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