Vanilla Cherry Pie is one of those desserts that instantly transports you into a cozy, nostalgic mood. It has all the charm of a traditional fruit pie, only with an elegant twist that makes it feel a bit more special. Instead of relying solely on the bright tang of cherries, this pie is enriched with warm vanilla, which softens the fruitiness and adds a mellow sweetness that lingers with every bite. The two flavors play together beautifully, creating a balance that feels familiar yet slightly elevated, perfect for anyone who wants something classic with just a hint of surprise.
What makes this pie so inviting is the way it brings contrasting textures together. The filling is glossy and juicy, full of cherries cooked down until they burst with flavor. The vanilla doesn’t overpower them, it wraps around the fruit like a soft blanket, rounding the edges of the tartness and giving the filling a deeper aroma. Against that, you have the crust, which is golden, flaky, and buttery. As soon as you cut into it, you hear that little crackle that promises a satisfying bite. Served warm, the juices thicken just enough to feel rich without becoming heavy, making the whole slice feel indulgent and comforting.
Desserts like this are perfect for gatherings, because they satisfy different tastes at once. People who love bright fruit flavors will be drawn to the cherries. Anyone who prefers something sweeter or creamier will appreciate the vanilla. And if you serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, it becomes an irresistible centerpiece that brings everyone back to the table for another slice. It’s the kind of pie that feels at home on a holiday menu, a Sunday afternoon table, or a simple midweek treat when you want something warm and familiar.
There’s also something charming about how easy it is to enjoy this pie in any season. Cherries make you think of summer, but the vanilla adds a cozy note that fits perfectly in colder months too. It bridges moods and celebrations, and that’s why this pie has a timeless quality. Vanilla Cherry Pie isn’t just a dessert, it’s a small, sweet pause in the day, the kind that reminds you how comforting simple ingredients can be when they come together just right.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour for crust
- 1 cup unsalted butter chilled and diced, for crust
- 1/4 cup ice water for crust
- 4 cups pitted cherries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup granulated sugar for filling
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for flavor
- 1 egg egg beaten, for egg wash
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a medium bowl, mix flour and butter until crumbly. Gradually add ice water, mixing until dough forms. Divide dough in half, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- In a saucepan, combine cherries, sugar, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thick and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Roll out one half of the dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Pour cherry filling into the crust-lined pie dish. Roll out remaining dough and place over the filling, crimping edges to seal. Cut slits in the top to vent.
- Brush top crust with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow pie to cool before serving. Enjoy your Vanilla Cherry Pie!
Nutrition
Not enough sugar for my taste, and I added a bit more. I like it sweeter! 🤷♂️
I tried this recipe, but my crust ended up too hard. What did I do wrong? I followed the steps exactly.
Sounds like you might have overworked the dough or added too much flour. Try being gentler next time!
Vanilla cherry pie sounds weird, but it works! My family loved it. Will make again!
Sounds amazing! Can’t wait to try this! 😍
It’s just a pie, come on. Nothing special. Seen better recipes online.
This pie is a dream! The cherries burst with flavor and the crust was perfect. Highly recommend!
Yummy!! 🍒🍰
Too long to bake! Mine burnt on top 🎃
I want to eat this every day. Delicious!
I know right?! This pie is the best! I made it last week and my family loved it. Totally a new favorite!
This pie was a huge hit at our family gathering! The cherry filling is sweet but not overwhelming. Will definitely make again!
Honestly, I thought it was a bit too sweet for my taste. Maybe I’ll try reducing the sugar next time. 🤔
I agree, this pie is amazing! I made it for my friends, and they couldn’t stop raving about it. Love the perfect balance of sweet and tart! 🍒
Yummy! 😋
Easy to follow instructions! I never baked a pie before lol, but this was really fun. Thanks for sharing!
I dunno, this seemed too complicated for a pie. I just wanted something simple.
My grandma makes the best cherry pie and this one didn’t quite live up. Good recipe if you’re in a hurry, though.
Too sweet for my taste! Next time, I’ll cut down on the sugar.
I think it’s awesome that you can adjust it to your liking! Some people just love sweet things, but it’s good to find a balance. I usually add more vanilla instead of sugar.
It was ok, I guess. Cherry pie isn’t really my thing.
I followed everything precisely and my pie didn’t look anything like the picture 🤦♀️. What went wrong?
Honestly, the crust was way too crumbly for me. It fell apart when I tried to slice it. Not sure what went wrong.
This recipe is a life-saver! The pie turned out amazing! My family devoured it.
I thought cherry pies were only for summer. Can you even make this with winter cherries? Someone please tell me!
You can totally use winter cherries! Just make sure they’re frozen if they’re outta season. They’ll taste great in your pie! 🍒
Not sure about cornstarch, I used flour instead. Same thing, right?
Delicious! The vanilla really adds a nice flavor. I used frozen cherries cause they were on sale. Still turned out great.
Why are cherries so expensive this time of year??!! I just used apples instead and it was still good.
I guess apples work too, but cherries are just the best for pies! They’re so juicy and sweet. 🙌
I tried making this pie but accidentally added salt instead of sugar… Can confirm it was not good. Make sure you measure right!