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The Ultimate Thick & Juicy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling From Scratch

A spoonful of glossy, thick cherry pie filling being lifted from a white bowl.
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Make the best bakery-style cherry pie filling using fresh or frozen cherries. This easy recipe creates a thick, non-runny, sweet-tart filling perfect for pies, cheesecakes, and dessert toppings.

Ingredients

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  • 4 cups fresh or frozen sweet cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

  1. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them first. Place the cherries and 1 cup of granulated sugar into a medium saucepan.
  2. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries release their juices and the mixture begins to simmer. This takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined.
  4. Pour the cold water into the sugar and cornstarch mixture and whisk until you have a smooth slurry with no lumps.
  5. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering cherry mixture while whisking constantly.
  6. Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens significantly, about 2 to 4 minutes. It should bubble thickly.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice and almond extract.
  8. Transfer the homemade cherry pie filling to a heatproof bowl. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
  9. Cool the filling completely at room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before using it in your pie crust or desserts.

Notes

  • For a deeper color and flavor, add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the almond extract.
  • If you prefer a more tart filling, substitute half of the sweet cherries with sour cherries.
  • This thick cherry filling works well as a topping for waffles or ice cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/cherry-pie-filling-recipe-thick-juicy-from-scratch/