Cherry pie filling is like a hug in dessert form, bursting with sweet, tangy cherries that dance on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma of warm cherries simmering on the stove, creating a mouthwatering scent that draws everyone into the kitchen. Sweet bread to serve with pie Those luscious red cherries, glistening under a sprinkle of sugar and a dash of lemon juice, make for a heavenly treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Warm cinnamon rolls for breakfast.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Cherry Pie Filling
- How to Make Cherry Pie Filling
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What is Cherry Pie Filling made of?
- How do I store Cherry Pie Filling?
- Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Pie Filling?
- Is Cherry Pie Filling suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
- Conclusion for Cherry Pie Filling:
- 📖 Recipe Card
Every time I whip up cherry pie filling, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where we’d spend lazy summer afternoons pitting cherries and laughing at her terrible jokes. This delightful concoction isn’t just for pies; it can transform pancakes, ice cream sundaes, or even yogurt into something extraordinary. Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be counting down the days until cherry season arrives again! For more inspiration, check out this Baked Apples Recipe recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cherry pie filling is incredibly easy to prepare and requires minimal ingredients.
- The flavor profile balances sweetness with a hint of tartness from fresh lemons.
- The vibrant red hue makes it visually appealing and perfect for any dessert table.
- It’s versatile enough to complement various desserts or even stand alone as a topping!
Ingredients for Cherry Pie Filling
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: About 4 cups of pitted cherries are ideal for that authentic flavor; opt for ripe ones for the best results.
- Sugar: Around 3/4 cup will sweeten the filling without overpowering the natural tartness of the cherries.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: One tablespoon adds brightness and balances the sweetness perfectly; don’t skip this!
- All-Purpose Flour: About two tablespoons help thicken the mixture so it doesn’t run all over your dessert.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all those lovely flavors; it’s amazing how little makes such a big difference!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cherry Pie Filling
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Cherries
Start by washing and pitting your fresh cherries. You’ll want about four cups to ensure you have enough filling for your pie or whatever delicious creation awaits.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine your pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Stir well until all the ingredients blend together beautifully.
Step 3: Cook Until Bubbly
Bring your mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently. This should take about five minutes. Watch as those cherries start releasing their juices — it’s like magic!
Step 4: Thicken the Filling
Once bubbling away happily on the stove, reduce heat and let it simmer for about ten minutes. This will allow it to thicken properly and develop that rich flavor we’re all craving.
Step 5: Cool Down
After cooking, remove from heat and let your cherry pie filling cool slightly before using it in your favorite recipes. If you can resist eating it straight from the saucepan!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Transfer your cherry filling into pies or simply drizzle over ice cream for an unbeatable dessert experience. Enjoy every decadent bite!
You Must Know
- This delightful cherry pie filling adds a burst of sweetness to any dessert.
- You can easily customize it with various fruits or spices based on your preference.
- It’s perfect for pies, tarts, or even as a topping on pancakes.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by pitting and chopping your cherries, then combine them in a saucepan with sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until thickened. For the best results, let it cool before using in your dessert.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for blueberries or mixed berries for a unique twist. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance the flavor profile of your cherry pie filling.
Storing & Reheating
Store your cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Start with fresh, ripe cherries for the best flavor in your filling.
- Ensure you taste as you go; adjusting sweetness is key!
- Don’t skip cooling time; it helps thicken the filling and makes it easier to handle.
Sharing my first attempt at making cherry pie filling brings back memories of sticky fingers and laughter as my kids tried sneaking bites before it even made it into the pie crust!
FAQs:
What is Cherry Pie Filling made of?
Cherry pie filling typically consists of fresh or canned cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract. The cherries provide the main flavor, while sugar sweetens the mixture. Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the filling a smooth consistency. Delicious fruit toppings for desserts Lemon juice enhances the cherry flavor and balances sweetness. Almond extract adds a unique twist that complements the cherries beautifully. This delicious mixture can be used in various desserts beyond pies, including tarts, cobblers, and even pancakes.
How do I store Cherry Pie Filling?
To store cherry pie filling effectively, transfer it to an airtight container after preparing it. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to store it for longer periods, consider freezing it. Simply pour the filling into freezer-safe bags or containers and label them with the date. Frozen cherry pie filling can last up to six months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before adding it to your favorite recipes.
Can I use frozen cherries for Cherry Pie Filling?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen cherries for making cherry pie filling! In fact, frozen cherries are often picked at their peak ripeness and can offer great flavor. Just remember to thaw the cherries first and drain any excess liquid before mixing them with sugar and cornstarch. This adjustment ensures that your filling maintains a good consistency without becoming too watery. Using frozen cherries makes this recipe accessible year-round.
Is Cherry Pie Filling suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Cherry pie filling can be adapted to meet various dietary restrictions. For those who are gluten-sensitive, using cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener keeps it gluten-free. To make it vegan-friendly, ensure that your sugar is free from bone char processing and avoid any animal-derived additives. Additionally, substituting regular sugar with alternatives like maple syrup or agave nectar can cater to different diets without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion for Cherry Pie Filling:
In summary, making cherry pie filling is straightforward and rewarding. With simple ingredients like cherries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract, you create a versatile dessert component perfect for pies or other treats. Storage options such as refrigeration or freezing help maintain its freshness. Quick mug cookie for dessert Experimenting with frozen cherries also opens up possibilities throughout the year. Embrace this delightful recipe and enjoy homemade cherry pie filling in your favorite desserts!
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Cherry Pie Filling
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
Description
Cherry pie filling is the ultimate dessert topping, combining the sweetness of ripe cherries with a hint of tartness. This easy-to-make mixture is perfect for pies, pancakes, and even ice cream sundaes. With its vibrant red color and rich flavor, it promises to elevate any dish to a new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh pitted cherries
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Wash and pit the cherries, ensuring you have about four cups.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, flour, and salt. Stir until blended.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until juices are released.
- Reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to thicken.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using in your favorite recipes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup (60g)
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
