Description
German Cherry Cake, also known as Cherry Custard Pie, is a delightful dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with a sweet cherry mixture covered in a creamy custard. This pie is baked to perfection until the custard is set and lightly golden, offering a perfect balance of tart cherries and smooth, rich custard. Ideal for any dessert table, it’s simple to make yet impressively delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cherry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Custard
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Other
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the cherry custard pie.
- Prepare the pie crust: Place the pie crust into a pie pan and lightly grease the edges with butter to prevent sticking and to add flavor.
- Mix the cherry filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pitted cherries with lemon juice and cornstarch. Toss gently to coat the cherries evenly with the mixture.
- Spread the cherries: Evenly distribute the cherry mixture into the prepared pie crust, making sure it covers the bottom evenly.
- Make the custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Pour custard over cherries: Carefully pour the custard mixture over the cherries in the pie crust, ensuring the cherries are fully covered by the cream mixture.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The pie is done when the custard is set, lightly golden on top, and the center is slightly firm to the touch.
- Cool before serving: Let the pie cool completely so the custard firms up properly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries based on availability; if using frozen, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture.
- Ensure the custard is fully set before removing from oven to prevent a runny filling.
- A pre-made pie crust saves time, but homemade crust can enhance flavor and texture.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature for best taste.
- To reduce sweetness, consider adjusting sugar quantities especially when using very sweet cherries.
