Maraschino Cherry Pie

The Story Behind the Recipe

Some recipes just sparkle with nostalgia — and Maraschino Cherry Pie is one of them. The glossy red cherries, that buttery golden crust, and the aroma of almond and sugar drifting through the kitchen — it’s the kind of dessert that instantly takes you back to simpler times.

When I was little, my grandma had a way of turning ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary. I can still see her in her kitchen on Sunday afternoons — flour dusting her apron, her rolling pin tapping the counter, and that signature jar of bright red maraschino cherries sitting beside her mixing bowl.

She used to wink at me and say, “Ain’t nothing prettier than a cherry pie, sweetheart.” Then she’d pour the sweet cherries into a bowl, stir in her secret mix of vanilla, almond extract, and cream, and fill her flaky homemade crust with all that red goodness.

When the pie came out of the oven, it gleamed like stained glass in the sunlight — ruby-red and bubbling with joy. She always served it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, and no matter how many desserts I’ve tasted since, nothing ever beat that first bite.

Now, whenever I make Maraschino Cherry Pie, it feels like I’m bringing her kitchen back to life — sweet, cozy, and full of love. This recipe is simple, beautiful, and guaranteed to make everyone smile.

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What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s something truly special about this Maraschino Cherry Pie. It’s a dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make — a mix of nostalgia and celebration baked right into every slice.

Here’s why it’s so loved:

• Vibrant and beautiful: The bright red color makes it the star of any table.
• Sweet, creamy, and buttery: Each bite blends rich filling with flaky crust and just the right hint of almond.
• Quick and easy: Uses simple pantry staples and a jar of maraschino cherries — no fancy ingredients required.
• Versatile: Works beautifully as a pie, tart, or even bite-sized mini desserts.
• Perfect for any occasion: From Valentine’s Day to Christmas to potlucks and birthdays, it’s always a crowd favorite.

This Maraschino Cherry Pie is the kind of dessert that doesn’t just feed the sweet tooth — it warms the heart.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Pie Filling

• 2 (10 oz) jars maraschino cherries, drained (reserve ¼ cup syrup)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but highly recommended)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

For the Crust

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cold butter, cubed
• 4–5 tablespoons ice water

(You can also use store-bought pie crust for convenience — no judgment in Granny’s kitchen!)

For Topping (Optional but divine)

• Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
• Extra maraschino cherries for garnish
• Toasted almond slivers

Granny’s Tip: Always drain the cherries well before using — too much liquid makes the filling runny.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

If you’re making homemade crust, start by mixing flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter (or your fingertips) until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle in ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Form it into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Granny’s Note: The key to a flaky crust is cold butter and a gentle touch — treat that dough with love, not muscle.

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Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the reserved cherry syrup and lemon juice until smooth.

Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens — about 3–4 minutes.

Add the drained maraschino cherries, almond extract, vanilla extract, and butter. Stir gently to coat the cherries in the glossy sauce.

Remove from heat and let cool slightly while you roll out the crust.

Comfort Moment: That rich cherry aroma with a hint of almond? That’s what happiness smells like in Granny’s Lil Kitchen.

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Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Roll out the chilled pie dough on a lightly floured surface. Fit it into a 9-inch pie plate, trimming any excess around the edges.

Pour in the cherry filling, spreading evenly. Add small pats of butter on top for extra richness.

Granny’s Tip: Want to make it extra pretty? Use a lattice crust on top — it shows off that shiny red filling beautifully.

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Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the pie on a baking sheet (to catch drips) and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through.

Let the pie cool at least 1 hour before slicing — this allows the filling to set perfectly.

Granny’s Trick: For the ultimate glossy finish, brush the top crust with a little cherry syrup before baking.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Maraschino Cherry Pie slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of whipped cream on top.

Garnish with a few extra cherries or toasted almonds for that signature Granny’s Lil Kitchen touch.

Granny’s Note: This pie tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld and the crust softens just a bit.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With

This Maraschino Cherry Pie is a showstopper all on its own, but it shines even brighter when paired thoughtfully.

