Desserts
This apple cherry pie recipe from Pampered Chef delivers a perfect balance of tart cherries and sweet apples, sealed with foil for that signature freshness. The dual-fruit filling creates a harmonious blend of flavors, while the crumbly topping adds a satisfying crunch.
I've perfected this recipe to ensure every slice is juicy, flavorful, and visually stunning—ideal for holidays or special occasions.
What makes this pie stand out is the foil-sealed technique, which keeps the filling moist and prevents soggy crusts. You’ll need a Pampered Chef pie dish for even baking, and the recipe includes a simple, foolproof crust method that even beginners can master.
The filling combines fresh apples and cherries with a touch of cinnamon and vanilla, creating a filling that’s both rich and well-balanced.
By the time it emerges from the oven, you’ll have a golden-brown pie with a flaky crust and a filling that’s perfectly set but still juicy. The foil seal ensures the pie stays fresh for days, making it perfect for gifting or meal prep.
Each slice offers a delightful mix of textures—tender fruit, buttery crust, and a crumbly topping—that makes it a crowd-pleaser every time.
Whether you’re baking for a family gathering or treating yourself to a homemade dessert, this pie delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The recipe includes step-by-step instructions for assembling the filling, baking the pie, and achieving that signature sealed freshness.
Let’s get started on creating a dessert that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients for apple cherry pie recipe pampered chef
Six servings of dual-fruit perfection with a crunchy topping and sealed-in freshness.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith Apples 🍎 | 4 medium | Peeled, cored, sliced thin |
| Fresh Tart Cherries 🍒 | 1 ½ cups | Pitted, frozen works too |
| All-Purpose Flour 🌾 | 2 ½ cups | For crust and topping |
| Unsalted Butter 🧈 | 1 cup | Cold, cubed for crust |
| Granulated Sugar 🍚 | 1 ¼ cups | Plus 2 tbsp for topping |
| Light Brown Sugar 🍚 | ½ cup | Packed, for topping |
| Ground Cinnamon 🌿 | 2 tbsp | Plus 1 tsp for filling |
| Vanilla Extract 💧 | 1 tsp | Pure, high-quality |
| Lemon Juice 🍋 | 1 tbsp | Freshly squeezed |
| Almond Flour 🥜 | ½ cup | For crumbly topping |
| Oats 🌾 | ½ cup | Quick or old-fashioned |
| Salt 🧂 | ½ tsp | Fine sea salt |
| Heavy Cream 🥛 | ¼ cup | For sealing mixture |
| Aluminum Foil 📄 | 1 sheet | Heavy-duty, 12x12 inches |
The apples and cherries are the stars here. Granny Smiths bring the tartness to balance the sweet cherries—frozen works perfectly if fresh aren't in season. For the crust, Pampered Chef's all-purpose flour gives that signature flakiness, but King Arthur works just as well. The butter needs to be cold for a proper crust; take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before mixing. Cherries should be pitted thoroughly—a cherry pitter makes this step a breeze, but a paring knife works too. If using frozen cherries, don't thaw them first—just drain and pat dry.
No Granny Smiths? Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work too, but they'll be sweeter. Short on cherries? Substitute with blueberries or raspberries, but reduce the lemon juice to 1 teaspoon. The crumbly topping can be made with crushed graham crackers if you're in a pinch. For a gluten-free version, swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend. The foil sealing is non-negotiable—it's what keeps the filling juicy. Heavy-duty foil is a must; regular foil tears when you try to seal it properly.
This pie keeps beautifully. Wrap the sealed pie tightly in foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze the whole pie (unwrapped) for 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The crumbly topping stays crisp even after baking, but if you want extra crunch, sprinkle it with powdered sugar right after baking. Slice and serve at room temperature for the best texture—no reheating needed. Leftovers? Store in an airtight container with parchment between slices.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No-Fuss Filling: I swear by this combo of Granny Smiths and tart cherries—no peeling, no fussing, just slice and toss. The Pampered Chef tools make dicing the apples in half the time, and those cherries? They practically melt into a jammy, spiced perfection with minimal stirring.
- Sweet-Tart Magic: That first bite of crisp apple against the juicy cherries? It’s like autumn in a slice. Honestly, the sugar caramelizes just enough to balance the tartness, and the butter in the crust? Rich without being heavy. (Yes, even on a Tuesday night.)
- Weekend or Weeknight: Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for company, or pack slices for lunch the next day—it reheats beautifully. My kids grab it straight from the fridge for school lunches, and honestly? They never complain about "pie for breakfast."
- Budget-Friendly Stretch: Uses pantry staples you already own, and the recipe scales easily for crowds. Between us, I’ve made this twice with leftover cherries from a $5 summer sale, and it still tasted like a bakery showstopper. Plus, the crust’s butter-to-flour ratio means no expensive shortcuts needed.
Step-by-step instructions for apple cherry pie using Pampered Chef tools
Here's how to create a perfect dual-fruit pie with a crisp crust and foil-sealed freshness.
Prepare the Dual-Fruit Filling
In a large bowl, combine the peeled and sliced 4 medium Granny Smith Apples with the 1.5 cups Fresh Tart Cherries. The tartness of the cherries will balance the apples' sweetness beautifully. Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons Ground Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract, and 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice. The lemon juice brightens the flavors while preventing browning.
Gently toss everything together until the fruit is evenly coated. I like to press the mixture lightly to release any juices from the cherries. This ensures the filling stays moist during baking. Set the bowl aside while you prepare the crust components.
