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The BEST Thick and Juicy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling (From Scratch)

Close-up of thick, glossy cherry pie filling with whole cherries in a white bowl.
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Make superior cherry pie filling at home. This recipe creates a thick, non-runny filling that is perfect for pies, cheesecakes, and waffles. You can make this quick cherry filling from scratch in about 15 minutes.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Combine the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl. Mix them well to remove any lumps.
  2. Place the pitted cherries and water in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Slowly whisk the sugar and cornstarch mixture into the simmering cherries. Continue to whisk constantly until the mixture thickens. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Once the filling is thick and bubbly, remove the saucepan from the heat.
  5. Stir in the lemon juice and almond extract.
  6. Let the homemade cherry pie filling cool completely before using it in your pie crust or dessert. Cooling allows the filling to set to its final, thick texture.

Notes

  • If you use frozen cherries, do not thaw them before cooking. The extra liquid will cook off during the simmering process.
  • For a tart flavor, substitute half of the sweet cherries with sour cherries.
  • This filling works well as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or as a layer in cakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/cherry-pie-filling-recipe-thick-juicy/