glass bowl full of homemade cherry pie filling on a white counter

Cherry pie filling is easy to make and oh-so-satisfying! A few simple ingredients are all you need to create a lusciously-thick and juicy pie filling bursting with sweet cherries.

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How to use Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

glass bowl piled full of cherry pie filling

This cherry pie filling is extremely versatile and can be used anywhere you would use canned pie filling:

Pies – the most typical way to use your pie filling is in a pie. Cherry pie often has a lattice crust that lets the filling peek through, making it even more tempting!
Hand Pies – these mini, hand-held pies are a great treat for picnics and celebrations. Not as common as a traditional cherry pie, hand pies are sure to impress.
Cherry Pie Rosettes – a play on mini cherry pies, this recipe makes a pretty rosette that’s perfect for entertaining.
Ice cream – keep things simple with warm homemade cherry pie filling spooned over vanilla ice cream.
Cheesecake – top a simple cheesecake recipe with this pie filling for a creamy and tart treat.
Pancakes, Waffles, & French Toast – this pie filling is perfect over waffles and pancakes in place of traditional maple syrup. Top with whipped cream for a special touch.

Really, the options are endless. Feel free to get creative, or if you’re anything like me and my kids, you eat it with a spoon straight from the bowl 😉 I don’t judge.

spoonfull of homemade cherry pie filling

How do I make Cherry Pie filling?

Making your own Homemade Cherry Pie Filling is really quite simple:

First, gather your ingredients. These include frozen pitted cherries, sugar, lemon juice, cornstarch, water, and vanilla.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, stir together cherries, lemon juice, and sugar. Cook, stirring until juices are released from the cherries and begin to bubble.

Meanwhile, stir together cornstarch and water in a small bowl to create a ‘slurry’ (I promise that is the technical term). Slowly stir into the simmering cherry mixture. Be sure to stir constantly at this stage to ensure the cornstarch slurry mixes evenly into the cherries. Continue stirring until pie filling has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon.

pouring cornstarch slurry into cherry pie filling

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly before adding to pie crusts and other recipes.

thickened cherry pie filling on a wooden spoon

Easy Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

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Homemade Cherry Pie Filling

This pie filling recipe turns a few simple ingredients into a luscious treat full of juicy cherries and thickened sauce.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Dessert

Keyword: cherry, cherry pie filling, dessert, pie, pie filling

Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

600 grams (approx. 4 cups) dark sweet frozen cherries (pitted)
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1½ tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp cornstarch
3 tbsp water
½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine frozen cherries, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, stirring often.
Meanwhile, combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly add to simmering cherries, stirring as you pour.
Stir pie filling until thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Cool slightly before adding to recipies.

Notes

This pie filling can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. Note that it will thicken while in the fridge, but warm it gently on the stove if needed to thin out.

This recipe can be frozen for up to 3 months.

This recipe makes 3 cups of pie filling. It can be doubled if needed.

If using sour cherries instead of sweet cherries, you may need to adjust the sugar. Start with an extra 1/4 cup, taste, then add more if needed.

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