Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe: When we traveled to Serbia, we discovered a dessert that quickly became a favorite: Sour Cherry Pie, known as Pita sa Višnjama. This delicious pie combines layers of flaky phyllo dough with a sweet and tart cherry filling that is simply irresistible.
Making this pie at home is easier than you might think. It’s a wonderful way to bring a taste of Serbia into your kitchen.
In our adventures, we learned that this pie is not only a staple in Serbian households but also a delightful treat for special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a showstopper, whether served warm or chilled. We can’t wait to share our favorite recipe that captures the essence of this cherished dish, making it accessible for everyone to enjoy.
Join us as we take you through the steps to create this beautiful dessert. We promise it will impress your family and friends while giving you a taste of Serbia right at home.
Why You’ll Love This Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
We absolutely love this Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie for so many reasons! It’s a delightful dessert that combines sweet and tart flavors in every bite. The juicy sour cherries truly shine.
Here are a few reasons why this pie stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: We use easy-to-find ingredients. You may already have most of them in your kitchen!
- Easy to Make: The steps are straightforward, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
- Versatile: This pie is great for any occasion, from family gatherings to summer picnics.
- Beautiful Presentation: The layers of phyllo dough give it a lovely look. It’s sure to impress our guests!
- Hearty Serving: This recipe can easily serve a group. It’s perfect for sharing with friends or family.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s nothing quite like the taste of a homemade pie. The fresh cherries and buttery crust create a comforting treat.
With this recipe, we can enjoy the rich flavors of Serbian cuisine right at home. Making this pie is not just about baking; it’s about creating memories together. Enjoying it with loved ones makes it even sweeter!
What Makes This Recipe Special
We love making Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie because it brings a taste of tradition to our table. This dessert is not just about flavor; it connects us to the rich culture of Serbia.
The perfect balance of sweet and tart from the cherries is irresistible. When we bite into this pie, we get a burst of flavor that makes it unique.
Using phyllo dough adds a delightful crunch, creating a nice contrast with the juicy filling. Each layer gives the pie a light and flaky texture that we can’t resist.
Here are a few reasons why this recipe stands out:
- Simple Ingredients: We only need a few simple items, making it easy to follow and delicious.
- Versatile Dessert: It’s perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to holiday celebrations.
- Beautiful Presentation: The layers of phyllo topped with vibrant cherries look stunning on our table.
This pie not only tastes great but also fills our home with wonderful aromas while baking. It’s a dessert that brings joy and makes memories with each bite.
Cooking Equipment Needed
To make Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie, we’ll need some basic kitchen tools. Here’s a handy list to get us started.
Essential Equipment
- Mixing Bowls: We’ll need a couple of medium bowls for combining ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are important for great taste.
- Whisk: A whisk will help mix eggs and sugar smoothly.
- Rolling Pin: This is key for rolling out our phyllo dough.
- Baking Dish: A rectangular or round dish works well for the pie.
Optional Tools
- Pastry Brush: This is useful for brushing melted butter on the dough.
- Parchment Paper: We can use this to line our baking dish for easy cleanup.
- Chopping Board: If we need to prepare our cherries, a cutting board is handy.
With these tools in our kitchen, we’ll be ready to whip up a delicious sour cherry pie! Cooking together makes the process fun and rewarding. Let’s gather our equipment and get started!
Cooking Instructions
Let’s get started on making our delicious Serbian višnjama sour cherry pie!
Ingredients
- 500 g phyllo dough
- 1 kg sour cherries, pitted
- 100 g sugar (for filling)
- 1 tablespoon starch (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup melted butter
Steps
- Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the pitted cherries, sugar, starch, and lemon juice. Stir well and set aside to let the flavors combine. - Layer the Phyllo
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a baking dish and brush it with melted butter.Then, lay down several sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with melted butter. - Add the Filling
Once we have a good base, spread the cherry filling evenly on top of the phyllo layers. - Top it Off
Cover the filling with more phyllo sheets, again brushing each with butter. Make sure to have a nice crust on top. - Bake
Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. - Cool and Serve
Let the pie cool for a bit before cutting. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy every bite!
