🍒 How to Make Hungarian Sour Cherry Pie (Meggyes Pite) — A Delightful Treat! 🍒

🍒 How to Make Hungarian Sour Cherry Pie (Meggyes Pite) — A Delightful Treat! 🍒

Meggyes Pite is a classic Hungarian dessert featuring a soft, cake-like crust filled with juicy, slightly tart sour cherries. This nostalgic treat is a staple in Hungarian homes, often served during summer when cherries are in season or as a comforting dessert year-round. With its delicate balance of sweetness and tartness, Meggyes Pite is sure to become a favorite at your table. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the history, step-by-step recipe, tips for success, and variations to try.

The History of Meggyes Pite:

Hungary is renowned for its fruit-based desserts, with sour cherries (meggy) being a popular ingredient due to their abundance and unique tart flavor. The word “pite” refers to a pie or a bar-style dessert, often with a soft dough encasing a fruity filling. Meggyes Pite is traditionally baked in a rectangular pan and cut into squares, making it a perfect treat for family gatherings and celebrations.

What Makes Meggyes Pite Unique?

Unlike American-style pies with a flaky crust, Meggyes Pite has a soft, buttery dough that’s slightly crumbly. The tartness of the cherries contrasts beautifully with the sweet dough, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. Dusting it with powdered sugar before serving adds a touch of elegance and extra sweetness.

🍒 Hungarian Sour Cherry Pie (Meggyes Pite) Recipe 🍒

Prep Time: 30 mins | Cook Time: 40 mins | Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins
Servings: 12 pieces | Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
2–3 tbsp sour cream (optional, for consistency)

For the Sour Cherry Filling:

4 cups (500g) sour cherries, pitted (fresh or jarred)
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
1 tsp almond extract (optional, enhances cherry flavor)

To Finish:

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sour Cherry Filling:

If using fresh cherries:
- Pit the cherries and place them in a medium bowl.
If using jarred cherries:
- Drain well and reserve a few tablespoons of the juice.
Combine the filling:
- In a bowl, mix the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. If using jarred cherries, add 2–3 tablespoons of the reserved juice. Toss until evenly coated.
- Set aside for at least 15 minutes to allow the cherries to release their juices and thicken slightly.