Cherry Bomb Pie Filling
My go-to cherry pie filling recipe, just like Grandma used to make! Ditch the canned stuff & make this easy cherry dessert. Perfect for pies and cherry pie bars! ... Comfort Classics
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook: Craving a slice of heaven?
Remember those amazing cherry pies from childhood? This cherry pie filling recipe brings back that homemade goodness. It delivers the perfect blend of sweet and tart cherry flavour.
Brief Overview: Grandma's Secret
This is the cherry pie filling your grandma would be proud of. this recipe is inspired from a cherished family memory of orchard visits and homemade pie feasts in july.
Making this is easy. the entire process takes about 45 minutes. it's perfect for one 9-inch pie. you can also make cherry pie bars with it.
Main Benefits: Health & Happiness
Cherries are packed with antioxidants! Plus, this filling is a total crowd-pleaser. Bake a homemade cherry pie to impress! Or, just enjoy it straight from the spoon.
This cherry pie filling is special because it's made with love.
It tastes better than store-bought canned cherry pie filling . plus, you can control the sweetness. you can add extra sugar or lemon juice according to your preference, which you can't with other pie bar recipes .
Time to gather your ingredients, yeah?
You will need fresh or frozen cherries. frozen ones work great too! i’ve made this with both. make sure to thaw them first.
Don't forget sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice and almond extract! butter and salt will also be needed for the best cherry pie filling recipe .
Okay, let's dive into what you need to make this cherry pie filling recipe shine. Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward. You don’t need any fancy equipment either!
Cherry Bomb Pie Filling Recipe Card
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: The Secret to Cherry Perfection
Main Ingredients: Cherry, Cherry, Lady!
- 6 cups fresh cherries, pitted (around 1 kg ). Frozen ones work too but thaw and drain them!
- ¾ cup granulated sugar ( 150g ). Adjust to your taste, depending on how sweet the cherries are.
- ¼ cup cornstarch ( 30g ). This is crucial for that perfect, non-runny filling.
- ¼ cup water ( 60ml ).
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice ( 30ml ). Fresh is best, trust me.
- ½ teaspoon almond extract ( 2.5ml ). My secret ingredient!
- Pinch of salt.
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter ( 15g ), cut into small pieces.
Good cherries are firm and plump. if using canned, check for "pie filling" already prepared to save time, or opt for quality canned cherry pie filling for consistent results.
My grandma always said, "the better the cherries, the better the homemade cherry pie filling !" she made the best homemade cherry pies .
Oh my gosh, i can almost smell her baking now!
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up (or Don't!)
For a classic flavour, stick to the almond extract. but hey, feel free to experiment! a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.
Lemon juice is essential for that zingy counterpoint. don’t have almond extract? a little vanilla essence works too.
Looking for something different? Add other berries or Spice it up.
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- Large saucepan.
- Cherry pitter (seriously, get one. Your fingers will thank you).
- Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
Don't have a cherry pitter? a sturdy paperclip works in a pinch. remember when i tried pitting cherries with a chopstick? disaster! learn from my mistakes! you might also have considered cherry pie bars , or even cake mix cherry pie bars .
But this article focus on just the cherry bomb filling!
These simple tools will help you whip up the best cherry pie filling recipe . Consider these Pie Bar Recipes and other Cherry Desserts for your next baking project.
Cherry Bomb Pie Filling: Homemade Goodness
Honestly, nothing beats a homemade cherry pie filling recipe . it's like sunshine in a pie, isn't it? forget that tinned stuff.
We're making real cherry desserts here. i still remember helping my nan make her famous homemade cherry pies as a kid.
The smell alone was enough to make you drool!
Prep Like a Pro
First things first: the mise en place . that's fancy chef speak for "get your stuff ready". pit those cherries if using fresh ones.
It's a pain, i know! a cherry pitter is your best friend here. measure out all your ingredients. this saves you from scrambling later.
Remember to wash your hands, yeah? safety first. now, let's make some magic!
Step-by-Step Cherry Perfection
Right, here's the lowdown on how to make this easy cherry pie filling recipe .
- Prep Cherries: Pit 6 cups of fresh cherries or thaw and drain frozen ones. Seriously, drain them well! Soggy pie is no fun.
- Combine Dry: In a large saucepan, whisk together ¾ cup granulated sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. This stops the dreaded lumps later.
- Add the Wet: Stir in ¼ cup water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Fresh is best, honestly.
- Cherry Time: Gently fold in the pitted cherries. Make sure they're all coated in that sweet mix.