Create the Crust and Topping Mixtures
For the crust, pulse 1 cup Unsalted Butter (cold and cubed) with 1.25 cups Granulated Sugar and 0.5 cup Light Brown Sugar in your Pampered Chef food processor until crumbly. Add 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour, 0.5 teaspoon Salt, and process until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
For the topping, mix 0.5 cup Almond Flour, 0.5 cup Oats, and the remaining 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon in a separate bowl. This creates a delightful crunchy contrast to the soft filling. Keep both mixtures separate until ready to assemble.
Assemble the Pie with Foil Seal
Press half of the crust mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie dish using your fingers or a pie crust press. The goal is to create an even base that's about ¼-inch thick. Spread the apple-cherry filling evenly over the crust, mounding it slightly in the center.
Drizzle 0.25 cup Heavy Cream over the filling to help seal in moisture during baking. This is where the foil comes in—place the 1 sheet Aluminum Foil directly on top of the filling, pressing gently to create a tight seal. This prevents the filling from overflowing while keeping the fruit juices concentrated.
Bake with Perfect Timing
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Sprinkle the remaining crust mixture evenly over the foil. Bake for 45-50 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling through the foil. The foil will help maintain a tender texture while allowing the crust to crisp.
Remove the foil after 30 minutes of baking to let the filling brown slightly. If the crust browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil. The pie is done when the crust is set and the filling is tender. Let it cool completely before slicing—this allows the filling to set properly and prevents a runny center.
Serve with Confidence
Once cooled, slice the pie into 6 equal servings. The combination of tart cherries and crisp apples creates a perfect balance, while the foil-sealed method ensures every bite is juicy and flavorful. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
The secret to this pie lies in the foil sealing technique—it preserves the fruit's natural juices while creating that perfect balance of textures. Each slice delivers a harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy elements that make this a standout dessert.
Pro Tips For Making Apple Cherry Pie Recipe Pampered Chef
- Prep Cherries Fast: Pit and hull those cherries over a bowl—it’s messy but saves time scraping later. I used to fuss with a pitter, but my hands are faster, and I avoid juice splatter on the counter.
- Blind-Bake the Crust: Weigh down the unbaked crust with pie weights or dried beans for 15 minutes at 375°F—this stops soggy bottoms. Skip this, and your crust will turn to mush under the fruit’s steam.
- Toss Apples Roughly: Cut Granny Smiths into uneven chunks (no need for perfect slices) and coat them lightly with sugar—just enough to caramelize, not drown. Over-tossing turns the filling into syrup.
- Vent the Top Crust: Cut a few slits in the top crust before baking to let steam escape—this prevents a gummy mess. I learned this after one pie looked perfect but tasted like a wet paper towel.
Serving suggestions for this recipe
Classic Serving Style
Serve warm slices on a Pampered Chef stoneware plate with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the cold contrasts beautifully with the warm pie. I like to sprinkle powdered sugar lightly over each slice right before serving for that bakery-fresh touch.
For an elegant presentation, arrange slices in a circular pattern on a platter with fresh mint leaves scattered between them. 🍽️
Ice Cream Pairings
While vanilla is perfect, coffee ice cream adds a bold contrast to the pie's sweet-tart balance. For a lighter option, try lemon sorbet—the citrus brightens the cherry-apple flavors. I also love pairing with chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream for a playful, indulgent twist.
Serve ice cream on the side or scoop it directly onto the pie slice for a sundaestyle experience.
Creamy Accompaniments
A dollop of homemade whipped cream or crème fraîche elevates each bite with its tangy richness. For extra decadence, drizzle caramel sauce or honey over the pie before serving.
I keep a small pitcher of warm caramel on the table for guests to drizzle as they please—it adds a luxurious touch without overpowering the pie's natural flavors. 🥄
Seasonal Variations
In summer, serve chilled slices with a scoop of mango sorbet for a refreshing contrast. For fall, pair with spiced whipped cream (add ½ tsp cinnamon and ¼ tsp nutmeg) and a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
During the holidays, garnish with candied cranberries or orange zest for festive flair. Each seasonal twist keeps the pie feeling fresh year-round.
Make-Ahead Serving
This pie tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat slices in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore warmth.
For a party, assemble the pie a day ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving—this ensures the crust stays crisp and the filling remains perfectly set. 📅
Gifting Presentation
Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with twine, and place in a Pampered Chef gift box for a thoughtful hostess gift. Add a small mini scoop of ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar in the box for a complete treat.
For larger gatherings, slice the pie into wedges and arrange on a wooden board with a side of whipped cream for easy serving. 🎁
Nutrition facts
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly! Just drain and pat them dry before mixing with the apples. The recipe doesn't require thawing first—this helps maintain the fruit's texture. For best results, use tart frozen cherries rather than sweet varieties, as they'll balance the apples better.
Why does the recipe use foil over the filling?
The foil creates a seal that locks in moisture and prevents the filling from overflowing during baking. This ensures your pie stays juicy and the crust remains crisp. Remove the foil after 30 minutes to let the filling brown slightly while keeping the texture tender.
Can I make this pie in a Pampered Chef mini pie dish?
The recipe scales well for a 6-inch mini pie dish. Reduce all ingredients by half and adjust baking time to 30-35 minutes at 375°F. The foil sealing technique works the same way, just use a smaller foil piece. Perfect for individual servings!
What if my crust gets too dark before the filling is done?
Loosely tent the crust with foil after 20 minutes to slow browning. The filling needs the full baking time to set properly. For extra protection, place a pie shield or baking dish filled with water on the oven rack below the pie. This keeps the crust golden while ensuring the filling cooks through.
Can I substitute the almond flour in the topping?
Yes! Swap the almond flour for ½ cup crushed graham crackers or ½ cup oat flour (blend rolled oats into a fine powder). Both options add texture while keeping the topping crunchy. If using graham crackers, reduce the oats to ¼ cup to maintain the right consistency.
