Cherry Pie Filling is a homemade pie filling that will be your go-to for all things cherry when it comes to desserts. No need to buy canned pie filling again! Use it to fill these Cherry Pie Bombs!
Cherry Pie Filling
Skip the canned pie fillings from now on and make your own homemade cherry pie filling. When you make your own, you know exactly what is going into it, making it a smart choice. And, it’s only five ingredients!
Ingredients
Cherries: Look for fresh sweet cherries like Rainier cherries. I will let you know how to pit the cherries with no special equipment.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is added to sweeten the pie filling.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch is added to water to make a slurry, which thickens the filling.
Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is needed to balance the sweetness of the filling. I prefer freshly squeezed, but you can use bottled in a pinch.
What Kind of Cherries to Use
First of all, look for fresh cherries to make this cherry pie filling. I prefer using sweet cherries like Rainier cherries, Bing cherries, or Chelan cherries, just to name a few.
Can I Use Frozen Cherries?
Yes! Frozen cherries would work fine in this recipe. Just make sure they are pitted. Now, you have no excuse not to make this pie filling any time of the year, even when cherries are not in season.
How to Pit Cherries Without Special Equipment
For best results, use fresh cherries that need to be pitted. To pit cherries, you could use a cherry pitter. However, there are a couple of other ways to pit cherries without that specific tool. If you can, use gloves as cherry juice can stain. Here are some techniques you could use:
- Find a sturdy straw. Push the straw through the center of the cherry; the pit will come right out. You could also use a chopstick, skewer, or piping tip for this method. (This is the “prettiest” method if you want to see whole cherries in your filling.)
- Another method is the ‘peach pit’ method. This method involves a paring knife to cut around the cherry pit, cutting the cherry in half. Then, remove the pit with your fingers.
- A third method is simply removing the pits with your hands. Since the cherries are going to be cooked, there is no need to keep them intact or look perfect after being pitted.
How to Use Cherry Pie Filling
It can be used as an ice cream topping, or in cheesecake recipes like my cherry cheesecake parfaits, just to give you a few ways to use the filling. I also love it mixed in fruit salads like banana split fluff! Yum!
How to Store & Freeze Cherry Pie Filling
Once you have the pie filling made, let it cool completely before storing. It will last in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze, add cooled cherry pie filling to a freezer-safe sealable plastic storage bag and remove as much air as possible. It will last 3-4 months. To thaw, place in the refrigerator overnight.
More Cherry Treats
Cherry Pie Filling
Ingredients
- 4 cups sweet red cherries, pitted (about 1½ pounds)
- ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
- ¼ cup (62.5 g) water
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (I prefer fresh squeezed)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add cherries. Cover and cook, stirring frequently, until the natural juices of the cherries are released and the contents are beginning to simmer (about 10-15 minutes).
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water.
- Reduce heat to low and pour the cornstarch slurry, sugar, and lemon juice into the cherries. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture back to simmer and continue cooking until the mixture has thickened. (This happens fast, 1-2 minutes.)
- Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before adding to your favorite dishes or storing. This will make about 28 ounces or about 3 cups of filling.
- Store in the refrigerator for 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Thank you for making my recipe! You took pictures, right? Well go ahead and post them on Instagram! Be sure to mention me @iambaker and use the hashtag #YouAreBaker.
So good to know that I can freeze this. I’ll be looking for cherries in season and try to make these. All of the canned pie fillings in the grocery stores is getting very expensive!
Hi–we don’t have fresh cherries where I live, but I can get frozen. My question is: do I thaw them ahead of the stove time or can I start them on the stove frozen? Thanks much! P.S. I love your recipes!
Just read your comment and I had the same question. Just wondering if you tried this recipe and if you defrosted the cherries or used frozen. Thanks
The answer is in the post.
I see where it says we can use frozen cherries, but i also do not see
Where it says they should be thawed or not.
I’ve always picked sour cherries for pies?
I only use sour pie cherries for pies, tarts, cheesecake topping, etc. We grew cherries commercially for years. I don’t care for sweet cherries cooked in food. I’m going to make this, freeze it flat in ziplock bags then vacuum seal so it will keep longer.
you are my favorite. Love your recipes (and trust them) and love all the tips you include. Thank you.
May I please request that you add full Nutritional facts (carbohydrates, sodium, sugars etc….) to your recipes? I am recently diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and need to process my cooking/baking accordingly fly. Thanks sooo much Amanda ❣️
Have you seen how many recipes she posts daily? It would take her forever to give you nutritional facts. That’s a ridiculous request.
Hi Judith do you know if you can put com stock cherry pie filling in between my cake before I frost it will it sog the cake out?
Can you can this cherries. You have them in a canning jar. The cherries pie filling
Can you pressure can this, if so how much pressure and for how long
I would love to do this and have .
Can you use canned tart cherries?
Hi, could this yummy sauce be used as a topping on your pretzel salad desserts?
Thank you
I’ve always use sour cherries they make the best pie. They are getting harder to find.