Name: Old Fashioned Cherry Pandowdy Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pie dough; 8 ounces cherries, cleaned and pitted; 21 ounces cherry pie filling; 2 tablespoons orange juice; ½ teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

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Introduction

The Old Fashioned Cherry Pandowdy is a warm, comforting dessert that showcases a delicious cherry filling beneath a tender, flaky crust. This cozy treat is perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.

A white plate holds a slice of cherry pie with a golden brown and cracked top crust showing deep red cherry filling oozing out; two scoops of creamy white vanilla ice cream sit next to the pie slice near the top edge, with fine texture visible on the ice cream surface. On the right side of the plate are three dark red cherries with stems, resting on the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pie dough
8 ounces cherries, cleaned and pitted
21 ounces cherry pie filling
2 tablespoons orange juice
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
2 tablespoons granulated sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
Step 2: Roll out the pie dough on a floured surface so it is about 2 inches larger than your pie plate. If using frozen or store-bought dough, let it defrost before rolling.
Step 3: Wash and dry the cherries, then remove their pits. If the cherries are large, cut them in half.
Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the fresh pitted cherries, cherry pie filling, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange juice. Mix gently to combine.
Step 5: Transfer the cherry mixture into a deep dish pie plate.
Step 6: Cover the filling with the rolled pie dough, trimming any excess to leave about 1 inch overhang. Tuck the dough inside the rim of the pie plate and crimp the edges as you would for a traditional pie.
Step 7: Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the top of the dough.
Step 8: Place the pie plate on a baking sheet to catch drips, then bake for 30 minutes.
Step 9: Remove the baking sheet and use a knife to cut the dough into 1-inch squares. Gently press the edges of some squares down into the hot filling using a spoon. Not all squares need to be pressed down.
Step 10: Return the pie to the oven and bake for another 25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep an eye on the crust to prevent over-browning.
Step 11: Remove the pandowdy from the oven and let it cool for about 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of ground cloves to the cherry mixture.
Try mixing fresh cherries with frozen or canned to achieve the perfect balance of texture and sweetness.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience.

Storage

Cover any leftovers tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or enjoy cold if preferred.

How to Serve

The image shows a cherry pie inside a white circular dish with a golden, flaky crust on the top layer, cut into small square pieces. The crust has a slightly cracked texture with some parts crumbling near the edges. Underneath the crust, bright red cherry filling can be seen oozing out in places, with thick, glossy juice. A metal pie server with some cherry filling on it is resting on the pie, pulling out one piece from the dish, revealing more of the red filling under the crust. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the pie dough from scratch?

Yes, homemade pie dough works beautifully for this recipe and adds a wonderful flaky texture. Just be sure to chill the dough before rolling.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cherries?

You can use frozen cherries that have been thawed and drained, or increase the amount of cherry pie filling to maintain a juicy, flavorful filling.