🍦 Sweet Companions

• Vanilla ice cream or French vanilla gelato
• Homemade whipped cream with a drizzle of cherry syrup

☕ Perfect Drinks

• Freshly brewed coffee or espresso
• Hot chocolate topped with whipped cream and a cherry
• Sparkling rosé for celebrations

🍽 Elegant Touches

• Serve with chocolate shavings or drizzle a little melted white chocolate over each slice.
• Add a dusting of powdered sugar for a vintage, bakery-style look.

Granny’s Serving Secret: A warm slice served with cold vanilla ice cream is pure heaven — the contrast makes every bite melt in your mouth.

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Customization & Variations

Once you fall in love with this Maraschino Cherry Pie, you’ll want to make it again and again — and these easy twists keep it exciting!

🍫 Chocolate Cherry Pie

Stir ¼ cup mini chocolate chips into the filling before baking for a rich, decadent twist.

🍒 Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Spread a layer of sweetened cream cheese mixture (8 oz cream cheese + ¼ cup powdered sugar) on the crust before adding the filling.

🥧 Mini Hand Pies

Use store-bought pie crust and spoon filling into small circles of dough. Fold, crimp, and bake for portable hand pies!

🍦 No-Bake Cherry Pie

Use a graham cracker crust and mix drained cherries with whipped topping and pudding mix — chill instead of baking.

🍰 Almond Crumb Topping

Skip the top crust and sprinkle the pie with a buttery almond streusel instead.

Granny’s Tip: Always taste your cherries before baking — some brands are sweeter than others. Adjust sugar if needed!

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Storing & Reheating

🧊 Storing

Cool completely before covering loosely with foil or plastic wrap. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

🔥 Reheating

Warm individual slices in the oven or microwave for a few seconds — just enough to bring back that cozy pie warmth.

❄️ Freezing

Freeze unbaked pie (wrapped tightly in foil) for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding 10 minutes to the baking time.

Granny’s Trick: If you’ve already baked it, slice and freeze individual portions — perfect for late-night dessert cravings!

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

(Serves 8)

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 160mg

Rich, sweet, and indulgent — but worth every bite. This Maraschino Cherry Pie is comfort food for the soul.

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use jarred cherries instead of maraschino?

Yes, but maraschino cherries give the pie its signature flavor and color.

2. Can I make it with canned cherry pie filling?

You can, but it won’t have that classic maraschino sweetness.

3. Can I skip the almond extract?

Sure — but it enhances the cherry flavor beautifully!

4. Can I use store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely — it makes this recipe even easier.

5. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! This pie tastes even better after chilling overnight.

6. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use a gluten-free pie crust and cornstarch that’s certified gluten-free.

7. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but butter adds the best flavor and richness.

8. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Always bake the pie long enough for the bottom to crisp, and drain cherries thoroughly.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes — bake in two pie plates or a large 9×13-inch dish for gatherings.

10. Can I add other fruits?

You can add strawberries or pineapple chunks for a fun twist — but maraschino will always be the star!

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

There’s a reason Maraschino Cherry Pie has been a cherished dessert for generations. It’s simple, stunning, and bursting with that cheerful sweetness that makes people feel like kids again.

It’s the pie that never fails to bring smiles — the one that says “home” in every bite. The golden crust, the glossy red filling, the creamy texture — it’s a taste of love baked into every slice.

Because in Granny’s Lil Kitchen, desserts aren’t just recipes — they’re memories, traditions, and a little bit of joy to share.

So roll out your dough, open that jar of cherries, and fill your kitchen with the scent of old-fashioned happiness. This Maraschino Cherry Pie isn’t just a dessert — it’s a celebration in every bite.

💛 Tried This Recipe?

If you make Maraschino Cherry Pie, I’d love to see your gorgeous, glossy creations! Tag your photos and follow me on Pinterest at grannyslilkitchen — where every recipe is made with nostalgia, sweetness, and a whole lot of love.