The Great Cherry Pie Showdown: Unveiling the Best Store-Bought Treats
Are you ready to indulge in the ultimate cherry pie experience? Prepare to be amazed as we dive into a taste test that will satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more. In this mouth-watering adventure, we ranked seven store-bought cherry pies from worst to best, uncovering the secrets that make each one unique. But here's the twist: it's not just about the cherries; it's the delicate balance of flavors, textures, and that oh-so-important crust that sets them apart.
Giant Eagle Market District Cherry Pie:
This pie had a lot to prove, but it fell short of our expectations. With a hefty price tag, we anticipated a luxurious experience, but the thick lattice crust overwhelmed us, and its chewiness hinted at staleness. The filling, though cherry-packed, lacked the juicy gel we crave, resulting in a dry and underwhelming dessert. And this is where it gets controversial: was it the pie or the store's fault? Did it sit on the shelf for too long?Sara Lee Cherry Pie:
Frozen dessert queens Sara Lee and Marie Callender's were expected to dominate, but Sara Lee's pie fell flat. Its deflated appearance and dark graham cracker-like top crust were underwhelming. The real cherries were a plus, but their sourness and lack of juiciness left us wanting more. A quick fix might be to underbake it, but it still didn't live up to the hype.Walmart Freshness Guaranteed Traditional Cherry Pie:
Walmart's offering is a no-frills, wallet-friendly option. It won't blow you away, but it satisfies those cherry pie cravings. The dual crusts provide a solid foundation, and the whole cherries burst with tartness, balanced by the sweetness of the crust. It's a classic, no-nonsense pie, and warming it up can enhance its appeal.Table Talk Old Fashioned Cherry Pie:
Table Talk's tiny 'snack pies' are a hit, and their old-fashioned cherry pie is a delightful treat. The crust-to-filling ratio leans heavily towards crust, but it's soft and reminiscent of a sugar cookie. The filling, though mostly goop, has a bright fruity flavor. It's a decent pie, but some may prefer a more balanced approach.Fresh from Meijer Cherry Pie:
Meijer's golden croissant-like crust is a standout, but the filling falls short. The cherry core is mediocre, and the gel-heavy filling lacks the pop of real, full cherries. It's a shame, as the crust is delicious and well-balanced. This pie could have been a top contender with a better filling.Marie Callender's Lattice Cherry Pie:
Marie Callender's delivers a tasty treat with its lattice cherry pie. The tangy cherries and lattice crust create a delightful balance. However, the thickness of the lattice strips left some areas undercooked, preventing it from claiming the top spot. A few extra minutes in the oven might have made all the difference.Kroger Private Selection Triple Cherry Pie:
And the winner is... Kroger's Triple Cherry Pie! This pie is a masterpiece, with three types of cherries creating a complex, strawberry-like flavor. The crust is buttery and soft, with a light crispness. It's a well-balanced, indulgent experience that surpasses even fresh-baked pies. The option to choose between a half or full pie is a cherry on top!
But wait, there's more! Our methodology involved visiting four grocery stores, including national chains and regional grocers, to gather these pies. We tasted fresh pies immediately and baked frozen ones according to instructions. The ranking considered the crust and filling, favoring buttery, flaky crusts and true-to-form, plump cherries. And now, the big question: do you agree with our ranking? Which pie would you choose, and why? Share your thoughts and let the cherry pie debate begin!
