Irresistibly Sweet Cherry Pie Filling Recipe for Home Bakers

Baking a homemade cherry pie filling brings pure magic to your dessert table.

Sweet summer cherries burst with intense flavor when carefully simmered.

Each spoonful captures a delightful blend of tart and sugary notes.

Skilled home cooks know this recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Carefully selected cherries create a luscious, vibrant mixture that makes everyone smile.

Simple techniques unlock incredible depths of fruity goodness.

You will absolutely love how effortlessly this filling comes together.

Grab your apron and get ready to impress everyone with this incredible cherry sensation!

Cherry Pie Filling That’s Bright and Bold

• Perfect for capturing the essence of fresh cherries in a versatile recipe.
• Requires just a few simple pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful filling that transforms ordinary desserts.
• Seamlessly works across multiple dishes from pies to breakfast toppings, making it a kitchen superstar that adds instant gourmet touch to any recipe.
• Uses basic cooking methods with foolproof steps that even novice cooks can master, ensuring consistent delicious results every single time.

Ingredients Used to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

• Cherries: Sweet and tangy fruit that forms the base of the pie filling, bright red color recommended for best flavor.

• Cornstarch, Water: Creates smooth, glossy texture and helps the filling set properly, clear cold water works best.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and balances the cherries' natural tartness, white granulated sugar preferred.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and adds slight acidity to enhance overall taste.
• Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, rich background flavor, pure extract recommended over imitation.
• Almond Extract: Adds subtle nutty depth that complements cherry flavor, use sparingly.

• Salt: Small pinch enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the filling, kosher or fine sea salt recommended.

How to Cook Cherry Pie Filling from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

• Fresh or frozen cherries
• White sugar
• Water

Cook over medium heat, stirring gently. Allow cherries to release their natural juices for about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Create Smooth Thickener

In a separate small bowl, blend cornstarch with remaining water until completely smooth and lump-free.

Pour cornstarch mixture into cherry mixture, stirring continuously.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the filling becomes glossy and reaches a thick, luxurious consistency.

Step 3: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Fresh lemon juice
• Pure vanilla extract
• Almond extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Stir ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Allow filling to cool completely at room temperature.

Transfer to a clean glass container.

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Tips for Thicker, Smoother Cherry Pie Filling

• Select Ripe Cherries: Choose fresh, dark red cherries with firm, unblemished skin for the most intense flavor and best texture.
• Control Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels based on cherry variety's natural sweetness, tasting and adding sugar gradually to prevent over-sweetening.
• Prevent Runny Filling: Cook cornstarch mixture thoroughly to activate its thickening properties, ensuring a glossy, stable filling that won't leak when baked.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of almond extract or a pinch of cinnamon to complement the cherry's natural taste and create a more complex profile.
• Store Smartly: Keep homemade cherry filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for longer preservation without losing quality.

Best Storage for Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

• Store cooled cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
• Transfer filling to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving ½ inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Move frozen filling to the refrigerator overnight. Gently stir before using to restore original consistency.
• Warm in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water if mixture seems too thick. Heat until warmed through, about 3-5 minutes.

Dishes to Pair with Cherry Pie Filling

• Choose light-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Beaujolais that match the cherry's sweet-tart profile, enhancing the dessert's fruity essence without overpowering its delicate flavors.
• Serve alongside vanilla bean ice cream or whipped mascarpone cream, allowing the rich, smooth textures to balance the cherry filling's bright and tangy notes.
• Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or crushed pistachios on top, introducing a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that harmonizes with the cherry's natural sweetness.
• Pair with spiced chai tea or a smooth bourbon to bring out deeper, complex flavor dimensions that complement the cherry's natural richness.

Creative Ways to Use Cherry Pie Filling

• Low-Sugar Cherry Filling: Replace sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a diabetic-friendly version, maintaining the same cooking technique and consistency.
• Vegan Cherry Pie Filling: Substitute regular sugar with organic cane sugar and use cornstarch from non-animal sources to create a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Cherry Filling: Ensure cornstarch is certified gluten-free and use organic ingredients to prevent cross-contamination for those with celiac disease.
• Spiced Cherry Variation: Add cinnamon, cardamom, or nutmeg during cooking to create a warm, aromatic flavor profile that enhances the natural cherry taste.

FAQs About Cherry Pie Filling Preparation

• Are fresh or frozen cherries better for this recipe?

Both work great! Fresh cherries are ideal during summer, but frozen cherries are perfect year-round and provide consistent results. Just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.

• Can I adjust the sweetness of the cherry filling?

Absolutely! Taste the cherries first and adjust sugar according to their natural sweetness. Start with less sugar and add more gradually. Ripe, sweet cherries might need less sugar compared to tart varieties.

• What type of cherries work best for this filling?

Sweet cherries like Bing or Rainier are excellent for a sweeter filling. Tart cherries like Montmorency provide a more intense, tangy flavor. Mixing both types can create a balanced, complex taste.

• How can I prevent my filling from being too runny?

Use cornstarch as a thickener and cook the mixture until it becomes glossy and slightly thick. Ensure you cook the cornstarch mixture long enough to activate its thickening properties, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.

Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet nostalgia fills kitchens with Cherry Pie Filling’s classic American comfort. Ripe cherries mingle with sugar and spice, promising delightful homemade desserts you can savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cherries:

• 4 cups (600 grams) fresh or frozen cherries, pitted

Sweeteners and Thickeners:

• ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ¼ cup (60 milliliters) water (or cherry juice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)
• 1 pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Initiate the cherry transformation by merging cherries, sugar, and half the water in a medium saucepan, placing over medium heat.
2. Gently agitate the mixture, allowing cherries to surrender their vibrant juices for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Prepare a smooth cornstarch liaison by whisking cornstarch with remaining water in a separate small vessel until no lumps remain.
4. Stream the cornstarch emulsion into the simmering cherry mixture, continuously stirring to prevent clumping and promote even thickening.
5. Continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes, watching the sauce evolve into a luxurious, glossy consistency that clings beautifully to the cherries.
6. Extinguish the heat and introduce a bright burst of flavor with lemon juice, vanilla and almond extracts, and a delicate pinch of salt.
7. Allow the filling to cool completely, either preparing for immediate use or transferring to refrigeration for future culinary adventures.
8. Versatile applications include nestling into pie crusts, crowning cheesecakes, enriching pastry turnovers, or adorning breakfast classics like waffles and pancakes.
9. When using as a pie filling, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes to achieve a perfect, bubbling result.

Notes

• Adjust sugar levels based on cherry sweetness, tasting before adding cornstarch to ensure perfect balance.
• Frozen cherries work wonderfully if fresh aren’t available, just thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch to maintain smooth, glossy texture.
• Enhance flavor complexity by adding a splash of bourbon or brandy during the final touch stage for depth and warmth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg