Make your own Cherry Pie Filling from scratch today. Try this filling in your next cherry pie, turnovers, or to top your next cheesecake.
Surprisingly simple to make, this homemade cherry pie filling will be a new staple in your recipe book. This recipe makes a cherry filling that’s rich, sweet, and filled with real cherries. No artificial colors or flavors needed!
I love to use this filling for recipes like my Puff Pastry Cherry Turnovers. It also makes the perfect topping for your next cheesecake – or mini cheesecakes.
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
Homemade Cherry Pie FillingWhy make your own cherry pie filling? First of all, you can control everything that’s going into your pie, including what’s in the filling. Often (not always), canned pie filling will include artificial colors. If you’re not into that, making your own is a great option.
You can also adjust the sweetness of your filling, if that’s something you’d like to do. Add more (or less) sugar to suit your tastes.
I also like to add a dash of cinnamon to my cherry pie filling. It adds an extra layer of warmth and flavor, without being overwhelmingly “cinnamon.”
Pitting Cherries
Pitting CherriesI’m right there with you – trust me. I’m all about quick and easy. I like to buy fresh frozen, pitted cherries most of the time.
It’s so easy to pull the bag of cherries out of the freezer about an hour before I plan to start. This way, they’re thawed and ready to go.
If you have fresh cherries, no worries. I love working with fresh, local fruits whenever I can. Simply pit your cherries before beginning this recipe. Here is a great article on how to pit cherries without a cherry pitter.
I used the paperclip method today, it was surprisingly easy. Simply insert a paperclip and twist around the pit, then pull the pit out. I’d suggest turning on some music or a tv show while pitting cherries, as it can be tedious.
Or, try a handheld cherry pitter to speed things up. There’s also a Cherry Pitter Tool that will pit 6 cherries at once! If you find yourself pitting cherries or olives frequently, this might be for you.
Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups pitted cherries if frozen, thaw
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add cherries, granulated sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until mixture has thickened. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
Baking Into A Pie
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place prepared pie crust into an 8 or 9 inch pie pan. Fill with cherry pie filling, then place top pie crust over filling. Pinch the edges closed, then make a slit in the middle of the pie for steam to escape. Optionally, sprinkle with sugar before baking.
- Bake for 50 minutes, then remove from oven to cool.
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