Why Make This Recipe
Homemade cherry pie filling is a delightful way to enjoy the sweet and tangy taste of fresh cherries. Making your own filling allows you to control the sweetness and flavor, ensuring a treat that fits your taste perfectly. It’s great for pies, tarts, or topping on your favorite desserts. Plus, the satisfaction of making it from scratch is hard to beat!
How to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients:
- Fresh cherries
- Sugar
- Cornstarch
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions:
- Wash and pit the fresh cherries, then chop them if desired.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.
- Use immediately for cherry pies or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to Serve Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
You can serve your homemade cherry pie filling in numerous ways. It is perfect for making traditional cherry pies, but you can also use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or yogurt. Enjoy it as a filling for pastries or as a simple dessert on its own.
How to Store Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
To store your homemade cherry pie filling, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it refrigerated for up to one week. If you want to save it for longer, you can freeze it. Just ensure it is in a freezer-safe container and can be stored for up to three months.
Tips to Make Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
- Always choose ripe cherries for the best flavor.
- If you want a thicker filling, you can use a bit more cornstarch.
- Adjust the sugar to taste based on the sweetness of your cherries.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in a pinch of cinnamon or almond extract.
Variation
If you want to change it up, consider adding other fruits along with the cherries, like blueberries or raspberries. This mix can give you a delightful fruit blend that adds depth to your filling.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just thaw and drain them before using, and keep in mind that they may release more liquid when cooked.
2. How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should bubble and visibly thicken. A good test is to use a spoon; when you drag it through the filling, it should hold its shape for a moment.
3. Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just double all the ingredients and follow the same cooking instructions. Be sure to use a larger pot to avoid overflow.
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling
A delightful homemade cherry pie filling that captures the sweet and tangy taste of fresh cherries, perfect for pies, tarts, or desserts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups Fresh cherries
- 1 cup Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Wash and pit the fresh cherries, then chop them if desired.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and let it cool.
- Use immediately for cherry pies or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
For a thicker filling, use a bit more cornstarch. Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your cherries.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
