There’s something about a freshly baked cherry pie that feels like a warm hug on a summer afternoon. This Vegan Cherry Pie recipe is a celebration of sweet, juicy cherries nestled in a golden, flaky crust that’s completely dairy-free.
Whether you’re making it for a summer picnic, a festive holiday table, or just because you need a slice of something comforting, this pie hits all the right notes.
I first started experimenting with vegan baking after my best friend decided to go plant-based. Let’s just say the early attempts weren’t exactly award-winning. But after perfecting this cherry pie recipe, I knew I’d found something special.
The filling is made with fresh or frozen cherries, sweetened just enough to highlight their natural tartness. And the crust? Buttery, flaky perfection—without a single pat of butter.
The best part? This recipe skips the fuss of complex ingredients. You’ll use simple pantry staples and techniques that keep things straightforward, so even novice bakers can pull off a dessert worthy of compliments.
Trust me, this pie is more than just dessert—it’s a showstopper that also happens to be kind to the planet.
Why You Will Be Hooked?
- Easy as Pie: Literally! The straightforward ingredients and method make this recipe a breeze to whip up, even on a busy weekend.
- Summer in Every Bite: The sweet-tart cherry filling is like sunshine on a fork.
- Flaky Perfection: The vegan crust holds its own, delivering that satisfying buttery texture without the butter.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving vegans, vegetarians, or omnivores, this pie disappears fast!
- Planet-Friendly: A delicious way to reduce your environmental footprint while enjoying dessert.
Vegan Cherry Pie Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Pastry cutter
- Fork
- Cling wrap
- Saucepan
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon
- Whisk
- Pie plate
- Rolling pin
- Pizza cutter
- Cookie sheet
Ingredients
For crust:
- 2 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 8 tablespoon vegan butter cut into 1-cm cubes while very cold
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Ice cold water
For the pie filling:
- 5 cups frozen pitted sweet cherries (you can use tart cherries, but you will likely need to add more sugar)
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the crust: Mix flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Cut in cold butter until crumbly, then add cold water to form dough. Divide, wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Prepare the filling: Cook cherries in a saucepan to release liquid. Remove cherries and reduce juice. Add sugar and cornstarch, mix until thickened, and combine with cherries and vanilla.
- Preheat the oven: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll the crust: Roll one dough disc to fit the pie plate and chill while preparing the top crust.
- Assemble the pie: Add the cherry filling, then top with a lattice or plain crust. Seal edges and add steam vents.
- Bake: Place pie on a cookie sheet and bake for 50 minutes.
- Cool: Let the pie cool on a rack for 3-4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 249kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 6.1g |
| Fibre | 2.4g |
| Fat | 35g |
| Protein | 7.6g |
| Sugar | 0.3g |
Variations that Will Help You Customize!
Crust Alternatives
- Gluten-Free Crust: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
- Nutty Crust: Add ½ cup almond meal to the crust for a nutty flavor and crumbly texture.
- Oat Crust: Replace a portion of the flour with oat flour for a hearty twist.
Filling Twists
- Mixed Berry Pie: Combine cherries with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a mixed berry pie.
- Spiced Cherry Filling: Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the filling for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Chocolate Cherry: Stir in ½ cup vegan chocolate chips into the filling for a decadent dessert.
Sugar Substitutes
- Maple Syrup: Replace sugar with maple syrup or agave for a different sweetness profile.
- Coconut Sugar: Use coconut sugar for a caramel-like sweetness.
Presentation Options
- Rustic Galette: Skip the pie plate and make a free-form galette by folding the edges of the dough over the filling.
- Mini Pies: Use a muffin tin to create individual cherry pies, perfect for portion control and serving.
Topping Variations
- Crumble Topping: Replace the top crust with a crumbly topping made from flour, sugar, oats, and vegan butter.
- Nut Crust Top: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the filling before baking.
Flavor Boosters
- Citrus Zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the filling for a zesty kick.
- Almond Essence: Stir ½ teaspoon almond extract into the filling for a complementary nutty note.
Serving Enhancements
- Whipped Topping: Serve with vegan whipped cream or coconut whipped topping.
- Ice Cream: Pair with vegan vanilla or almond ice cream for a classic combo.
No-Bake Option
- Raw Cherry Pie: Make a raw version by blending dates and nuts for the crust and using fresh cherries with a chia-seed-thickened filling.
Seasonal Substitutes
- Peach Cherry Pie: Mix cherries with sliced peaches for a summer-inspired pie.
- Apple Cherry Pie: Combine with diced apples for a fall twist.
Savory-Sweet Option
- Herbed Crust: Add 1 teaspoon finely chopped rosemary or thyme to the crust for a unique savory-sweet combination.
Joe Miller is the passionate founder of Food Landscape Insight, where he shares his love for cooking and culinary experiences. Growing up in a family-run diner, Joe was immersed in the vibrant world of food from an early age. The kitchen became his canvas, and food, his way of storytelling.
Through years of experimentation and learning, Joe honed his skills and started his blog to inspire others to embrace the joy of cooking. Each recipe he shares is a blend of tradition, creativity, and the heartfelt memories that food brings to life, all with the aim of fostering a deeper connection to food.
