1. Prepare the Pie Crust:

– Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

– If using a store-bought pie crust, unroll it and place it into a 9-inch pie pan. Press gently into the pan, ensuring it fits well. If you’re making your own pie crust, roll it out to about 1/8 inch thickness and fit it into the pan.

2. Prepare the Filling:

– Open the canned cherry pie filling and pour it into a bowl. If you want to thicken it, stir in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. For added brightness, you can mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice.

– Optional: You can enhance the flavor of the filling by adding a dash of almond extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon, but it’s delicious on its own!

3. Assemble the Pie:

– Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it out evenly.

– If you like a buttery finish, dot the top of the filling with small pieces of butter (about 1 tablespoon total).

4. Top the Pie:

– If you’d like a glossy finish, whisk the egg and lightly brush it over the top of the crust. Then, sprinkle a little sugar on top for a nice texture and sweetness.

– You can also create a few slits in the top of the crust or leave it as is for a simple, one-crust pie.

5. Bake the Pie:

– Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

– If the edges of the crust are browning too quickly, cover them with aluminum foil or a pie shield to prevent burning.

6. Cool and Serve:

– Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool completely before slicing. This helps the filling set and prevents it from running out when cut.

– Serve it with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or just as it is!