Sweet Cherry Heaven in a Pie: Dreamiest Filling Recipe

Sweet summer cherries dance with a delightful cherry pie filling that bursts with homemade flavor and nostalgia.

Harvested at peak ripeness, these ruby-red gems create a luscious base for an irresistible dessert.

Crafting this classic filling requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort.

The secret lies in balancing natural sweetness with a gentle touch of sugar and a hint of almond extract.

Each spoonful promises a rich, vibrant taste that transports you to lazy afternoon gatherings and family celebrations.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this delectable recipe with ease.

Get ready to transform your pie into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Cherry Pie Filling That’s Sweet and Tart

• Launch Cherry Cooking Adventure

Grab fresh cherries and toss them into a saucepan with sweet sugar, creating a delightful fruity base that will make your kitchen smell incredible.

• Transform Liquid Into Luscious Filling

Whisk cornstarch with water until silky smooth, then pour into simmering cherries while stirring constantly to create a glossy, thick mixture that clings perfectly to your favorite desserts.

• Elevate Flavor Profile

Remove from heat and introduce magical flavor enhancers like tangy lemon juice, rich vanilla, and subtle almond extract with a whisper of salt to make your filling sing with complexity.

• Explore Serving Possibilities

Cool your spectacular cherry creation and get ready to unleash culinary creativity – drizzle over cheesecakes, nestle inside flaky pastries, crown waffles, or transform into a show-stopping pie filling that will make taste buds dance with joy.

Flavor Enhancers for Your Homemade Cherry Filling

• Gently mash some cherries while cooking to release more natural pectin and enhance the filling's thickness.
• Prepare the cherry filling up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for convenient baking.
• Replace regular sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-glycemic version; use cornstarch alternatives like arrowroot powder for gluten-sensitive individuals.
• When using frozen cherries, thaw and drain excess liquid first to prevent watery filling and ensure perfect consistency.
• Substitute sugar with unsweetened applesauce or stevia drops for a diabetic-friendly or low-calorie cherry filling option that maintains delicious flavor profile.

Serve Cherry Pie Filling With Pie or Ice Cream

• Sweet Cherry Pie Paradise: Add this homemade filling to classic desserts that will wow your family and friends.
• Decadent Dessert Base: Layer between cake layers, creating a luscious cherry surprise that elevates any ordinary cake into a gourmet masterpiece.
• Breakfast Bliss Booster: Swirl into Greek yogurt, blend into smoothies, or drizzle over morning toast for a burst of fruity excitement that transforms basic breakfasts.
• Elegant Entertaining Touch: Serve as a sophisticated sauce alongside vanilla ice cream, creating an instant restaurant-quality dessert that looks and tastes impressive with minimal effort.

Store Cherry Pie Filling for Baking Anytime

• Store the cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days, keeping it fresh and flavorful for multiple uses.
• Safely freeze the filling in sealed freezer bags or containers for 2-3 months, allowing you to enjoy your delicious creation long after preparation.
• Always cool the filling completely before storing to prevent condensation and maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Remove refrigerated filling 15-20 minutes before use to soften slightly, making it easier to spread on desserts or incorporate into recipes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Making Cherry Pie Filling at Home

• Fresh Cherries: Bursting with summer sweetness, choose ripe, deep red cherries without bruises or soft spots for the most vibrant flavor.
• Water: Helps release cherry juices and creates the perfect cooking environment for the filling.

• Sugar: Balances tartness and helps create a glossy, rich texture while deepening the cherry's natural sweetness.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a magical thickening agent, transforming liquid into a luscious, spoonable filling.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the overall flavor and prevents browning while adding a subtle tangy kick.

• Vanilla Extract: Adds warmth and complexity, complementing the cherries' natural sweetness.
• Almond Extract: Introduces a subtle nutty undertone that beautifully enhances the cherry flavor.
• Salt: Elevates and rounds out all the other flavors, creating a more balanced and sophisticated filling.

Tools to Cook and Cool Cherry Pie Filling Smoothly

• Medium Saucepan: Essential for cooking and combining cherries, sugar, and water.
• Small Bowl: Perfect for mixing cornstarch and water smoothly.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients like sugar and water.
• Cutting Board and Knife: Useful for preparing fresh cherries if needed.

Heavenly Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

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• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade cherry pie filling brims with sweet-tart brilliance, showcasing ripe summer cherries in a luscious, glossy embrace. Spoon this crimson delight over desserts or enjoy straight from the jar, bringing pure orchard-fresh flavor to your culinary creations.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups (600 g / 21 oz) cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted
• ¾ cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) granulated sugar
• 1 pinch salt
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) water or cherry juice
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional, but enhances cherry flavor)

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Instructions

1. Cherry Preparation: Combine cherries, sugar, and half the water in a medium saucepan, simmering over medium heat until juices emerge, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Filling Transformation: Blend cornstarch with remaining water until smooth, then integrate into cherry mixture. Continuously stir while cooking for 3-5 minutes until the mixture develops a glossy, thickened consistency.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Remove from heat and incorporate lemon juice, vanilla extract, almond extract, and a delicate pinch of salt. Allow the filling to cool completely before utilizing.
4. Versatile Applications:

• Pie Creation: Transfer filling into pie crust and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 45-50 minutes

• Cheesecake Embellishment: Elegantly spoon over chilled cheesecake

• Pastry Filling: Utilize within puff pastry turnovers or delicate pastries

• Breakfast Companion: Drizzle atop waffles, pancakes, or morning oatmeal.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm cherries with deep red or burgundy color for maximum flavor and natural sweetness.
• Stir constantly while thickening to prevent burning and ensure smooth, glossy texture without lumps.
• Taste cherries before adding sugar, as different varieties have varied natural sugar levels; reduce sugar for tart cherries.
• Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a lower-glycemic option, or use monk fruit sweetener for sugar-free version.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg