Elevate your cherry pies: discover the perfect cherry pie filling recipe

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of summer with our delectable cherry pie filling recipe. This homemade filling captures the essence of ripe cherries, creating a vibrant and luscious delight that will elevate your pies, tarts, and other desserts to new heights. With its easy-to-follow instructions and simple ingredients, this recipe empowers you to craft a culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup cold water

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cherries: If using fresh cherries, wash and pit them thoroughly. If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Create a Slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and cold water.
4. Cook the Cherries: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat, combine the cherries and the dry ingredient mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
5. Thicken the Filling: Slowly pour the lemon juice slurry into the boiling cherry mixture, whisking vigorously. Continue whisking until the filling thickens and becomes glossy, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Cool and Use: Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the filling to cool slightly before using it in your desired dessert.
7. Storage: Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of sugar to your desired sweetness level.
• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor with a dash of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice.
• Use Other Berries: Substitute cherries with other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for a different flavor profile.
• Create a Glaze: For a shiny and flavorful topping, brush the surface of your pie crust with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water before baking.

Tips

• Use Ripe Cherries: Ripe cherries will yield the most flavorful filling.
• Pit the Cherries Properly: Remove all traces of the pits to prevent bitterness.
• Don’t Overcook: Overcooking the filling can result in a tough texture.
• Let the Filling Cool: Cooling the filling slightly before using it will prevent soggy crusts.
• Consider the Pie Plate: Choose a pie plate that is at least 9 inches in diameter to accommodate the filling.

Serving Suggestions

• Cherry Pie: Fill a flaky pie crust with the delectable cherry filling and bake until golden brown.
• Cherry Tarts: Create individual tartlets by filling small tart shells with the cherry filling and baking until set.
• Cherry Crumble: Top a warm apple or peach crumble with a layer of cherry filling for a sweet and tangy contrast.
• Cherry Cheesecake: Swirl the cherry filling into a creamy cheesecake batter for a decadent dessert.
• Cherry Ice Cream Topping: Fold the cherry filling into vanilla ice cream for a refreshing and indulgent treat.

The Bottom Line: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

This cherry pie filling recipe is a culinary symphony that will tantalize your taste buds and create lasting memories. Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a perfect choice for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe will empower you to create a sweet masterpiece that will delight your family and friends.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them.
Q: How do I prevent the filling from being too runny?
A: Make sure to cook the filling until it thickens and becomes glossy. If it’s still too runny, add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until thickened.
Q: Can I make the filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the filling up to 5 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it over medium heat before using it.
Q: What other fruits can I use in this recipe?
A: You can substitute cherries with other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Q: Can I use this filling for other desserts besides pie?
A: Yes, the filling can be used in tarts, crumbles, cheesecakes, and ice cream toppings.