If you’re craving something sweet, fruity, and entirely plant-based, look no further than this Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie recipe. Whether you’re vegan by lifestyle or simply seeking a healthier and more compassionate dessert option, this cherry pie delivers everything you love in a traditional pie—minus the dairy and eggs.
Let’s be honest: baking a homemade pie might seem intimidating at first, especially when you’re navigating the world of vegan ingredients. But with this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll learn that making a Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie is not only doable—it’s downright rewarding. From the flakiest vegan crust to the rich and juicy cherry filling, every bite is a blend of nostalgia and modern plant-based goodness.
So roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and let’s dive into how to make the best vegan cherry pie from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Vegan Cherry Pie
There are countless dessert options out there, but there’s something undeniably charming and satisfying about a classic fruit pie. And when it comes to cherries, their natural sweetness and slight tang elevate the flavor experience even more. Here’s why this Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Completely dairy- and egg-free, making it perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
- Uses fresh or frozen cherries, so you can enjoy it year-round.
- A flaky, tender crust made with vegan butter that rivals any traditional pie dough.
- Naturally sweet, juicy filling with a hint of almond for a rich, aromatic touch.
- Simple ingredients that are pantry-friendly and easy to find.
- Ideal for holidays, birthdays, cookouts, or just a weekend treat.
And best of all—it’s a delicious vegan cherry pie you can feel proud serving to anyone, vegan or not.
Ingredients for a Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie
Let’s begin by breaking down the two main components of this pie: the filling and the crust. Each is carefully crafted to deliver flavor and texture while keeping things 100% vegan.
For the Cherry Filling:
- 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries – You can use sweet cherries, tart cherries, or a mix for balanced flavor.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar – Adjust this based on your cherries’ sweetness level.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch – Acts as a thickener to keep your filling intact and luscious.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brightens the filling and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon almond extract – Optional, but adds depth and a touch of elegance.
- Pinch of salt – Just a small amount enhances all the other flavors.
For the Vegan Pie Crust (Top & Bottom Crust):
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegan butter, cold and cut into cubes (brands like Earth Balance or Miyoko’s work well)
- 6–8 tablespoons ice water
Optional for Brushing:
- Plant-based milk – Oat, almond, or soy milk will do the trick.
- Turbinado sugar – Adds a crunchy, sparkly finish.
This ingredient list keeps things straightforward yet effective, ensuring your Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie turns out mouthwateringly perfect every time.
How to Make Vegan Cherry Pie from Scratch
Ready to bake? Here’s a step-by-step guide to making the most delicious vegan cherry pie you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Make the Vegan Pie Crust
The crust is what separates an average pie from an unforgettable one. This dairy-free crust is buttery, flaky, and everything a pie crust should be—without using animal products.
- Whisk dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Cut in the vegan butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the cold vegan butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Think pea-sized bits of butter.
- Add water gradually: Add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing.
- Divide and chill: Split the dough into two even portions, shape into discs, wrap in parchment or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Chilling the dough is key. It helps the butter stay solid, which in turn creates those magical flaky layers when baked.
Step 2: Prepare the Cherry Filling
While the dough chills, it’s time to whip up the sweet and tangy cherry filling.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and salt.
- Cook to thicken: Heat over medium, stirring frequently. The mixture should begin to bubble and thicken in 5–8 minutes.
- Cool completely: Let the filling cool to room temperature before pouring it into the crust. This prevents a soggy bottom and helps the pie maintain its shape.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
Now comes the fun part—putting everything together.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll one disc of dough into a circle large enough to line your 9-inch pie plate.
- Add the filling: Spoon in the completely cooled cherry mixture, smoothing it out evenly.
- Top it off: Roll out the second dough disc and lay it over the filling. You can create a lattice top or keep it whole with slits for steam to escape.
- Seal and crimp edges: Pinch the edges of the top and bottom crust together, then crimp with your fingers or a fork.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Your oven is ready and your pie is prepped—time to bake!
- Brush the top crust with plant-based milk for a golden hue.
- Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added crunch and sweetness.
- Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the vents.
- Shield if necessary: If the edges brown too quickly, cover them with foil halfway through baking.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Patience is key here—let the pie rest.
- Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This lets the filling firm up so each slice holds together beautifully.
- Serve warm or cold, with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream or a dollop of dairy-free whipped cream.
Tips for the Best Vegan Cherry Pie
Mastering this Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie is all about a few thoughtful choices. Here’s how to make sure every pie is better than the last:
- Use a mix of cherries for complexity. Sweet cherries like Bing and tart cherries like Montmorency offer a rich contrast in flavor.
- Balance sweetness based on the fruit. If your cherries are especially sweet, cut back on sugar or try natural alternatives like maple syrup.
- Go gluten-free by swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure your butter substitute is also gluten-free.
- Add depth with spices: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and complements the cherries beautifully.
- Almond extract = magic: Don’t skip it. It enhances the cherry flavor like nothing else can.
- Keep everything cold when making the crust. Cold dough = flakier pie.
Flavor Variations and Creative Twists
This classic vegan cherry pie recipe is a solid base, but you can customize it to match your mood or the season.
- Chocolate Cherry Pie: Add 1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips to the filling before baking.
- Berry-Cherry Combo: Mix cherries with raspberries or blueberries for a berry medley pie.
- Cherry Crumble Top: Swap the top crust for a crumbly streusel made with oats, vegan butter, and brown sugar.
- Mini Cherry Hand Pies: Use the dough and filling to make handheld pies—perfect for picnics and parties.
The sky’s the limit with this Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie!
How to Store and Reheat Cherry Pie
You’ve baked the pie. Now, how do you keep it tasting just as fresh?
Room Temperature:
- Store the pie loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator:
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days, tightly covered with foil or in an airtight container.
Freezing:
- Freeze fully baked and cooled pie for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
- You can also freeze unbaked assembled pies. Bake directly from frozen—just add 15–20 minutes to the baking time.
Reheating:
- Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20–30 seconds.
- Or, reheat the whole pie in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cherry pie vegan by default?
No, traditional cherry pie usually contains butter in the crust and sometimes eggs or dairy in the filling. This Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie uses only plant-based ingredients, making it 100% vegan.
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
What’s the best vegan butter for pie crust?
Brands like Miyoko’s Creamery and Earth Balance create excellent results thanks to their high-fat content and texture.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and make sure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How do I prevent a soggy bottom crust?
Make sure your filling is completely cooled before adding it to the crust, and consider baking the pie on a preheated baking sheet for extra insurance.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, pie dough can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion: Why This Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie is Worth Baking Again and Again
This Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and compassion all baked into a beautiful dessert. Whether you’re baking for a holiday, a summer get-together, or simply to enjoy a slice of something sweet after dinner, this pie will never let you down.
It combines the juiciness of ripe cherries, the buttery flakiness of a perfect vegan crust, and just enough sweetness to make every bite unforgettable. Plus, it’s easy to customize, stores well, and will make even the most skeptical pie lover come back for seconds.
So the next time you’re searching for a dessert that hits all the right notes—fruity, flaky, and fully plant-based—remember this Delicious Vegan Cherry Pie. It’s not only one of the best vegan pies you’ll ever make; it might just be one of the best pies, period.