Cooking Tips
Making Serbian Višnjama Sour Cherry Pie can be a joyful experience with a few helpful tips. Here are some things to keep in mind.
Use Fresh Cherries
For the best flavor, we recommend using fresh sour cherries. If fresh is not available, frozen cherries work too. Just make sure to drain excess liquid before adding them to the filling.
Check for Pits
If we’re using fresh cherries, double-check for any leftover pits. It’s no fun to bite into a pie and find a surprise pit!
Phyllo Dough Handling
When working with phyllo dough, keep it covered with a damp cloth. This prevents it from drying out while we prepare our layers.
Sugar Adjustment
We can adjust the sugar to suit our taste. If we prefer a more tart pie, we might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Baking Temperature
For even baking, it’s best to bake on the lower rack of the oven for part of the time, then switch to the middle rack. This helps get a nice golden crust.
Cool Before Slicing
Let the pie cool for a bit before slicing. This allows the filling to set and makes serving easier.
Ingredients For the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Filo Pastry
Sugar
Cherries
Sugar
Sunflower Oil
Sugar
Cooking Instructions For the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Preparation
Preheat oven to 200˚C. Place 3 filo sheets on a work surface, long edge facing you. Sprinkle each sheet with ⅓ tbsp caster sugar, then stack them.
Filling and Rolling
Spread ¼ of the cherries over the stacked filo, covering ⅔ of the sheet. Combine 75 g (⅓ cup) sugar and 5 g vanillin sugar, then sprinkle over the cherries. Roll up the filo to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Baking
Place the rolls in an oiled baking tin and brush the top with oil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
Finishing
Remove from the oven, cover with a damp tea towel for 15 minutes (for crunchier pastry, skip covering). Dust with icing sugar before serving.
FAQ For the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Question: What ingredients are needed for the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe?
A: The Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe requires sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, pastry dough, and an egg wash. Some variations of the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe may include cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor.
Question: How do you prepare the filling for the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe?
A: To prepare the filling for the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe, cook the sour cherries with sugar and cornstarch until thickened. Let the mixture cool before adding it to the crust to ensure the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe has a firm filling.
Question: How long does it take to bake the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe?
A: The Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe typically takes about 45 to 50 minutes to bake at 180°C (350°F). The crust should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling for the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe to be fully cooked.
Question: What is the best way to serve the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe?
A: The Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe is best served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar. Many enjoy the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe with a cup of coffee or tea.
Question: Can the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe be stored for later?
A: Yes, the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate the Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie recipe for up to five days or freeze it for several months.

Serbian Visnjama Sour Cherry Pie Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 sheets Filo Pastry Filo Pastry
- 1⅔ cups Sugar caster
- 12 oz Cherries sour pitted
- 1 oz Sugar
- 1/4 cup Sunflower Oil for brushing
- 1/4 cup Sugar sifted icing - for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200˚C. Place 3 filo sheets on a work surface, long edge facing you. Sprinkle each sheet with ⅓ tbsp caster sugar, then stack them.
Filling and Rolling
- Spread ¼ of the cherries over the stacked filo, covering ⅔ of the sheet. Combine 75 g (⅓ cup) sugar and 5 g vanillin sugar, then sprinkle over the cherries. Roll up the filo to enclose the filling. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
Baking
- Place the rolls in an oiled baking tin and brush the top with oil. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.
Finishing
- Remove from the oven, cover with a damp tea towel for 15 minutes (for crunchier pastry, skip covering). Dust with icing sugar before serving.
1 comment
The crust baked to a perfect golden brown, and the sour cherry filling had just the right balance of tartness and sweetness. It sliced cleanly, with the filling holding its shape well. Served with a dollop of whipped cream, guests loved the contrast between the flaky crust and juicy fruit.