Print

The Ultimate Thick & Juicy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

A spoonful of glossy, deep red cherry pie filling being lifted from a small white bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make the best thick and juicy homemade cherry pie filling from scratch in just 15 minutes. This recipe works well with fresh or frozen cherries and creates a non-runny texture perfect for pies, cheesecakes, or cobblers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen sweet or sour cherries (pitted)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Combine the cherries and sugar in a medium saucepan. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the sugar to draw out some juice.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This is your slurry.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the cherry mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  4. Once simmering, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring constantly.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring, 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, almond extract, and salt.
  7. Transfer the homemade cherry pie filling to a heatproof bowl. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
  8. Cool the filling to room temperature, then chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before using it in your pie or dessert.

Notes

  • For a thicker filling, use 5 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 4.
  • If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them before cooking; add them directly to the sugar.
  • This filling is excellent as a cherry cake filling or a topping for waffles and ice cream.
  • For a deeper color, add 1 teaspoon of cherry flavoring or a drop of red food coloring if desired.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://rosatasty.com/cherry-pie-filling-recipe-easy-thick-juicy/