Description
This easy homemade cherry pie filling is bursting with fresh cherry flavor and just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for pies, pastries, and spooned over desserts, it comes together in under 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
4 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained if frozen)
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
1 cup water (divided into two ½-cup portions)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1: If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them. If using frozen, thaw and drain excess liquid.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup cornstarch with ½ cup of water until smooth. Set aside.
Step 3: In a saucepan, combine cherries, remaining ½ cup of water, sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Once the cherries soften (after about 5 minutes), stir in the cornstarch mixture. Continue to stir until the filling thickens and becomes glossy—about 3–5 minutes.
Step 5: Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool before using in pies or storing.
Notes
For sour cherries, you may need a bit more sugar.
To make it sugar-free, use a sweetener like erythritol.
Store in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Great for more than pie—try it in trifles, cheesecakes, or as an ice cream topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Cuisine: American