pitted dark sweet cherries (about 2 pounds of whole fruit). You can also use sour cherries for a tart variation.
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (or use 1/4 teaspoon for table salt).
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for richness).
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (for depth of flavor).
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 1-2 medium lemons).
- 3/4 cup (163 grams) granulated sugar.
- 1/3 cup (43 grams) tapioca starch or flour (for thickening the filling).
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for extra thickening).
Double Crust 9-Inch Pie Dough:
For a quicker prep, you can purchase pre-made dough from Trader Joe’s or make your own.
Egg Wash:
- 1 egg yolk.
- 2 teaspoons water.
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream or whole milk (for a glossy finish).
Step by Step Instructions
Making Trader Joe’s cherry pie isn’t as complicated as one might think. Ready to get your baking apron on? Let’s dive into the details.
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh cherries, rinse and pit them. After pitting, measure out your five cups. If you have frozen cherries instead, make sure they’re thawed and drained before using. This helps prevent an overly watery filling.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Before proceeding, sprinkle the tapioca starch (and cornstarch, if using) over the cherry mixture. These starches are your friends. They help achieve that perfect, thick filling you’d expect from a homemade pie.
Now gently stir everything together, ensuring the cherries are well-coated. Be careful; over-mixing can mush the fruit.
Step 3: Roll Out the Crust
If you’re using store-bought pie dough, remove it from the fridge and let it soften for a bit. If you’re making your own, roll out one half of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled-out dough into the pie plate, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely.
Step 4: Fill the Pie
Carefully pour your cherry mixture into the pie crust. Use a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure to fill it right to the edges.
Step 5: Add the Top Crust
Roll out the second half of the dough. You can either place it whole or cut it into strips for a lattice effect. If you’re feeling adventurous, a lattice top is visually stunning and allows that cherry filling to peek through.
Step 6: Apply the Egg Wash
For a beautiful finish, whisk together the egg yolk, water, and cream. Brush this mixture over the top crust. This step ensures a golden, glossy finish once baked.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
Once the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, it’s done!
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for at least two hours to allow the filling to set. This is a crucial step; if you cut into it too soon, you’ll have a gooey mess. After cooling, serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Here are five handy tips to ensure your pie is nothing short of perfection:
- Use High-Quality Cherries: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen cherries. The better the fruit, the better the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the flavors of the cherries and balances the sweetness.
- Rest Before Cutting: Cooling your pie allows the filling to set properly. Skipping this step can lead to a runny filling.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re making your own crust, chill the dough to avoid a tough texture.
- Balance Sweetness with Salt: A pinch of salt in your filling enhances all the flavors. It may seem minor but gives that extra oomph.
Nutrition Information
A slice of Trader Joe’s cherry pie (based on 1/8 of the pie) typically contains:
- Calories: Approximately 256
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 16g
- Protein: 3g
Moderation is key. Accompanying this sweet treat with a side of fruit or yogurt can add nutritional balance.
How Can You Store This Cherry Pie?
If you find yourself with leftovers (a rare event, I know), storing your cherry pie is simple:
- Room Temperature: You can keep it at room temperature for about 2 days, covered with foil or plastic wrap.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, consider placing it in the fridge. It’ll last about a week. Just make sure it’s well-covered.
- Freezer: If you’ve made too much or want to save some for later, you can freeze slices. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll last for up to 3 months.
Ingredient Alternatives
Sometimes you might find yourself lacking certain ingredients. No worries! Here are some alternatives:
- For fresh cherries: Frozen cherries can be a great substitute. Just thaw and drain before using. They pack a similar burst of flavor and save you the pitting hassle.
- Tapioca Starch: If you’re out of this, cornstarch can step in. You might need slightly less, so adjust based on the filling’s thickness.
- Almond extract: If you don’t have it, vanilla extract can lend a different yet still pleasant flavor. It won’t replicate the exact taste but can enhance the overall pie.
Trader Joe’s Cherry Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 5 cups 794 to 850 grams fresh, pitted dark sweet cherries (about 2 pounds of whole fruit) (or use sour cherries for a tart variation)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt use 1/4 teaspoon for table salt
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for richness
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract for depth of flavor
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice from 1-2 medium lemons
- 3/4 cup 163 grams granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup 43 grams tapioca starch or flour (for thickening the filling)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for extra thickening
- Double Crust 9-Inch Pie Dough see note for recipe
- 1 egg yolk
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream or whole milk for a glossy finish
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you’re using fresh cherries, rinse and pit them. After pitting, measure out your five cups. If you have frozen cherries instead, make sure they’re thawed and drained before using. This helps prevent an overly watery filling.
- In a large bowl, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, almond extract, and salt. Before proceeding, sprinkle the tapioca starch (and cornstarch, if using) over the cherry mixture. These starches are your friends. They help achieve that perfect, thick filling you’d expect from a homemade pie.
- Now gently stir everything together, ensuring the cherries are well-coated. Be careful; over-mixing can mush the fruit.
- If you’re using store-bought pie dough, remove it from the fridge and let it soften for a bit. If you’re making your own, roll out one half of the dough to fit a 9-inch pie plate. Place the rolled-out dough into the pie plate, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides completely.
- Carefully pour your cherry mixture into the pie crust. Use a spoon to spread it evenly, making sure to fill it right to the edges.
- Roll out the second half of the dough. You can either place it whole or cut it into strips for a lattice effect. If you’re feeling adventurous, a lattice top is visually stunning and allows that cherry filling to peek through.
- For a beautiful finish, whisk together the egg yolk, water, and cream. Brush this mixture over the top crust. This step ensures a golden, glossy finish once baked.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch any drips) and bake for 15 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for an additional 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as ovens can vary.
- Once the top is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, it’s done!
- Let the pie cool for at least two hours to allow the filling to set. This is a crucial step; if you cut into it too soon, you’ll have a gooey mess. After cooling, serve with ice cream or whipped cream, and enjoy!
Notes
- Use High-Quality Cherries: Always opt for fresh or high-quality frozen cherries. The better the fruit, the better the flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: The acidity from the lemon juice brightens the flavors of the cherries and balances the sweetness.
- Rest Before Cutting: Cooling your pie allows the filling to set properly. Skipping this step can lead to a runny filling.
- Chill the Dough: If you’re making your own crust, chill the dough to avoid a tough texture.
- Balance Sweetness with Salt: A pinch of salt in your filling enhances all the flavors. It may seem minor but gives that extra oomph.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
Trader Joe’s cherry pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a sweet dive into nostalgia that warms the soul. Whether you’re enjoying a slice on a Sunday afternoon or serving it at your next gathering, this pie is sure to evoke satisfied smiles.
By knowing how to make it your own and store it smartly, you’ll always have a delightful treat on hand.
So go ahead, grab a slice (or two), and let your taste buds celebrate. Are you ready to make memories with cherry pie? Trust me, once you do, you’ll see why it has a special place in many hearts!
