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The BEST Cherry Pie Filling Recipe

4.5 from 74 reviews

This easy and delicious cherry pie filling recipe uses fresh cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch to create a thick, glossy filling perfect for pies, tarts, or desserts. It’s quick to make on the stovetop and can be stored for later use.

Ingredients

Scale

Cherry Pie Filling Ingredients

  • 200 g fresh cherries, pitted
  • 50 g white sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 120 ml water (divided into ¼ cup and remaining)
  • ¼ tsp salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep: Pit the cherries and collect any juices that seep out. This prepares the fruit for cooking and ensures the best texture for the filling.
  2. Cook: In a saucepan, combine the pitted cherries, white sugar, lemon juice, and ¼ cup (approximately 60 ml) of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Mash some of the cherries while cooking to create a mix of textures.
  3. Thicken: In a small bowl, mix the remaining water with the cornstarch until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the saucepan. Continue cooking over low heat, stirring constantly until the filling thickens and becomes glossy, enough to coat the back of a spoon. Add salt here if using.
  4. Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture cool. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools. Once cooled, transfer the filling into a mason jar or airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

  • Use fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor, but frozen pitted cherries can be a substitute if fresh are out of season.
  • Mashing some cherries gives the filling a nice texture instead of being completely smooth.
  • The filling can be used immediately or chilled before using in pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts.
  • If you prefer a sweeter filling, adjust the sugar quantity to taste.
  • Adding ¼ tsp salt is optional but helps to balance flavors.
  • Store leftovers in a covered container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Keywords: cherry pie filling, homemade cherry filling, stovetop cherry filling, cherry dessert filling, easy pie filling