Few desserts are as iconic and comforting as a classic cherry pie in the summertime. Its sweet-tart filling, buttery crust, and nostalgic charm have earned it a beloved place in American kitchens. But what happens when this classic crosses the Atlantic and gets a Mediterranean makeover? Enter the cherry pie with Marcona almond crust—a fusion dessert that combines the best of both worlds. The bold flavor of ripe cherries and the rich, nutty luxury of Spain’s prized Marcona almond. This cherry pie with almond crust is more than a sweet treat—it’s a cultural blend that brings Spanish flair to a time-honored tradition. Below we will share our favorite homemade cherry pie recipe.
A classic Dessert with a Mediterranean Touch
While cherry pie is often seen as a symbol of American summertime, the addition of Marcona almonds introduces an unmistakable Spanish elegance. Known for their buttery texture and mild, sweet flavor, Marcona almonds are a gourmet ingredient often used in Spanish pastries and tapas. When ground and worked into a pie crust, they create a rich, slightly crunchy base that perfectly complements the brightness of the cherry filling. This dessert is perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or simply a weekend indulgence. It’s familiar yet unexpected—comforting and sophisticated all at once.
What You’ll Need to Make this Cherry Pie with a Spanish Twist
For the Marcona almond pie crust:
- 1 ¼ cups of all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup finely ground Deliart Marcona almonds
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter
- 3-5 tablespoons cold water
For the cherry filling:
- 4 cups pitted fresh or frozen cherries
- ½ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: egg wash (1 egg and 1 tablespoon milk for crust topping)
How to Make Cherry Pie with Marcona Almond Crust
Step 1: Make the almond crust
Start by lightly toasting the Marcona almonds in a dry pan until fragrant. Once cool, grind them finely using a food processor. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ground almonds, sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles course crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together. It is important that you do not overwork. Divide the dough in two. One for the base and one for the top layer. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least one hour.
Step 2: Prepare the cherry filling
If you are using fresh cherries, make sure to wash thoroughly and de-pit. Once that is complete, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Cook, stirring frequently until the mixture thickens and bubbles. Let it cool completely before assembling the pie.
Step 3: Assemble and bake
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Roll out the bottom crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Add the cooled cherry filling. Roll out the second piece of dough and either place it whole on top with vents cut, or slice into strips and create a lattice pattern. Brush the top with egg wash if desired. Bake for 45-55 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. If the crust begins to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil. Let the pie cool for at least 2 hours before slicing. This will allow the filling to set.
Tips for the Perfect Pie
In order to amaze your guests with a mouth-watering pie with a Spanish twist it is advisable to follow these helpful tips. The Mediterranean diet strives for the use of in-season and local produce so it only makes sense to try to use cherries when they are in season. If possible you could try to visit your local farm and see if they have fresh cherries or better yet an opportunity to pick your own! Not only will they be the freshest ingredient ever but there will be precious memories attached to this event. We understand that not everyone is able to spend this much time creating a dish so if you need to use frozen cherries just make sure they are thawed and drained before making the filling.
To accommodate different dietary restrictions or lifestyles, you can easily make this recipe gluten free or vegan. To make a gluten free cherry pie, substitute a gluten free flour blend. Similarly, for a vegan cherry pie, use a plant-based butter and skip the egg wash. This Spanish-American dessert fusion is accommodating for everyone to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
Take your pie up a notch with the right pairings. In the summertime heat it is advisable to add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or even Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. You can also pair this pie with a glass of sweet sherry, cava rosado, or a lightly chilled Garnacha for a wine-friendly dessert course.
Flavors That Cross Borders
This cherry desert with Marcona almonds is a tribute to the beauty of blending cultures. Combining an American classic with Spain’s most luxurious nut. The Marcona almond crust elevates a familiar dessert into something that feels fresh, gourmet, and rooted in Mediterranean warmth. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can experiment by swapping cherries for other fruits like plums, figs, or blackberries which are all ingredients that also shine in Spanish cuisine.
