Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
30 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
159 kcal
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Course
Dessert, Condiments
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Cuisine
American
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
Description
This cherry pie filling starts by cooking a mixture of sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt with water and fresh lemon juice until boiling. Fresh pitted sweet cherries are then added and gently cooked on low to allow the filling to thicken while preserving the cherry texture. The result is a glossy, thickened mixture ideal for use in pies or other baked desserts. Red food coloring is optional to enhance the cherry color but is not necessary.
The cornstarch acts as a thickener while lemon juice adds brightness to balance the sweet cherries and sugar. By making this at home, you control sweetness and freshness compared to store-bought canned fills. The filling can be used immediately or stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, providing convenience for baking projects.
Use this homemade cherry pie filling for traditional cherry pies, turnovers, or as a topping for cheesecakes and pastries. It replaces approximately a 20-ounce can of pie filling, giving a fresher flavor and texture from real cherries.
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar or more to taste
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- pinch salt
- 1 ⅓ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- 5 cups sweet cherries pitted, fresh
- 4 drops red food coloring optional
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch and salt. Add water and lemon juice and bring to a boil, while stirring, over medium-high heat.
- Add the cherries, reduce the heat to a low boil and cook for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until thickened, stirring often.
- Remove from the heat and stir in food coloring if using.
Notes
- Makes about 2.5 cups, suitable to replace a 20-ounce canned pie filling.
- Add ¼ teaspoon almond extract with water for a subtle nutty note if desired.
- Store chilled in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 159 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 159 | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 0.3g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 0.1g | 1% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 311mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 30g | 60% |
| Vitamin A | 89IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 20mg | 2% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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