Description
This Homemade Cherry Pie Filling is a simple and delicious mixture of pitted cherries cooked with sugar, cornstarch, and a hint of lemon juice, perfect for pies, tarts, or other desserts. Featuring options to add almond extract and cinnamon, this versatile filling can be made with fresh or frozen cherries and is vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
Scale
Cherry Pie Filling Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ cup water (or cherry juice if using frozen cherries)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, salt, and water. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps to ensure an even thickening process.
- Add Cherries and Lemon Juice: Stir in the pitted cherries and lemon juice into the saucepan mixture. The lemon juice enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the mixture bubbles and thickens. This usually takes about 8–10 minutes. If you are using frozen cherries, extend the cooking a few minutes longer to reduce extra liquid.
- Finish the Flavoring: Once thickened and cherries are tender, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the optional almond extract and ground cinnamon for added depth of flavor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the cherry filling to cool to room temperature. Use it immediately in your favorite pies, tarts, or desserts, or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months, thawing it in the fridge before use.
Notes
- This recipe fills one 9-inch pie with about 3 cups of filling.
- For a smoother texture, gently mash some cherries while cooking.
- You can freeze the filling for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- If using frozen cherries, consider using cherry juiceinstead of water to enhance flavor.
