What Is a Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie? A Fruity and Beautiful Dessert
Strawberry cherry sheet pie is a stunning, large format dessert baked in an 11 by 15 inch jelly roll pan. It features a remarkably flaky cream cheese pie crust and a bubbling, vibrant mixture of sweet cherries and fresh strawberries. This dish is perfect for summer gatherings, holiday potlucks, or feeding a large crowd. You avoid the hassle of transferring a delicate traditional pie. Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with classic dessert toppings. It serves as a spectacular centerpiece for any buffet table. Everyone loves the juicy fruit and crispy crust. You will quickly see why this dish remains a beloved favorite. The bright colors and delicious aroma make it an instant hit at any event.
Why You Will Love This Strawberry Cherry Pie Recipe
This Strawberry cherry pie recipe offers a unique appeal through its foolproof crust. The addition of cream cheese to the pie dough creates an incredibly tender, tangy, and easy to roll out crust for large sheet pans. You will find it great for casual backyard parties or Fourth of July celebrations. It serves as a simple yet impressive dish for your guests. Its adaptability allows you to easily swap in sour cherries or mixed berries based on seasonal availability. Your family will appreciate the beautiful presentation and delicious taste. This reliable method guarantees consistent results and brings joy to your kitchen. You can easily customize the recipe to fit your personal taste preferences.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie
To create the perfect Strawberry cherry sheet pie, you need the right ingredients. For the cream cheese pie dough, measure five cups of all purpose flour and one fourth cup of cornstarch. Add one teaspoon of coarse kosher salt. Incorporate eight tablespoons of cold cream cheese and two cups of cold unsalted butter cut into pieces. Mix in one cup of ice water and two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar.
For the filling, combine four cups of pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries and four cups of sliced strawberries. Add three fourths cup of granulated sugar, a pinch of coarse kosher salt, and five tablespoons of cornstarch. Include two tablespoons of lemon juice and one teaspoon of almond extract. For assembly, use an egg wash for a golden finish and coarse sugar for a sparkling top. You can use a gluten free flour blend or substitute vanilla extract for the almond extract to accommodate different flavor preferences.
Step by Step Instructions for Making Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie
Making Strawberry cherry sheet pie requires a simple process. First, make the pastry. In a large food processor, combine flour, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse to mix. Add cold cream cheese and pulse until broken down. Add cold butter and pulse until pea sized pieces remain. Stream in ice water mixed with apple cider vinegar while the motor runs. Process just until the dough comes together.
Next, chill the dough. Divide the dough into two portions. Bring them together, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and roll the wrapped dough out slightly. Refrigerate for at least two hours. Prepare the filling by combining cherries, strawberries, sugar, salt, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract in a large bowl. Let the mixture sit until the sugar dissolves and juices release.
Assemble the pie by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the first dough portion into a 13 by 17 inch rectangle and press it into an 11 by 15 inch jelly roll pan. Add the fruit filling in an even layer. Roll out the second portion into a 12 by 16 inch rectangle. Cut it into strips for a lattice top or leave it whole with steam vents.
Bake to perfection by brushing the crust with egg wash and sprinkling with coarse sugar. Place the jelly roll pan on a larger rimmed baking sheet to catch drips. Bake on the lower rack for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling throughout. Let it cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set.
Expert Tips for Achieving the Best Texture and Flavor
Achieving the ultimate texture in your Strawberry cherry sheet pie requires a few expert techniques. Always keep your butter and cream cheese extremely cold. This ensures the fat melts in the oven rather than the mixing bowl. This creates those essential flaky layers in the crust. Weighing your flour is the most accurate way to measure. If you lack a scale, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off. This avoids a dense, dry crust.
If your food processor is smaller than a 14 cup model, make the pie dough in two separate batches. Use half the ingredients for each batch to ensure even mixing. Using cornstarch instead of flour in the fruit filling results in a clearer, glossier fruit sauce. This prevents the sauce from turning cloudy when baked. These small details guarantee a perfect dessert every single time you bake. Your family will love the professional quality of these homemade treats.
How to Customize Your Strawberry Cherry Pie for Unique Twists
You can easily customize your Strawberry cherry sheet pie with creative variations. If you prefer a tart flavor profile or use sour cherries, increase the granulated sugar in the filling to one full cup. This perfectly balances the acidity. Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a pinch of nutmeg to the fruit filling for a warmer, autumnal spice blend. You can also swap the strawberries for raspberries or blueberries. A mixed berry blend changes up the color and flavor profile beautifully. If you do not have almond extract, substitute it with an equal amount of pure vanilla extract. These innovative pie ideas keep the dessert exciting. Your family will love trying these different gourmet flavor combinations. The seasonal fruit variations ensure you can bake this treat all year round.
