Easy and Delicious Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

There’s nothing better than a warm slice of cherry pie, especially during the summer months when cherries are in season. Making your own cherry filling for pie is surprisingly easy and can be done in just a few simple steps. Whether you prefer a sweet or tart filling, all you need is a few simple ingredients and some patience to get the perfect consistency. So if you’re ready to impress your family and friends with a delicious homemade cherry pie, keep reading for our step-by-step guide.

First, you’ll need to start by pitting your cherries. This can be done by using a cherry pitter or by cutting the cherries in half and removing the pit with a knife. Once your cherries are pitted, you can begin by adding them to a saucepan along with sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it begins to bubble and thicken. Once the filling has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and add in a bit of almond extract for extra flavoring. And that’s it! You now have a delicious cherry filling ready to be added to your favorite pie crust.

1. Choose the Right Type of Cherries

When it comes to making a cherry filling for pie, the first and foremost thing that you need to consider is the type of cherries that you’ll be using. You can either choose sweet cherries for a milder flavor or sour cherries for a tangy and slightly acidic taste. Sweet cherries are usually larger and darker in color, while sour cherries are smaller and brighter in color. It’s essential to choose fresh, ripe, and juicy cherries to make the perfect filling.

2. Prepare the Cherries

Once you’ve got your cherries, you’ll need to pit them. This can be a time-consuming process, but it’s essential to achieve a smooth and even filling. You can use a cherry pitter or a knife to remove the pits. Be sure to discard any stems or bruised cherries while you’re at it. Once the cherries are pitted, rinse them under cold running water and let them drain.

3. Add the Sweeteners

The filling for cherry pie requires some sweetening, and you can choose between granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey. Some recipes also call for the addition of cornstarch to thicken the filling. Place the cherries in a large mixing bowl and add the sweeteners, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Toss the mixture gently to coat the cherries evenly.

4. Add Flavorings

To enhance the flavor of cherry filling, you can add some spices or extracts. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract are popular choices that can add warmth and sweetness to the filling. Moreover, almond extract can also complement the cherry flavor and give a nutty aroma.

5. Cook the Filling

Once you’ve prepared the cherry filling, it’s time to cook it on the stovetop. Place the mixture in a saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Be sure to stir continuously to prevent the mixture from burning on the bottom. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer until it thickens and becomes glossy. This process can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the quantity of the filling.

6. Cool the Filling

After cooking, allow the cherry filling to cool before using it in the pie crust. You can transfer it to a heatproof bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes, or until it cools down to room temperature.

7. Roll Out the Pie Crust

While the filling cools, it’s time to prepare the pie crust. You can use a homemade or store-bought pie crust for the recipe. Roll out the crust on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim the edges and prick the bottom with a fork. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

8. Pour the Filling into the Crust

Once the pie crust is ready, pour the cherry filling into it, making sure that it’s evenly distributed. Smooth out the top with a spoon or spatula.

9. Bake the Pie

Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake it for around 45 to 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Check the pie after 30 minutes, and if the crust is getting too brown, cover it with a sheet of foil.

10. Serve and Enjoy!

Once the cherry pie is out of the oven, allow it to cool to room temperature before serving. You can garnish it with whipped cream or dusting of powdered sugar. Slice it up and serve, and revel in the deliciousness of your homemade cherry pie!

Ingredients

The ingredients you will need to make cherry filling for your pie are few and simple. Here is a list of what you need:

1. Cherries

The primary ingredient in cherry filling for pie is of course cherries. You can use fresh or frozen cherries, both work perfectly fine. However, fresh cherries are always preferable, as they carry a more natural taste and texture compared to the frozen ones.

2. Sugar

Sugar is an important ingredient when making cherry pie filling because it enhances the taste of the cherries and balances out the sourness. Granulated sugar is the right choice for adding sweetness.

3. Cornstarch

Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent that helps to create the right consistency of the filling. It also helps to hold the filling together in the pie, instead of being runny and watery.

4. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice adds flavor to the cherry filling and balances out the sweetness of the sugar. It is essential to add the right amount and not too much, which can overpower the taste of the cherries.

5. Salt

Salt is crucial to balance the sweet taste of the pie filling. It also enhances and brings out the flavors of other ingredients.

6. Almond Extract

Almond extract is optional, but it adds another level of depth of flavor to the cherry filling. A small amount goes a long way, so don’t add too much.

7. Butter

Butter adds richness and a velvety texture to the filling. Use unsalted butter for more control over the amount of salt going into the pie filling.

8. Water

Water helps to cook down the ingredients and thicken the filling. The right amount of water is important because too much or too little can make the filling too runny or too thick.

9. Vanilla Extract

Vanilla extract is an optional ingredient, but it provides a warm aroma and flavor to the cherry filling. It adds depth and complexity to the recipe while complementing the sweetness of the cherries.

10. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is optional, but it complements the flavor profile of the cherries. It provides a warm, comforting, and spicy flavor to the pie filling. Use sparingly as too much can overpower the flavors of the other ingredients.

Ingredients for Cherry Pie Filling

Cherry pie filling is easy to make, and the best part is that you can customize it according to your taste preferences. Here are the ingredients that you’ll need to make cherry filling for your pie:

Dry ingredients	Liquid ingredients
Sugar	Water
Cornstarch	Fresh lemon juice
Salt	Almond extract/ vanilla extract
Cinnamon	Red food coloring (optional)

Step by Step Guide: How to Make Cherry Pie Filling

Making a cherry pie filling is simple and easy to follow. Follow the quick guide below to create a homemade cherry filling:

Step 1: Prepare Cherries

Before preparing the filling, you need to prepare the cherries. First, wash the cherries and remove their stems. Slice them in half and remove the pits carefully, so you don’t damage the fruit.

Step 2: Cooking the Filling

In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon until well combined. Then, add water and lemon juice over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Adding Cherries to the Filling

Add cherries to the mixture. Cook the cherries until the mixture is thick and bubbly. Keep stirring the cherries to ensure they cook evenly and don’t stick to the pan. Once cooked, remove the mixture from heat.

Step 4: Adding Flavors

Once you’ve removed the mixture from heat, add vanilla or almond extract for extra flavor. You can also add red food coloring if you want to enhance the visual appearance of the filling.

Step 5: Cool the Filling

Allow the filling to cool before adding it into the pie crust. Once it cools down, pour the filling into the crust. Top it with another crust if desired, slice your pie, and enjoy!

Conclusion

If you’re looking to make a homemade cherry pie, mastering the cherry pie filling recipe is a must! Luckily, creating a cherry filling is a straightforward process that can be done in a short time. So gather the ingredients listed above, follow the steps, and you’re sure to have a delicious cherry pie in no time!

Time to Bake That Pie!

There you have it – a simple and easy-to-follow recipe for making cherry filling for your pie. We hope you found this article helpful and that you’re feeling confident enough to tackle making your own cherry pie with your freshly made filling. It’s such a pleasure to sit down and enjoy a warm slice of homemade pie, and you’ve taken the first step to making that happen. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to check back for more delicious recipes that will make your taste buds sing. Happy baking!