There is something truly magical about biting into a slice of the German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe. This dessert marries the tartness of fresh cherries with the silky smoothness of custard, all nestled in a buttery pie crust that melts in your mouth. Whether you are serving this at a family gathering or enjoying it as a special treat for yourself, the harmony of flavors and textures makes it an unforgettable comfort dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite German grandma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture. You don’t need a long list of fancy components—just straightforward, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together.
- Fresh or frozen cherries (1 1/2 cups): The star of the dish, bringing sweet and tart notes that define the pie’s character.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness while enhancing the cherries’ natural flavor.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the cherry filling to keep it wonderfully luscious but not runny.
- Granulated sugar (3/4 cup): Sweetens the custard just enough without overpowering the cherries.
- Heavy cream (1 1/2 cups): Creates that rich, creamy custard texture everyone loves.
- Large eggs (2): Essential for setting the custard firmly while giving it a silky mouthfeel.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and depth, subtly enhancing the custard’s flavor.
- Pie crust (1 pre-made or homemade): Provides a flaky, buttery base that holds all the luscious fillings together.
- Butter (1 tablespoon, for greasing): Helps prevent sticking and adds a touch of richness to the crust edges.
- Pinch of salt: Balances the sweetness and sharpens all the flavors in the custard.
How to Make German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pie Crust
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, place your pie crust in a pie pan and coat the edges lightly with butter. This small step ensures the crust will bake up golden and rich, preventing any sticking or dryness around the rim.
Step 2: Toss the Cherries
In a bowl, combine the pitted cherries with lemon juice and cornstarch. This simple mix does wonders—lemon juice brightens their flavor, and cornstarch thickens the juices they release during baking, so the filling stays dreamy and not watery.
Step 3: Assemble the Cherry Layer
Spread the cherry mixture evenly into your prepared pie crust. An even layer will guarantee every bite has that delightful combination of cherries and custard.
Step 4: Whisk the Custard
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk it until everything is blissfully combined—the custard is what makes this cake uniquely smooth and indulgent.
Step 5: Pour Custard Over Cherries
Gently pour the custard mixture over the cherries, making sure they are completely covered. This step ensures a beautifully set custard once baked, mingling all the flavors like a perfectly choreographed dance.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your pie into the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the custard is set and has a light golden hue on top. The center should feel slightly firm—a sign that the custard has done its magic without becoming rubbery.
Step 7: Cool and Set
Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely before serving. This waiting game is worth it because the custard firms up beautifully as it cools, giving you those neat, perfect slices.
How to Serve German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar is a lovely classic touch that adds visual appeal and a hint of sweetness. You might also consider fresh mint leaves for a pop of color or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the creamy custard.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a side of fresh berries that echo the flavors in the pie. A light cup of coffee or tea alongside also enhances the dessert experience, making it perfect for afternoon treats or after-dinner indulgences.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe in rustic individual tart pans for personalized portions. Drizzle a warm cherry sauce over the top or sprinkle toasted almonds for added texture and nutty flavor that elevates the whole dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover pie tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, perfect for snack cravings or a quick dessert fix.
Freezing
If you want to keep your German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the cooled pie securely in foil and plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer. It’s best consumed within one month to maintain optimal flavor and texture. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To enjoy your pie warm, simply reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or place the whole pie in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. This brings back the custard’s velvety texture and revives the buttery aroma of the crust.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work just as well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid to prevent a soggy crust.
What kind of pie crust is best?
A buttery, flaky pie crust complements this cake beautifully. You can use store-bought for convenience or your favorite homemade version for that personal touch.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
While the traditional custard relies on cream and eggs, you can experiment with substitutes like coconut cream and silken tofu or vegan egg replacers, but results may vary in texture and flavor.
How do I know when the custard is fully baked?
The custard should be set but slightly jiggly in the center when you gently shake the pie. It will firm up more as it cools, so avoid overbaking to keep it creamy.
Is it okay to add more sugar for a sweeter pie?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to your taste, but remember that the cherries add natural tartness, and too much sugar might overpower the delicate balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a dessert that brings comfort, charm, and a touch of elegance, the German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite in your kitchen. Its perfect blend of tart cherries and creamy custard in a flaky crust is a true delight worth sharing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
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German Cherry Cake – Cherry Custard Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: German
Description
This German Cherry Cake, also known as Cherry Custard Pie, combines a buttery pie crust filled with fresh or frozen cherries and a smooth, creamy custard. Baked to perfection, it offers a delightful balance of tart cherries and sweet vanilla custard, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made pie crust (or homemade if preferred)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing)
Cherry Filling
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Custard
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the pie.
- Prepare Pie Crust: Place the pie crust into a pie pan and lightly grease the edges with butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Mix Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, toss the pitted cherries with lemon juice and cornstarch, then spread the cherry mixture evenly over the pie crust.
- Make Custard: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble Pie: Pour the custard mixture evenly over the cherries, making sure the fruit is fully covered by the custard.
- Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes until the custard is set and the top is lightly golden. The center should feel slightly firm when pressed gently.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature so the custard can firm up, ensuring clean slices and the best texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen cherries; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
- Avoid overbaking to prevent the custard from becoming rubbery.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a little cinnamon or almond extract in the custard mixture.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
