Here we go, folks! Imagine biting into a slice of warm cherry pie, the sweet-tart cherries bursting in your mouth like tiny flavor bombs. The flaky crust crumbles around your fingers while the aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and luring you closer. Cherry pie filling is not just a dessert; it’s a hug on a plate, perfect for any occasion from family gatherings to solo Netflix binges. For more inspiration, check out this Lazy Girl Pecan Pie Bars recipe.
Speaking of nostalgia, nothing brings back childhood memories quite like my grandma’s cherry pie. She would whip it up every Fourth of July, ensuring we had the best dessert at the cookout. no bake cheesecake parfait The anticipation was palpable as we waited for it to cool just enough to dig in. strawberry cheesecake bites Trust me; this cherry pie filling will have you reliving those sweet memories with every delightful bite.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry pie filling is incredibly easy to prepare and tastes like summer in a bowl.
- It’s visually stunning with its vibrant red hue that brightens any table setting.
- The flavor profile balances tartness and sweetness, making it perfect for topping desserts or enjoying solo.
- Versatile enough to use in cakes or as a topping for yogurt, this recipe will become your go-to cherry delight.
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Filling
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe cherries that are plump and juicy for maximum flavor in your filling.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar works best, but feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.
- All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken the filling so it’s not too runny when baked. For more inspiration, check out this Easy Baked Cranberry Turkey Sliders recipe.
- Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the cherries.
- Cinnamon: Just a pinch adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Pie Filling
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries
Start by washing and pitting about four cups of fresh cherries. You can choose to slice them in half if you prefer smaller pieces or leave them whole for a more rustic look.
Step 2: Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your prepared cherries with one cup of granulated sugar, two tablespoons of all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of lemon juice, and half a teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir gently until everything is well coated.
Step 3: Let It Rest
Allow the cherry mixture to sit for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the cherries release their juices and meld together with all those delicious flavors.
Step 4: Cook Your Filling
Transfer your cherry mixture into a saucepan over medium heat. Cook while gently stirring for about five minutes until it starts bubbling. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another five minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Cool Down
Remove from heat and allow your cherry pie filling to cool completely before using it in your favorite recipes or storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Serving suggestion: Use this cherry pie filling as a delectable layer in cakes or simply serve it warm over vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable treat!
Now you have a delightful cherry pie filling recipe that not only carries fond memories but also becomes an essential part of new ones yet to come! Enjoy every flavorful moment!
You Must Know
- This delightful cherry pie filling not only brightens up your desserts but also makes you the star of every gathering.
- With its sweet-tart flavor and vibrant color, it’s a must-have for pies, tarts, and even breakfast pancakes.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by pitting the cherries to avoid any surprise crunches. Cook them down with sugar until they release their juices. As they simmer, add cornstarch to thicken the mixture, stirring continuously for that perfect velvety texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to switch up the sweetness by using honey instead of sugar or add a splash of almond extract for a nutty twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some blueberries for added flavor and color!
Storing & Reheating
Store your cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently until it’s nice and gooey again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always choose ripe cherries; they bring out the best flavor in your filling.
- If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely before cooking to avoid excess water.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch; it ensures your filling isn’t runny and stays put in your pie!
The first time I made this cherry pie filling was during a family reunion. Everyone raved about how delicious it was—especially my grandma who claimed it tasted just like her mother’s recipe!
FAQs:
What is Cherry Pie Filling made of?
Cherry Pie Filling primarily consists of cherries, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. The cherries can be fresh, frozen, or canned, depending on your preference. To enhance the flavor, some recipes add spices like cinnamon or almond extract. The combination of these ingredients creates a thick and sweet filling that pairs perfectly with a flaky pie crust. lemon raspberry cake If you prefer a more tart taste, you can adjust the sugar accordingly. Making your own Cherry Pie Filling allows for customization in sweetness and texture.
How can I thicken my Cherry Pie Filling?
To thicken your Cherry Pie Filling effectively, consider using cornstarch or tapioca starch. When mixing the filling, combine the starch with sugar before adding it to the fruit. This helps prevent clumping and ensures an even consistency. You can also cook the mixture gently on the stovetop until it thickens before pouring it into your pie crust. If you’re looking for a natural thickener, try adding more fruit or reducing the liquid content by simmering it longer.
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Pie Filling?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen cherries to make Cherry Pie Filling! Frozen cherries are often just as flavorful as fresh ones and are convenient because they are available year-round. When using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and drain excess liquid before incorporating them into your filling. Keep in mind that you may need to adjust the amount of sugar and cornstarch based on the juiciness of the thawed cherries. This will help achieve the perfect consistency for your pie.
How long does homemade Cherry Pie Filling last?
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling can last in the refrigerator for about 5 to 7 days if stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, consider freezing it. When properly sealed in freezer-safe containers or bags, it can last up to a year in the freezer without losing its quality. Before using frozen filling, let it thaw overnight in the fridge or use it directly from frozen when baking pies. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly if starting from frozen.
Conclusion for Cherry Pie Filling:
In summary, making your own Cherry Pie Filling is simple and rewarding. With basic ingredients like cherries, sugar, and cornstarch, you can create a deliciously sweet filling perfect for pies or desserts. Whether you choose fresh or frozen cherries, this recipe allows for personal touches to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your homemade filling within a week when refrigerated or freeze it for later use. Embrace this delightful treat and share it with family and friends!
Cherry Pie Filling
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of homemade cherry pie filling, bursting with sweet-tart cherries and a hint of cinnamon. This delightful recipe is perfect for topping desserts, layering in cakes, or enjoying straight from the bowl. Easy to prepare, this vibrant filling captures the essence of summer and will become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare cherries by washing and pitting them. Halve if desired.
- In a large bowl, mix cherries with sugar, flour, lemon juice, and cinnamon until well-coated.
- Let the mixture rest for 15-20 minutes to release juices.
- Cook over medium heat in a saucepan for about 5 minutes until bubbling, then simmer on low for another 5 minutes until thickened.
- Cool completely before using or storing.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ½ cup (120g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