Serving Suggestions: Pairing Strawberry Cherry Pie with Dessert Accompaniments
Strawberry cherry sheet pie pairs beautifully with classic dessert accompaniments. Serve it warm or at room temperature alongside a massive scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. This creates the ultimate classic dessert experience. Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of sweet cream. A sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds adds wonderful texture. For beverages, serve chilled sweet tea, sparkling lemonade, or a dessert wine like Moscato. These elegant dessert pairings complement the bright, fruity flavors perfectly. These refreshing topping options turn a simple slice into a memorable treat. Your guests will appreciate these complete meal solutions at your next summer gathering.
Storage Tips: How to Store and Preserve Leftover Pie
Properly storing homemade pies ensures long lasting freshness. Keep the cooled Strawberry cherry sheet pie covered tightly at room temperature for up to one day. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days for extended freshness. You can freeze the unbaked, assembled pie tightly wrapped in plastic and foil for up to three months. Bake it directly from frozen, adding fifteen to twenty minutes to the baking time. Because of the high fruit content, let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before covering it. These preserving techniques prevent the crust from becoming soggy from trapped steam. These freezing fruit pies tips guarantee a perfect texture every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie
Q: Can I use frozen cherries and strawberries for the filling?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fruit. Do not thaw them beforehand. Add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch to absorb the additional liquid released during baking.
Q: Why is cream cheese added to the pie dough?
A: Cream cheese adds a slight tang and enriches the flavor. Most importantly, it makes the dough incredibly tender and much easier to roll out into large sheets without shrinking.
Q: How do I know exactly when the pie is done baking?
A: The pie is fully baked when the crust is a deep golden brown. The fruit filling must be actively bubbling in the center, not just around the edges.
Q: Can I make the pie dough ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Prepare the dough, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate for up to two days. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before rolling.
Why Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie Is a Must Try for Any Occasion
Strawberry cherry sheet pie shines for its stunning presentation and foolproof cream cheese crust. The vibrant, sweet tart fruit filling makes it a showstopping dessert. You should experiment with the lattice top or try different fruit combinations. This makes the recipe your own signature summer bake. Baking in a jelly roll pan takes the stress out of serving a crowd. It ensures everyone gets a perfect slice of crispy crust and juicy fruit. Mastering these classic pie recipes encourages creative home baking. These crowd pleasing treats deliver pure joy in every bite. Your family and friends will request this easy summer entertaining dessert again and again.
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Strawberry Cherry Sheet Pie
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 servings 1x
Description
Strawberry cherry sheet pie is a stunning, large-format dessert baked in an 11×15-inch jelly roll pan. It features a remarkably flaky cream cheese pie crust and a bubbling, vibrant mixture of sweet cherries and fresh strawberries. Perfect for summer gatherings, holiday potlucks, or feeding a large crowd without the hassle of transferring a delicate traditional pie.
Ingredients
For the Cream Cheese Pie Dough:
5 cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour blend if needed)
¼ cup cornstarch
1 tsp coarse kosher salt
8 tbsp cold cream cheese
2 cups cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 cup ice water
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
For the Filling:
4 cups pitted fresh or frozen sweet cherries
4 cups sliced fresh strawberries
¾ cup granulated sugar
Pinch of coarse kosher salt
5 tbsp cornstarch
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp almond extract (substitute vanilla extract if preferred)
For Assembly:
Egg wash (for a golden finish)
Coarse sugar (for a sparkling top)
Instructions
1. Make the pastry: In a large food processor (14-cup or larger), combine the flour, cornstarch, and salt. Pulse to mix. Add the cold cream cheese and pulse until broken down. Add the cold butter and pulse until pea-sized pieces remain. Stream in the ice water mixed with apple cider vinegar while the motor runs. Process just until the dough comes together. (Note: If your food processor is smaller than 14 cups, make the pie dough in two separate batches using half the ingredients for each).
2. Chill the dough: Divide the dough into two portions. Bring them together, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and roll the wrapped dough out slightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
3. Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the cherries, strawberries, sugar, salt, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. Let the mixture sit until the sugar dissolves and the juices release.
4. Assemble the pie: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the first dough portion into a 13×17-inch rectangle and press it into an 11×15-inch jelly roll pan. Add the fruit filling in an even layer. Roll out the second portion into a 12×16-inch rectangle. Cut it into strips for a lattice top or leave it whole and cut steam vents.
5. Bake to perfection: Brush the crust with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse sugar. Place the jelly roll pan on a larger rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Bake on the lower oven rack for 45 to 50 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling throughout.
6. Cool and serve: Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.
Notes
Keep Ingredients Cold: Always keep your butter and cream cheese extremely cold. This ensures the fat melts in the oven rather than the mixing bowl, creating those essential flaky layers in the crust.
Measuring Flour: Weighing your flour is the most accurate method. If you lack a scale, spoon the flour into the measuring cup and level it off to avoid a dense, dry crust.
Clear Fruit Sauce: Using cornstarch instead of flour in the fruit filling results in a clearer, glossier fruit sauce that doesn’t turn cloudy when baked.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes (plus 2 hours chilling time)
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert / Pie
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: ~380
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg