Cherry Cola Slab Pie

Cherry Cola Slab Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh cherries with the fizzy flavor of cola, all nestled in a flaky butter crust. This easy recipe is perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or any festive occasion. The unique blend of flavors makes it a standout treat that friends and family will love. Plus, it’s simple enough for even novice bakers to tackle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This Cherry Cola Slab Pie requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, making it perfect for any skill level.
• Versatile Dessert: Ideal for summer barbecues, holidays like Memorial Day or July 4th, or simply as a sweet treat at home.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With generous servings, this pie can delight a large group, ensuring everyone gets a taste of its deliciousness.
• Refreshing Flavor: The combination of cherries and cola creates a unique taste that is both refreshing and nostalgic.
• Perfectly Sweet: Balanced sweetness makes this pie enjoyable without overwhelming your palate.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your Cherry Cola Slab Pie, gather your essential tools. These items will help ensure your pie comes out perfectly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet (13 x 9 inches)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rolling pin
• Knife or pastry cutter
• Plastic wrap

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy pan is essential for even baking and to contain the filling.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple sizes allows for better organization during prep.
• Rolling pin: A good rolling pin helps achieve a uniform dough thickness for an even crust.

Ingredients

Cherry Cola Slab Pie is made with fresh cherries soaked in cola and then baked into an all butter pie crust. This is a terrific easy recipe using tasty summer produce! Be sure to allow yourself at least an hour to chill your pie dough and soak your cherries before you are ready to bake (prep time includes the chill time).

For the Crust

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted COLD butter
• 6 tablespoons ice water

For the Filling

• 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• 8 ounces cola
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For Topping

• 1 egg + 1 tablespoon water
• 1 tablespoon turbinado (raw) sugar

How to Make Cherry Cola Slab Pie

Step 1: Make the Pie Crust

To make the pie crust, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until coarse crumbs form and the butter is dispersed evenly. Add 4 tablespoons of ice water and stir to combine. Add one more tablespoon if needed to get your dough to the right consistency. Divide it into thirds. Smash 2/3 into one big ball and 1/3 into one small ball. Wrap them in plastic and let them chill for at least an hour or overnight.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cherries

While the dough chills, prep your cherries by placing them in a bowl. Pour the cola over them and refrigerate for at least 45 minutes so they soak up that fizzy flavor.

Step 3: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step ensures that your pie bakes evenly once assembled.

Step 4: Roll Out Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the large ball of dough into a rectangle. Fit it into a 13 x 9 ungreased baking sheet with a lip around the edge to hold in all those tasty juices.

Step 5: Assemble the Filling

Drain the cherries but reserve the cola in a small saucepan set aside. Toss the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Pour this filling over the crust and spread it out evenly.

Step 6: Create Dough Shapes

Roll out the small ball of dough and cut out as many shapes as you can. Place them over the top of your filling, overlapping if necessary. Whisk together the egg with one tablespoon of water and brush this mixture across all exposed pie crust areas.

Step 7: Bake Your Pie

Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and bake for about 25 – 30 minutes. The crust should be golden brown when done, while the filling has thickened nicely.

Step 8: Drizzle Syrup Over Top

While your pie bakes, simmer that reserved cherry-flavored cola over medium-high heat until it thickens into syrup—this should take about 15 minutes. Once your pie comes out of the oven, drizzle this syrup over top before slicing and serving!

How to Serve Cherry Cola Slab Pie

Serving Cherry Cola Slab Pie can elevate your gathering with its delightful flavors and vibrant appearance. This pie is perfect for celebrations or casual get-togethers, offering a unique twist on traditional desserts.

With Whipped Cream

• Top each slice with fresh whipped cream for a light, airy contrast to the rich cherry filling.

A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream

• Serve warm slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the flavors and add creaminess.

Drizzled with Syrup

• Use the reserved cherry cola syrup to drizzle over each piece for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

Fresh Mint Garnish

• Add a sprig of fresh mint on top of the pie slice for a pop of color and refreshing taste.

Pair with Coffee

• Enjoy this pie with a cup of coffee or iced coffee; the bitterness complements the sweet cherries beautifully.

As Part of a Dessert Platter

• Include Cherry Cola Slab Pie on a dessert platter alongside other summer treats like fruit tarts and brownies for variety.

How to Perfect Cherry Cola Slab Pie

Perfecting your Cherry Cola Slab Pie can make all the difference in flavor and texture. Here are some tips to ensure your pie turns out amazing every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and water are cold when making the dough. This helps create a flaky crust.

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix until just combined to keep your crust tender. Overworking can lead to toughness.

• Let It Chill: Always chill your dough for at least an hour. This relaxes the gluten and helps prevent shrinkage during baking.

• Taste Your Filling: Before pouring the cherry mixture into the crust, taste it! Adjust sugar or cola based on your preference.

• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on your pie while baking. Ovens vary, so look for that golden crust as an indicator.

• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve your Cherry Cola Slab Pie warm. It enhances flavors and textures beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Cherry Cola Slab Pie

When serving Cherry Cola Slab Pie, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes that enhance its flavor profile. Here are some great suggestions:

1. Grilled Peaches: Their caramelized sweetness pairs perfectly with cherry flavors; serve them warm over ice cream.
2. Crispy Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet pie.
3. Cheese Platter: Include creamy cheeses like brie or goat cheese to balance sweetness; add nuts for crunch.
4. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides freshness; consider adding citrus elements for brightness.
5. Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert adds indulgence; serve chilled in small cups.
6. Lemonade: A cold glass of lemonade refreshes and complements the sweetness of the pie nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Cherry Cola Slab Pie can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your results. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Not chilling the dough: Skipping the chilling step can lead to a tough crust. Always allow your dough to chill for at least an hour for the best texture.

• Over-soaking the cherries: Leaving cherries in cola for too long can make them overly soft. Aim for 45 minutes to keep their shape and firmness.

• Ignoring the oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature may result in an undercooked filling or a burnt crust. Preheat your oven to 425F to ensure even cooking.

• Not draining the cherries properly: Failing to drain excess cola from the cherries can lead to a watery filling. Make sure to drain them well before adding sugar and cornstarch.

• Neglecting egg wash: Skipping the egg wash on the top crust can result in a dull finish. Brush with egg wash for a beautiful golden color.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store any leftover Cherry Cola Slab Pie in an airtight container.
• Keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers of pie if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Cherry Cola Slab Pie

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cherry Cola Slab Pie

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350F. Place pie slices on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 30-60 seconds, checking frequently. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the crust chewy.

• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, place pie slices and cover with a lid. Heat gently until warm, about 5-8 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cherry Cola Slab Pie?

Cherry Cola Slab Pie is a delicious dessert made with fresh cherries soaked in cola and baked into a buttery pie crust. It’s perfect for summer gatherings!

How do I know when my Cherry Cola Slab Pie is done?

The pie is ready when the crust is golden brown and the filling has thickened. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes in a preheated oven at 425F.

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just thaw them beforehand and drain any excess liquid before soaking them in cola.

What should I serve with Cherry Cola Slab Pie?

Cherry Cola Slab Pie pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, adding extra creaminess to this delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

Cherry Cola Slab Pie is not just easy to make; it also brings together flavors that everyone loves. This recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize it by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra kick. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or celebrating a holiday, this pie will surely impress your guests. Try it out today!