Delicious Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie: Your Ultimate Gourmet Dessert

Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is a truly delicious, exotic, and incredibly unique dessert that takes classic pie flavor and elevates it with sophisticated Middle Eastern spices. Imagine a flaky, buttery crust filled with plump, juicy cherries, infused with the aromatic warmth of mahlab and the tangy, citrusy spice of sumac, all sweetened by rich date molasses. This stunning pie is a guaranteed show-stopper, perfect for holiday gatherings or when you crave an extraordinary treat.

This recipe celebrates the art of sophisticated spice pairing, proving that traditional baking methods can be transformed with bold, unexpected flavors. The deep fruitiness of the cherries, combined with the exotic aroma of the mahlab, makes this a truly unforgettable culinary adventure. You can visit our New York for more delicious recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

Feature	Benefit
Exotic Flavor Profile	Unique spices (mahlab, sumac) elevate the cherry filling beyond the ordinary.
Flaky & Buttery Crust	Uses a preferred dough recipe for a perfect, crisp pie shell.
Deep Sweetness	Date molasses adds a rich, complex sweetness superior to refined sugar.
Show-Stopping	Looks beautiful and is an excellent centerpiece for holidays or entertaining.
Ultimate Comfort	A warm, spiced pie that provides satisfying, homemade comfort.

An Overview of Flavors and Textures

The Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is a captivating symphony of aromatic, tart, and deep flavors with satisfying textures.

The pie crust bakes to a beautiful golden, flaky, and buttery crispness, providing a sturdy framework. The filling is packed with plump cherries that turn tender and jammy when baked, releasing their sweet-tart juices.

The key to the unique flavor is the spice blend: Sumac adds a vital, bright, tangy, and citrusy note that cuts through the sweetness, while mahlab provides an exotic, subtle, nutty-cherry aroma.

Date molasses enhances the sweetness with a deep, earthy caramel richness. The cornstarch thickens the juices into a glossy, luscious filling. This Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is a truly unforgettable blend of crisp, soft, tart, and aromatic notes.

The Star of the Show: The Mahlab and Sumac Spice Blend

While the juicy cherries are the main fruit, the true defining characteristic and “star” of this Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is the sophisticated Mahlab and Sumac Spice Blend. This pairing is crucial for the pie’s unique, gourmet identity. Mahlab, ground from the seeds of the St. Lucie cherry, introduces an exotic, slightly almond-cherry aroma that deepens the fruit flavor.¹ Sumac, a tangy red spice, provides a zesty, tart finish that acts like a natural lemon zest, balancing the intense sweetness of the date molasses.² This complex, aromatic combination transforms a simple cherry pie into an exciting, unforgettable Middle Eastern-inspired fusion dessert.

How to Make Your Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie

This recipe relies on precise preparation of the filling and a dual-temperature baking process to ensure a flaky crust and perfectly cooked fruit.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 55–65 minutes

Cooling Time: 4 hours

Total Time: Approximately 6 hours (including cooling)

Servings: 8–10 slices

Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

Component	Amount	Ingredient	Notes
For the Pie Dough:	2½ cups	All-purpose flour	Use your preferred pie-dough recipe
	1 cup	Cold unsalted butter, cubed	(Based on standard double recipe)
	1	Large egg yolk
	As needed	Cold water
For the Cherry Filling:	5 cups	Fresh cherries	Stemmed & pitted (approx. 32 ounces / 900 g)
	½ cup	Granulated or caster sugar
	2 tbsp	Date molasses
	3 tbsp	Cornstarch	For thickening
	½ tsp	Salt
	2 tbsp	Freshly squeezed lemon juice
	Zest of ½	Lemon
	1 tsp	Vanilla extract
	2 tbsp	Sumac
	1 tsp	Mahlab	Or substitute
	2 tbsp	Unsalted butter, cut into small cubes	Optional, dotting
For Finishing:	As needed	Cream or milk	For brushing the top crust
	As needed	Coarse or granulated sugar	For sprinkling

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Dough: Make your preferred pie dough recipe, ensuring the mixture is divided into two separate discs. Wrap the discs tightly and chill them thoroughly, ideally for at least 30 minutes, or use frozen dough.
2. Preheat Oven & Pan: Preheat your oven to a high 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place this sheet on the lower third rack of the oven.
3. Prepare the Cherry Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the granulated sugar, date molasses, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the cherries, lemon juice, lemon zest, vanilla extract, sumac, and mahlab. Mix gently to coat the cherries without bruising them. Set the mixture aside for 10 minutes.
4. Roll Out the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one chilled dough disc into a 12-inch circle. Carefully place it into the pie pan, pressing gently to cover the bottom and sides. Trim the edges and brush off any excess flour. If the dough becomes warm, chill it briefly.
5. Assemble the Pie: Spread the cherry filling evenly into the prepared crust. If using, dot the top of the filling with the small cubes of butter. Roll out the second dough disc (or cut into strips for a lattice top) and place it over the filling. Crimp the edges securely with your fingers or a fork. Brush the top crust with cream or milk, and sprinkle with coarse sugar. If using a whole top crust, make small slits in the center for steam to escape.
6. Bake: Place the assembled pie on the preheated sheet in the oven. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for 40–50 minutes, or until the crust is deeply golden and the juices are bubbling thickly. If the edges brown too quickly, cover them loosely with strips of foil.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool completely at room temperature (about 4 hours) before attempting to slice. Serving the pie warm with cream, vanilla ice cream, or custard is highly recommended.

Expert Tips for Your Cherry Pie

Category	Tip
Spice Balance	Start with the specified amount of mahlab and sumac. Taste the raw filling and adjust before adding the cornstarch.
Flaky Crust	Baking the pie on a preheated sheet (lower rack) helps set the bottom crust quickly, preventing a soggy bottom.
Cherry Type	If using tart (sour) cherries, increase the granulated sugar by about 3 tablespoons to balance the acidity.
Dough Temperature	The pie dough should be cold or even frozen when baked for the flakiest texture. If it softens during prep, return it to the fridge.
Cooling	The 4-hour cooling time is crucial! The filling needs this time to fully set and avoid running out when sliced.

Conclusion: Your Ultimate Fall Dessert Masterpiece

The Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is a true triumph of flavor—a perfect blend of exotic spice, deep fruit richness, and flaky texture. With its elegant appearance and unforgettable taste, it’s a dessert that feels both sophisticated and comforting. Easy to prepare and guaranteed to be a centerpiece, this Mahlab, Sumac & Date Molasses Cherry Pie is sure to become a beloved recipe in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the purpose of Mahlab and Sumac?

Mahlab adds an aromatic, slightly cherry-almond fragrance, while sumac adds a bright, tangy, citrusy flavor that enhances the tartness of the cherries and balances the sweetness.

Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries with frozen cherries. Do not thaw them first. Toss them directly into the sugar mixture, and they may require an extra 5-10 minutes of baking time.

What is date molasses?

Date molasses (or date syrup) is a thick, dark, sweet syrup made from concentrated date juice.3 It adds a deep, rich, caramelized sweetness superior to plain sugar.

How should I store leftover pie?

Store leftover pie slices covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

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