Cherry is the fourth most popular pie in the United States, following apple, pumpkin, and pecan. Although it’s devoured just about anywhere desserts are served, cherry pie is particularly popular in the Midwest where cherries are grown. We were surprised to learn that cherry pie is actually more popular than strawberry.
This particular recipe uses frozen cherries. If you have fresh cherries, check out our article – How To Make Cherry Pie Filling From Fresh Cherries. As a rule, fresh cherries have a much higher water content and require more cornstarch to thicken the filling. Frozen cherries are usually flash-frozen at peak ripeness, which preserves the flavor and nutrients. However, freezing breaks down cell walls. Thawing the cherries causes moisture loss, leading to a softer, less juicy texture.
Cherry pie filling is almost always made with almond extract. This helps enhance, deepen, and complement the natural flavor of cherries. Because cherries and almonds both contain the aromatic compound benzaldehyde, almond extract provides a natural, nutty boost that makes the cherry flavor taste more intense, more complex, and more homemade rather than artificially sweet. If you’re allergic to nuts or just don’t care for the flavor of almond, you can substitute the almond with vanilla extract.
Key Ingredients
This sweet and juicy pie filling can be made with 5 ingredients:
- Frozen cherries (pitted)
- Granulated sugar
- Cornstarch
- Almond Extract (if you’re not a big fan of almond then try vanilla extract)
- Lemon juice
Utensils and Equipment You’ll Need
- Small bowl
- Medium glass bowl
- Medium heavy duty saucepan or pot
- Wire wisk or fork
Three Easy Steps To Making The Perfect Cherry Pie Filling
Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
Cook everything in a heavy duty medium saucepan or stockpot.
Let the mixture cool before refrigerating or using in a pie.
Cherry Pie Filling From Frozen Cherries
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 small bowl
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 medium heavy duty saucepan
- 1 medium glass bowl
Ingredients List
- 2 cups frozen cherries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 4 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
Mix The Dry Ingredients
- In a small bowl mix the sugar and cornstarch with a wire whisk or fork until thoroughly blended.
Cook The Filling
- In a medium heavy duty saucepan add the water, almond extract, lemon juice and dry ingredients and cook on medium-heat.
- Stir constantly until the sugar mixture is dissolved then add the cherries.
- Stir frequently to prevent burning. Turn the cherries over, stirring from the middle to the outside.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat to low and keep stirring until the mixture is thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat, and stir in the lemon juice and almond extract. Mix well so the mixture is well incorporated..
- Pour the filling into a medium glass bowl and allow to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Stir every once in a while to expedite the cooling.