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Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling From Scratch (Quick & Thick Recipe)

A close-up, appetizing shot of thick, glossy cherry pie filling with whole, bright red cherries.
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Make thick, juicy cherry pie filling at home using fresh or frozen cherries. This quick recipe beats store-bought versions and works as a topping for cheesecake, ice cream, or pancakes.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups fresh or frozen sweet or tart cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on cherry sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

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 completely 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 simmering cherries while stirring constantly.
  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 saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, almond extract (if using), and cinnamon (if using).
  7. Allow the cherry pie filling to cool completely on the counter before using it in a pie or storing it. The filling will thicken further as it cools.
  8. For canning, process according to safe home canning guidelines for fruit fillings.

Notes

  • If you use frozen cherries, do not thaw them before starting the recipe. The extra liquid will be absorbed by the cornstarch.
  • For a sweeter filling, use sweet cherries. For a classic pie flavor, use tart cherries or a mix of both.
  • Use this versatile cherry filling as a topping for vanilla ice cream, yogurt, waffles, or spooned over cheesecake.
  • If you plan to can this filling, follow tested, up-to-date canning instructions for safety.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/cherry-pie-filling-recipe-from-scratch/