Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies

Introduction

Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies are a delightful fusion of tart cherries and warm, aromatic cardamom, encased in a buttery, flaky crust. These hand pies offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a hint of spice that enhances the richness of the cherries. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or at room temperature, these mini pies are a comforting treat for any occasion. Their portable size makes them great for sharing, and they pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.

I recall the first time I made these for a weekend gathering. The smell of baking pies filled the house, and everyone couldn’t wait to dive in. The combination of the sour cherries and the subtle, warming flavor of cardamom made these pies a unique treat that was loved by all. They’re not just for special occasions either—make a batch for a cozy afternoon snack or a sweet finish to a casual dinner.

What’s fantastic about these pies is their versatility. You can use fresh, frozen, or jarred sour cherries, depending on what’s available, and adjust the sweetness to match your taste. They’re simple to make, too. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create the perfect hand pie that’s flaky on the outside and bursting with flavor on the inside. Whether served warm or at room temperature, these pies are sure to be a hit every time!

Perfect for:

• Holiday baking
• Afternoon tea
• Dessert tables
• Gift-giving
• Pastry lovers

Why You’ll Love This Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies

Here’s why Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies will become your new favorite:

• Flaky, Buttery Crust: The homemade pastry is crisp and golden, providing the perfect contrast to the juicy filling.
• Tart and Sweet Cherry Filling: The combination of sour cherries and sugar creates a well-balanced filling with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Warm Cardamom Spice: Cardamom adds a subtle floral and citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the cherries.
• Perfectly Portable: These hand pies are easy to grab and go, making them great for picnics or lunchbox treats.
• Customizable and Versatile: Swap the cherries for other fruits or experiment with different spices for a variety of flavors.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
• Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
• Servings: 10 hand pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
• Key Nutrients: Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g, Protein: 3g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies:

For the Pie Dough:

• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 6-8 tablespoons ice water

Filling:

• 2 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh or frozen)
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• ½ teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Assembly:

• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• 1 tablespoon milk or water
• Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

• Sour Cherries: Their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the filling, creating a complex and irresistible flavor.
• Cardamom: A warm, slightly citrusy spice that adds depth and a hint of floral aroma to the cherry filling.
• Cold Butter: Ensures a flaky and tender crust by creating steam pockets as the pies bake.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the cherry filling, preventing it from being too runny.
• Lemon Juice: Enhances the tartness of the cherries and brightens the overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies:

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
2. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Ice Water: Gradually add 6 tablespoons of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. If needed, add the remaining water, 1 tablespoon at a time.
4. Chill the Dough: Divide the dough into two discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Make the Filling:

5. Cook the Cherries: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sour cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Stir until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
6. Add Flavorings: Stir in the cardamom, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely.

Assemble the Pies:

7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
8. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about ⅛-inch thick. Cut out circles (about 4-5 inches in diameter). Repeat with the second disc of dough.
9. Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of cherry filling in the center of half the circles. Dot with a small piece of butter.
10. Seal the Pies: Place the remaining dough circles over the filling. Press the edges with a fork to seal, then cut small slits on top to allow steam to escape.
11. Egg Wash and Sugar: Beat the egg with the milk or water, then brush over the tops of the pies. Sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch.

Bake the Pies:

12. Bake: Transfer the pies to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
13. Cool: Let the pies cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies

Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies can be enjoyed in many ways:

• With Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Paired with Tea or Coffee: The spiced cherry filling pairs beautifully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• For Breakfast or Dessert: These hand pies are perfect for both a sweet breakfast and an after-dinner treat.
• As a Gift: Package them in a bakery box for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Additional Tips for Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies

Here are some tips to ensure your Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies turn out perfectly:

• Chill the dough: After making the dough, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before rolling it out. This helps it hold its shape better when baking.
• Use cold butter: Ensure the butter is chilled before cutting it into the flour to create a flaky, tender crust.
• Add a pinch of salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the dough and filling will help balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.
• Experiment with sweeteners: You can substitute sugar with maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make a double crust: If you prefer more crust, feel free to use a double layer, ensuring to make slits for steam to escape.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries: Both fresh and frozen sour cherries work well in this recipe. If using frozen cherries, don’t thaw them to avoid extra moisture in the filling.
• Tighten the filling: If the cherry filling looks too runny, you can add a small amount of cornstarch to help thicken it up.
• Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature before baking to ensure an even bake.
• Egg wash for golden crust: Brush the top of the pie with a vegan egg wash (such as almond milk or coconut milk mixed with a touch of maple syrup) for a beautiful, golden finish.
• Let it cool: Allow the pies to cool completely before serving. This helps the filling set and makes for a cleaner slice.

Recipe Variations for Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies

Here are 10 variations you can try for Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies:

• Cinnamon Sour Cherry Pies: Swap cardamom for cinnamon for a classic warm spice flavor.
• Almond Sour Cherry Pies: Add a few drops of almond extract for a cherry-almond twist.
• Chocolate Cherry Hand Pies: Stir mini chocolate chips into the cherry filling for a chocolate-cherry combo.
• Vanilla Bean Cherry Pies: Use vanilla bean paste instead of extract for a richer vanilla flavor.
• Citrus-Spiced Cherry Pies: Add orange zest for a bright citrus contrast.
• Honey-Sweetened Cherry Pies: Replace some sugar with honey for a deeper, natural sweetness.
• Brown Sugar Cherry Pies: Use brown sugar instead of granulated for a caramel-like depth.
• Pistachio Cherry Pies: Sprinkle chopped pistachios inside the filling for a nutty crunch.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Pies: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the crust.
• Vegan Cherry Pies: Substitute plant-based butter and use a non-dairy milk wash.

Freezing and Storage for Cardamom Sour CFreezing and Storage

• Freezing: You can freeze these pies before baking. Simply assemble the pies, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Storage: Store leftover pies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

Special Equipment

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies easier:

• Pie Crust Shield (optional): To prevent the edges from overbaking, use a pie crust shield or foil during baking.

• Muffin Tin or Tartlet Pans: Use these for creating individual servings of pies.

• Rolling Pin: A rolling pin will help you roll out the pie dough evenly.

• Pie Crust Cutter: Use a round cutter or a glass to cut the dough into perfect circles.

• Pastry Brush: A pastry brush helps apply the egg wash for a golden finish.

• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for preparing the filling and the crust.

• Cooling Rack: A cooling rack allows the pies to cool evenly, keeping the crust crispy.

• Oven Thermometer: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature for perfect pies.

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Conclusion

Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies are a delightful fusion of tangy cherries and the warmth of cardamom, all encased in a buttery, flaky crust. These little pies are the perfect bite-sized indulgence, offering a burst of flavor with every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or savoring one as an afternoon treat, these pies will never disappoint.

Their unique blend of tart cherries and aromatic cardamom makes them a standout dessert, while their handheld nature makes them ideal for easy serving and sharing. If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, these pies are sure to impress.

I’d love to see how your Cardamom Sour Cherry Pies turn out! Take a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I’m excited to see your sweet creations! Happy baking!.