- Cook it Up: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly . This is crucial! You don't want it to burn.
- Simmer Power: Once it simmers and thickens, reduce the heat to low. Then, continue to simmer for 10- 15 minutes . Keep stirring occasionally. You will want to see it till it's glossy and thick as you like it.
- Butter up : Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. It makes the filling super rich.
- Cool Down: Let the filling cool completely before using it in your pie or Cherry Pie Bars or even Cake Mix Cherry Pie Bars .
Cherry Pie Secrets Revealed
Okay, listen up! if your cherries are super tart, add a bit more sugar. taste as you go. cornstarch is your thickening superhero.
Make sure it's fully dissolved to avoid gloop. want to level up your cherry desserts ? add ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
Trust me on this one. it's divine . the best pie bar recipes start with a great filling. this is it! if you plan a visit to the orchard to find some fresh cherry pie filling , be sure to call before driving!
So there you have it – a cracking best cherry pie filling recipe . this is way better than canned cherry pie filling .
It is perfect for pies, crumbles, or even just spooned over ice cream. enjoy, my friend!
Recipe Notes
So you've decided to try my cherry pie filling recipe ? good on ya! here are a few extra bits of info to make your baking even better.
I've baked loads of homemade cherry pies in my time, and honestly? these tips make all the difference.
Serving Suggestions
Want to make your cherry desserts look and taste extra spesh? plating is everything. slice your pie and arrange it beautifully on a plate.
Dust with icing sugar. a sprig of mint adds a nice touch. for sides? think vanilla ice cream. clotted cream if you want to be posh.
Or even just a dollop of greek yogurt. drinks-wise, try a light rosé or even a simple cup of tea.
You can also create really simple cherry pie bars using this filling!
Storage Tips
Right, storage. if you have any leftover cherry pie filling recipe , let it cool completely. then, pop it into an airtight container.
It'll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. fancy freezing? go for it! it’ll last for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. to reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave. just keep an eye on it so it doesn't split.
Variations
Fancy a change? why not try a cake mix cherry pie bars twist? add a different fruit to your fresh cherry pie filling , like raspberries.
For a seasonal swap, use blackberries in autumn. got dietary requirements? just swap the butter for a vegan alternative. it's that simple.
If you're trying to make easy cherry pie filling recipe , don't be scared to experiment!
Nutrition Basics
Okay, let's talk numbers. each serving of this best cherry pie filling recipe has around 250 calories. it also has a bit of protein and some fat.
But mostly, it's about the delicious carbs. cherries are also packed with antioxidants, which are really good for you. remember, canned cherry pie filling has often got lots of additives, so it’s better to make your own homemade cherry pie filling from scratch.
Making pie bar recipes and pies should be fun. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Each one is a lesson. So get baking. I know you can nail it!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries for this cherry pie filling recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cherries work perfectly well in this cherry pie filling recipe. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess liquid before using them. This will help prevent a watery pie filling. Think of it like giving them a good squeeze to avoid a soggy bottom!
My cherry pie filling is too runny! What did I do wrong?
Runny pie filling is a common baking woe! It's likely due to not enough thickening agent (cornstarch) or not cooking the filling long enough. Make sure the cornstarch is fully dissolved before heating, and simmer until the filling is glossy and thick. If it's still too runny, you can carefully mix a little more cornstarch with cold water (a slurry) and stir it into the simmering filling, cooking for a few more minutes.
How long does homemade cherry pie filling last, and how should I store it?
Homemade cherry pie filling will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure it's completely cooled before freezing, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. Freezing is like pressing pause on deliciousness!
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this cherry pie filling recipe?
Yes, you can definitely adjust the sugar to your liking! Cherries vary in sweetness, so taste the filling as you go and add sugar accordingly. If you're using very sweet cherries, you might be able to reduce the sugar by up to a quarter cup. It's all about finding that perfect balance of sweet and tart, innit?
What can I substitute for almond extract in the cherry pie filling recipe?
While almond extract adds a wonderful depth of flavor to cherry pie filling, you can substitute it if needed. Vanilla extract is a good alternative, though the flavour profile will be slightly different. You could also try a tiny splash of Amaretto liqueur for a similar almondy vibe, if you're feeling adventurous!
Is this cherry pie filling recipe suitable for canning?
While this recipe is delicious, it's important to note that it hasn't been specifically tested for safe canning practices. Home canning requires precise methods to prevent spoilage. For safe canning, it's best to follow a cherry pie filling recipe that's been specifically developed and tested for canning by a reputable source like the USDA or Ball canning. Safety first, bake later!
