Homemade Cherry Pie Filling Recipe
This homemade cherry pie filling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh cherries year-round. Made with just four ingredients—cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice—this filling is thickened to perfection and ideal for pies, tarts, or even as a topping for desserts. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be stored for later use.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Fills one 9-inch pie (about 4 cups) 1x
- Category: Dessert Filling
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Prepare the cherries: Rinse fresh cherries under cold water, then pit them carefully. If using frozen cherries, thaw and drain any excess liquid.
- Cook the cherries with sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries and sugar. Stir occasionally and cook until the cherries release their juices and the mixture is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the cherry mixture while stirring constantly. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes more until the filling thickens and becomes glossy.
- Add lemon juice and cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness. Let the filling cool to room temperature before using it in your pie or other desserts. Cooling helps the filling set properly.
Notes
- For a smoother filling, you can mash some of the cherries during cooking.
- If you prefer a less sweet filling, reduce the sugar amount by a quarter cup.
- Store the cooled filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- You can also freeze the filling for up to three months. Thaw before use.
- This filling works well for pies, turnovers, or as a topping for ice cream and pancakes.
Keywords: cherry pie filling, homemade cherry filling, fresh cherry dessert, pie filling recipe, stovetop cherry filling
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