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The Best Thick and Juicy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

Overhead close-up of vibrant, glossy cherry pie filling with whole cherries in a white bowl.
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Make superior homemade cherry pie filling from scratch. This recipe yields a thick, non-runny filling perfect for pies, cheesecakes, or as a dessert topping, using fresh or frozen cherries.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them first. Place the cherries and water in a medium saucepan.
  2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften slightly.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and sugar until completely combined. This prevents lumps.
  4. Slowly sprinkle the sugar and cornstarch mixture over the simmering cherries while stirring constantly.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens significantly, about 3 to 5 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon heavily.
  6. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, almond extract, and salt.
  7. Allow the cherry pie filling to cool completely before using it in your pie or dessert. The filling will thicken more as it cools.
  8. Store cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

  • For a bakery style cherry filling, use sweet cherries and increase the sugar slightly.
  • If you prefer a more tart flavor, use sour cherries or add an extra teaspoon of lemon juice.
  • This thick cherry pie filling works well as a topping for waffles or ice cream.
  • You can make this ahead of time for easy dessert assembly later.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/cherry-pie-filling/