Cherry Pie Filling Recipe from Frozen Cherries

How to Make the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Cherry Pie Filling from Frozen Cherries

There’s something so comforting about homemade cherry pie filling—the deep red color, the sweet and slightly tart flavor, and the way it fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma. I still remember the first time I attempted to make cherry pie filling from scratch. I had always relied on store-bought cans, thinking it was the easiest way. But one day, I had a bag of frozen cherries in my freezer and thought, "Why not try making it from scratch?" Let me tell you—it was a game changer! This homemade cherry pie filling is rich, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Whether you’re baking a classic cherry pie, spooning it over pancakes, or swirling it into cheesecake, this filling will become your new favorite.

In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the best cherry pie filling from frozen cherries, complete with exact measurements, expert tips, and even an option for canning so you can enjoy it anytime. Let’s get started!

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Why Use Frozen Cherries?

You might be wondering—why use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones? The answer is simple:

Convenience: No need to pit cherries, which saves a ton of prep time.

Flavor: Frozen cherries are picked at peak ripeness, locking in their natural sweet and tart flavors.

Year-Round Availability: Fresh cherries have a short season, but frozen cherries are always available.

With all these benefits, it’s easy to see why frozen cherries are the best option for homemade cherry pie filling!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s exactly what you need to create this sweet, juicy cherry pie filling:

4 cups frozen cherries (thawed)

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

1/4 teaspoon salt

3 tablespoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional but enhances cherry flavor)

These simple ingredients come together to create a filling that is thick, glossy, and packed with flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make the Best Cherry Pie Filling

1. Thawing and Prepping the Cherries

Place the frozen cherries in a bowl and let them thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Drain excess liquid, but save about 1/4 cup of the juice to enhance the filling’s flavor.

2. Cooking the Cherries

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, lemon juice, salt, and water. Stir frequently and let the cherries release their juices, about 5-7 minutes.

3. Thickening the Filling

In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly add this mixture to the saucepan while stirring. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the filling thickens.

4. Adding Final Touches

Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and almond extract. Let it cool before using or storing.

Must-Have Kitchen Tools for Making Cherry Pie Filling

To make this process even easier, here are three kitchen essentials that will take your cooking to the next level:

1. Cuisinart 1.5 Quart Saucepan Saucepan

A good saucepan ensures even cooking and prevents your cherry pie filling from burning. The Cuisinart 1.5 quart saucepan is my go-to—it distributes heat evenly and is built to last.

Get it on Amazon here: Cuisinart Saucepan

2. OXO Good Grips Silicone Spatula

A sturdy silicone spatula is essential for stirring the filling without scratching your cookware. This one from OXO is heat-resistant and super durable.

Order yours here: OXO Silicone Spatula

3. Ball Mason Jars for Canning

If you love making homemade preserves, mason jars are a must. These Ball Mason Jars are perfect for storing cherry pie filling.

Grab your set here: Ball Mason Jars

How to Can Your Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

If you want to preserve your filling for later, canning is a great option!

Canning Instructions:

1. Sterilize pint-sized mason jars in boiling water for 10 minutes.

2. Pour the hot cherry pie filling into the jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace.

3. Wipe the rims clean, place the lids on, and screw the bands fingertip-tight.

4. Process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.

5. Remove from water and let cool for 24 hours before storing.

Properly canned cherry pie filling can last up to 12 months!

How to Use Your Cherry Pie Filling

This filling isn’t just for pie! Here are some creative ways to use it:

Cherry Pie – Classic and delicious!

Cheesecake Topping – Swirl it into homemade cheesecake.

Pancake or Waffle Topping – Elevate your breakfast with a spoonful.

Yogurt Mix-in – Add it to Greek yogurt for a sweet treat.

Ice Cream Drizzle – The perfect finishing touch.

Pro Tips for the Juiciest, Most Flavorful Cherry Pie Filling

For extra flavor, add a splash of cherry liqueur or bourbon.

If your filling is too thick, add a bit more water until you reach the desired consistency.

For a deeper red color, a teaspoon of beet juice works wonders without altering the flavor.

If you love extra tartness, increase the lemon juice slightly.

Conclusion

Making homemade cherry pie filling from frozen cherries is easier than you think! Not only does it taste better than store-bought, but it also allows you to control the sweetness and quality of ingredients. Whether you’re using it for pie, desserts, or as a topping, this recipe will become your new favorite.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations. Happy baking!