Print

Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling From Scratch

A spoonful of glistening, rich red homemade cherry pie filling dripping back onto a small white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make thick, juicy cherry pie filling using frozen cherries. This simple recipe skips the canned stuff and works perfectly for pies, cheesecakes, or as a dessert topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups frozen sweet or tart cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine the frozen cherries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to draw out some liquid.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth to create a slurry.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the cherry mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cherries while continuously stirring.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens significantly, about 2 to 4 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and almond extract, if using.
  7. Allow the cherry pie filling to cool completely before using it in your pie crust or as a topping. Cooling will help it set to the proper thickness.

Notes

  • If you use fresh cherries, ensure they are pitted before starting the recipe.
  • For a sweeter filling, increase the sugar slightly. For a tarter flavor, use more tart cherries or add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice.
  • This filling is excellent as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.
  • For canning, follow standard safe canning procedures for fruit fillings, processing in a water bath canner.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/cherry-pie-filling/