Cherry Slab Pie
This post is sponsored by the Cherry Marketing Institute, all opinions are my own.
Simple 5-Ingredient Cherry Slab Pie: The Perfect Holiday Dessert
If you’re looking for a show-stopping yet effortless dessert for your holiday gatherings, this Cherry Slab Pie is the answer! Made with just five simple ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Highlighted by the bold, tart-sweet flavor of Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Filling, this pie brings holiday cheer to your dessert table with minimal effort.
Not only is this pie incredibly easy to make, but it also features Montmorency tart cherries, an American-grown superfruit bursting with flavor and health benefits. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can recreate it for your loved ones in no time at all.
For other fun cherry recipes check out this Easy Tart Cherry Cobbler or these Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Bars
What is a Slab Pie?
A slab pie is a larger, rectangular version of a traditional round pie, typically baked in a rimmed sheet pan. Why make one?
- Crowd Friendly: Its generous size makes it perfect for feeding a crowd, making it ideal for holiday parties or potlucks.
- Crust to Filling Ratio: Unlike a regular cherry pie, a slab pie offers thinner layers of crust and filling, creating a delightful balance of textures in every bite.
- Easy to Slice and Serve: Its easy-to-slice, square portions also make serving a breeze, ensuring everyone gets a piece without the mess of uneven wedges.
- Fun Presentation: Its rustic look and versatility make it a favorite for both casual gatherings and special occasions.
What You Need to Make Cherry Slab Pie
- 2 packages of refrigerated pie crusts (4 crusts total)
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Filling
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- 1 Tbs cold water (for egg wash)
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for topping)
How to Make a Cherry Slab Pie
Making this pie is so super easy, it takes only a few minutes to put together for a semi-homemade, but totally fabulous dessert. And the lattice top makes it seem a lot fancier than it is, making it fun for the hectic holiday season. You get all the flare, without the work.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a rimmed 18 x 13 inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pie crusts to fit the baking sheet, overlapping the edges slightly to create a seamless bottom layer. Press the seams together gently, fitting the dough to the sheet.
- Spread the Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Filling evenly over the crust.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl whisk together egg and water to make egg wash. Set aside.
- Prepare the lattice top (instructions below) and lay it over the filling. Trim any excess crust, crimp the edges, and brush the lattice with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If edges start to brown too quickly, cover with foil and keep cooking until top is nice and browned. Allow to cool before slicing into squares for serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
How to Make a Lattice Top
Creating a lattice top is easier than it looks! Follow these simple steps for a decorative finish:
- Roll out the remaining pie crust and cut it into 1-inch-wide strips using a pastry cutter or knife.
- Lay half the strips horizontally across the pie.
- Fold back every other strip halfway, then place a vertical strip across.
- Alternate folding and placing strips to create the lattice pattern.
This technique not only looks stunning but also allows the ruby-red filling of the Montmorency tart cherries to peek through, highlighting the gorgeous color of the Montmorency tart cherries.
Why Choose Montmorency Tart Cherries?
Montmorency tart cherries are a homegrown superfruit packed with science-backed benefits:
- Nutritional Powerhouse: Rich in anthocyanins, a type of polyphenol linked to heart health, exercise recovery, and sleep improvement.
- On-Trend Flavor: Their distinct sour-sweet profile is perfect for modern palates seeking less sugary options.
- American-Grown: Supporting hard-working U.S. farmers, Montmorency tart cherries are grown in seven states and are picked at peak ripeness before being preserved for year-round use. Including my home state–Utah! U.S.-grown Montmorency tart cherries are harvested in the summer, and are rarely sold in the produce section. Instead, they are farm fresh and available year-round in multiple forms: dried, frozen, canned, juice and juice concentrate.
Selecting the Best Cherries
When baking, always opt for US Grown Montmorency tart cherries, whether canned, frozen, or dried. Their vibrant color and flavor make them the preferred cherry for baked goods worldwide. Unlike imported Morello cherries, Montmorency tart cherries won’t bleed into your crust, ensuring a flawless presentation. Look for the “US GROWN” label on your cherry products.
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the oven or microwave and top with cold ice cream for a real treat.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
A Superfruit Worth Celebrating
Montmorency tart cherries are more than just an ingredient—they’re a flavorful, versatile superfruit that’s easy to incorporate into your cooking. With their ruby-red color, bold taste, and year-round availability, they bring an adventurous twist to both sweet and savory dishes.
This holiday season, choose Montmorency tart cherries and celebrate the hard work of American farmers with every delicious bite. For more recipes and inspiration, visit choosecherries.com.
Try this Cherry Slab Pie for your next holiday party, and prepare to impress your guests with its simplicity and stunning flavor!
Cherry Slab Pie
Ingredients
- 2 Packages Refrigerated pie crusts 4 crusts total
- 42 ounces Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Filling 2 cans
- 1 egg for egg wash
- 1 Tbs cold water for egg wash
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a rimmed 18 x 13 inch baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- Roll out the pie crusts to fit the baking sheet, overlapping the edges slightly to create a seamless bottom layer. Press the seams together gently, fitting the dough to the sheet.
- Spread the Montmorency Tart Cherry Pie Filling evenly over the crust.
- Make Egg Wash: In a small bowl whisk together egg and water to make egg wash. Set aside.
- Prepare the lattice top (instructions below) and lay it over the filling. Trim any excess crust, crimp the edges, and brush the lattice with egg wash. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If edges start to brown too quickly, cover with foil and keep cooking until top is nice and browned. Allow to cool before slicing into squares for serving.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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Rachael says
So easy to make, and delicious.