Oh, the magic of baking during the holiday season! There’s just something about the smell of warm pie wafting through the house that instantly brings back the coziness of Christmas. One of my all-time favorite traditions is making my Christmas Cherry Almond Pie. It’s a beautiful blend of sweet cherries and nutty almond flavor that feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter evening. I remember the first time I made it—my family gathered around the kitchen, eagerly waiting to sample the warm slice fresh out of the oven. Trust me, it quickly became a staple at our holiday celebrations! The joy on everyone’s faces as they took that first bite was priceless. So, grab your apron and let’s dive into this festive treat that’s sure to become a cherished holiday tradition in your home, too!
Ingredients for Christmas Cherry Almond Pie
To whip up this delightful Christmas Cherry Almond Pie, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup of almond flour, which adds that lovely nutty flavor
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the cherries
- 1/4 cup of softened butter, so it blends easily into the batter
- 1 tablespoon of almond extract for that delicious aroma
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to enhance the flavors
- 2 large eggs to bind everything together
- 1 prepared pie crust, ready for that scrumptious filling
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness
With these ingredients on hand, you’re well on your way to creating a festive masterpiece!
How to Prepare Christmas Cherry Almond Pie
Preparing your Christmas Cherry Almond Pie is a delightful adventure that’s easier than you might think! Let’s get started with these simple steps to ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial because we want that lovely pie to bake evenly!
- While the oven warms up, take a bowl and mix your cherries with the granulated sugar. This will help release the cherries’ natural juices and sweeten them up. Set this aside to let the flavors mingle.
- In another bowl, cream together the softened butter and almond flour until smooth. This is where the magic begins—trust me, it’ll smell heavenly!
- Now, add in your eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt, mixing until well combined. This batter will be rich and fragrant!
- Gently fold in your cherry mixture. Be careful not to overmix; you want those cherries to stay intact for that burst of flavor when you bite into the pie.
- Pour the cherry-almond mixture into your prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.
- Finally, pop the pie into the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly golden on top. Your kitchen will smell absolutely amazing during this time!
- Once it’s done, let the pie cool before serving. This waiting time is the hardest part, but it’s so worth it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive flavors that capture the spirit of Christmas with every slice.
- Easy-to-follow steps make it simple enough for bakers of all levels.
- Perfect for gatherings—everyone will want a piece of this delightful pie!
- Combines the sweetness of cherries with the nutty richness of almonds for a unique taste.
- Can be prepared a day ahead, making holiday planning a breeze.
- Pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best results with your Christmas Cherry Almond Pie, here are some pro tips that I swear by. First, make sure your cherries are well-drained if using frozen ones; excess moisture can lead to a soggy crust—yikes! I also recommend letting the pie cool completely before slicing; this helps the filling set perfectly. If you want to elevate the flavor, try toasting the almond flour lightly before mixing it in; it adds a lovely depth to the pie. Lastly, don’t skip the whipped cream topping—it adds a creamy contrast that takes each bite over the top. Happy baking!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your Christmas Cherry Almond Pie, the options are endless! I love to top each slice with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream—it adds a light, airy touch that perfectly complements the rich filling. If you’re feeling a little more indulgent, a scoop of vanilla or almond ice cream pairs beautifully as well! For a festive flair, consider garnishing with a sprinkle of sliced almonds or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for that extra wow factor. And don’t forget—this pie is just as delightful served warm as it is chilled. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the typical nutritional values for a slice of Christmas Cherry Almond Pie (about 1 slice): approximately 250 calories, 12g of fat, 4g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Enjoy your festive treat!
FAQ About Christmas Cherry Almond Pie
Got questions about your Christmas Cherry Almond Pie? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I use frozen cherries? Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the pie.
Can I substitute almond flour? Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but the flavor will be different. Almond flour adds that lovely nutty taste!
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s just as delicious the next day!
Can I make this pie ahead of time? Definitely! You can bake it a day in advance and simply reheat it before serving. Perfect for holiday prep!
For more delicious pie recipes, check out this canned cherry pie recipe or this cherry cheesecake recipe!
Print
Christmas Cherry Almond Pie: 7 Sweet Reasons to Bake
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive pie featuring cherries and almonds, perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries
- 1 cup almond flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 1 tablespoon almond extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1 prepared pie crust
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the cherries with sugar and set aside.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and almond flour.
- Add eggs, almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt to the mixture.
- Fold in the cherries gently.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Serve with whipped cream for added flavor.
- Can be made a day ahead.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Christmas Cherry Almond Pie