Sweet Treat: Tart Cherry Pie Recipe Made Easy– Indulging in a slice of homemade Tart Cherry Pie isn’t just a delightful treat for your taste buds; it can also contribute to your overall health and wellness journey. Packed with the goodness of tart cherries, this delectable dessert offers a myriad of benefits that go beyond just satisfying your sweet tooth.

Tart cherries are known for their rich antioxidant content, particularly anthocyanins, which give them their vibrant red hue. These antioxidants play a crucial role in fighting oxidative stress in the body, reducing inflammation, and protecting against chronic diseases like heart disease and certain cancers.

Moreover, tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles. Incorporating tart cherry pie into your evening routine may promote better sleep quality and duration, helping you wake up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated each morning.

Additionally, the fiber found in tart cherries can support digestive health by promoting regularity and preventing constipation. This can contribute to a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall well-being and immune function.

Furthermore, enjoying a slice of homemade Tart Cherry Pie can be a mood-boosting experience. Tart cherries contain compounds that may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, promoting feelings of relaxation and happiness.

By incorporating this delightful dessert into your diet in moderation, you treat yourself to a delicious indulgence and reap the numerous health benefits that tart cherries offer. So savor each bite of Tart Cherry Pie guilt-free, knowing that you’re nourishing your body and soul with every forkful. Check out our online programs for more ways to improve your health.

Gluten-Free, Vegan, Serves 12

For the pie cherry filling:

• 4 cups frozen tart cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

For the pie crust:

• 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold coconut oil
• 1/4 cup cold water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• Pinch of salt

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Combine the frozen tart cherries, coconut sugar, arrowroot powder, lemon juice, lemon zest, and almond extract in a large mixing bowl. Mix until the cherries are well coated. Set aside. For the pie crust, combine the gluten-free flour, cold coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, cold water, maple syrup, and a pinch of salt in a food processor or mixing bowl. Pulse or mix until the dough starts to come together. Roll out half of the pie dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut out stars from the rolled dough. Set aside the stars on a plate. Line a 9-inch pie dish with the remaining dough, pressing it gently into the bottom and up the sides. Pour the cherry filling into the prepared pie crust. Place the cut-out star-shaped dough pieces over the cherry filling in a decorative pattern.

Optionally, brush the stars and pie crust edges with a little dairy-free milk for a golden finish. Cover the edges of the pie crust with foil to prevent burning, and place the pie on a baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. Serve the Tart Cherry Pie warm or at room temperature. Optionally, top with dairy-free whipped cream or vanilla coconut yogurt.