Most people buy cherry pie filling in a can but did you know you can make it yourself? This easy Cherry Pie Filling recipe uses plump, ripe sweet cherries and is absolutely delicious. So many ways to use it too!
This recipe is easy to make anytime using fresh sweet cherries or frozen and thawed cherries.
The recipe makes the equivalent amount of one can of pie filling so it can be swapped into your favorite recipes easily!
Easy Cherry Pie Filling
There are so many different ways to use pie filling but canned filling isn’t the only option.
Making your own cherry pie filling especially during cherry season is a delicious alternative.
With just an handful of simple ingredients you can make your own thick, sweet pie filling.
It can be used for many different dishes and frankly tastes better than canned filling too.
Recipe Ingredients + Notes
Cherries. This recipe uses Bing cherries which are a sweet variety. They are the large, sweet dark cherries commonly found in the grocery store.
Pitted cherries will be rough chopped before starting the recipe.
Choose fully ripe cherries that are also firm cherries.
Cornstarch. Corn starch is used to thicken the pie filling.
Water. Cornstarch always needs to be mixed with water before adding to recipes or it will clump and not mix in well.
Granulated Sugar. Used to sweeten the pie filling.
Lemon Juice. Adds some acid to perk up the flavor of the pie filling. The slight lemon contrasts with the sweetness of the cherries for a wonderful flavor.
Almond Extract. Also adds just a bit of flavor. Classic ingredient in cherry pie filling.
What type of cherries to use?
Sweet Bing cherries are used for this easy homemade cherry pie filling recipe.
Some recipes call for ‘pie cherries’ which are tart cherries. Fresh sour cherries can be hard to find especially all during the year. Using fresh sweet cherries gives a wonderful flavor and are easy to find.
Frozen thawed bing cherries can even be used when fresh cherries aren’t available.
Pro Tip – Use a Cherry Pitter
Using a cherry pitter will make quick work of pitting the fresh cherries. Pitting cherries by hand is tedious, messy and risks smashing the cherries.
A good cherry pitter will pop the pit out of the cherry with one easy motion leaving the cherry whole and plump.
I own a few cherry pitters I love and that work well.
Oxo Cherry Pitter (seen in the photo)
Cherry pitter with stone catcher. This model allows you to add multiple cherries at a time. When the cherries roll into position depressing a lever removes the pit into a container, separating it from the cherries.
Premium Cherry Pitter. This is also a single cherry model with a metal finish.
How to make Cherry Pie Filling – Step-by-Step
STEP 1. Preparation
Pit and chop the cherries. Place them in a small bowl (photo 1).
Combine the cornstarch and water. Stir to dissolve the cornstarch (photo 2).
STEP 2. Cook the pie filling
In a large saucepan combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice and cornstarch mixture. Stir to combine (photo 3-4).
Bring to a boil then lower heat and simmer over medium heat (to low heat) for 10 minutes; stir mixture often (photo below).
While stirring mash the cherries slightly using the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher (photo 5). This helps release some of the cherry juice.
Remove from heat, stir in the almond extract and allow the filling to cool to room temperature (photo 6). It will thicken as it cools.
How much pie filling does the recipe make?
This homemade pie filling recipes makes roughly 2 cups. This is equivalent of one can of pie filling.
It will fill a regular pie crust but the recipe will need to be increased for a deep dish pie crust.
A deep dish pie crust typically calls for two cans of cherry pie filling so this recipe should be doubled for a deep dish pie.
How to Use it
- Classic Cherry Pie. Adding this to your favorite pie crust recipe makes the best homemade dessert!
- Cherry Crisp
- Cherry Cake
- Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
- Cherry Hand Pies
- Spoon over ice cream
How to Store
Store in a seal jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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Recipe
Cherry Pie Filling
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups stemmed, pitted sweet Cherries rough chopped (I use Bing)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 1/4 cup Water
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon Almond Extract
Instructions
- Combine cornstarch and water and stir to fully combine.
- In a medium heavy sauce pan, combine cherries, lemon juice, water/cornstarch, sugar; stir to fully combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and lower the heat to low, allowing it to lightly simmer for 10 minutes; stir frequently. While it simmers you may mash the cherries to break them down further with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher.
- Remove from heat, add almond extract and allow to cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container (preferably glass) for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- It can be frozen as well.
- Use in any recipe where canned pie filling would be used.
Jennifer says
I was eating this straight up with a spoon! So tasty!
cathy says
So much better than store-bought. My pie was delicious!
Lyn says
I love finding recipes for ingredients I usually buy in the store. I feel much better about the quality of homemade products. Thank you for sharing, it sounds so yummy and I can’t wait to try it out.
Sharon says
I always used to buy cherry filling in store. But not anymore. After making this recipe I’ll always make it myself now!
Pam says
Perfect timing with all of those gorgeous fresh cherries in the store right now. And thanks for the tips on the pitting tools!
Sally says
Yummy! This cherry pie filling was perfect for the pie I made! I’ve always loved making homemade recipes rather than store bought, so much better for you. Thanks for the recipe.
Sharon says
This is a fantastic way to use up those fresh-picked cherries. Great in a pie or in baked goods or on top of pancakes.
John Rizzo says
Recipe mentions sugar but not how much.
Toni Dash says
Yikes! Well that’s not very helpful is it? Recipes fixed. Thanks John for flagging that.
Allyssa says
Thank you so much for sharing this cherry pie filling recipe! It tasted so amazing and really easy to make! Will surely make this one again!
Faye Roner says
I am so happy I found this, my friend just gave me a ton of cherries! I think it’s time to make some cherry tarts! Thank you! I love your recipes.