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Easy Sour Cherry Pie Filling Recipe for Perfect Freezer-Ready Pies

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A quick and easy homemade sour cherry pie filling that is perfect for freezer-ready pies, balancing tartness and sweetness with a luscious texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups (600 g) frozen sour cherries, pitted
  • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
  • a pinch of salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Take 4 cups (600 g) of frozen sour cherries out of the freezer and let them thaw for about 10 minutes until soft but not mushy.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar and 3 tablespoons (24 g) cornstarch. Stir them together dry to distribute the thickener evenly.
  3. Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) water and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir constantly. The mixture will start to thicken after about 3 to 5 minutes.
  5. Once thickened, gently fold in the thawed sour cherries and a pinch of salt. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes to warm the cherries through and combine flavors.
  6. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon almond extract, if using.
  7. Transfer the filling to a bowl or container and let it cool completely before using or freezing.

Notes

Thaw cherries just enough to keep them firm. Stir frequently during cooking to avoid burning. Cool filling completely before pie assembly to prevent soggy crusts. Freeze flat in freezer bags for easier storage and thawing. Almond extract is optional but recommended for depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: sour cherry pie filling, freezer-ready pie filling, homemade pie filling, easy cherry pie filling, gluten-free pie filling