Cherry Pie Filling Recipe From Scratch (with Fresh Cherries)
This delicious homemade cherry pie filling started as a creation to celebrate our marriage and is now cherished throughout the year. With only 6 wholesome ingredients, the fresh cherries get a chance to shine through.
Adding a little cane sugar helps draw out the cherry juices and a squeeze of lemon brightens the flavor profile. To finish it off, add the filling to a homemade sourdough pie crust and you’ve got the perfect dessert for any occasion.
DISCLOSURE: Hey! Just a heads up: I’m not a medical expert, so this blog’s content can’t replace professional advice. Those links? Some might be affiliates, meaning I could earn if you buy. No extra cost to you, and I only recommend what I find valuable. But, I’m not accountable for linked products/services. Please note, I’m not liable for any allergies, food allergies, or dietary upsets that might occur from making the recipes I share or the ingredients linked. Do your own research. By using this information, you’re agreeing to your own choices, and for medical advice, it’s best to consult a medical professional especially when using essential oils. Thanks for reading! READ OUR FULL PRIVACY POLICY HERE
If I had to choose a pie flavor, the cherry would be my favorite. I not only love the taste of cherries, which I get from my mom, but also the memories it brings. Growing up my family had fruit trees on our hobby farm. Within the trees, we had a cherry tree, and every time I take a bite of cherry pie my mind goes to those summer days back home.
Recipe Inspiration
When I met my husband, we quickly discovered our mutual love for cherry pie, and it felt like a sign that he was the one! For our 3rd wedding anniversary, I created this cherry pie filling recipe to celebrate our special day. Every bite of this filling reminds us of our early days together making it even more special to share with you all. As with all my Plum Branch Home recipes, I prioritize wholesome, natural ingredients, and this cherry pie filling contains only 6 simple, non-artificial ingredients.
Why You’ll Love This Cherry Pie Filling
- Pie filling is made with fresh cherries
- The sourdough crust gives this pie gut health benefits
- All wholesome ingredients, no fake or artificial additives
- Tastes super delicious and is simple to whip up
- Perfect for weekend treats, birthday party desserts, and even fall football parties
- Healthier dessert idea that tastes like you bought it
Wholesome Cherry Pie Filling Ingredients
- sweet cherries (see notes for more varieties)
- pure vanilla extract
- pure cane sugar
- cornstarch
- water
- lemon juice
How to Make Cherry Pie Filling From Scratch
IF USING FRESH CHERRIES: Rinse and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Pit them using a cherry pitter (or drinking straw), and cut each one in half.
Add cherries, vanilla, honey, and lemon juice to a medium-sized saucepan and heat on medium heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. This filling mixture should start to bubble and come together as a sauce.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until combined and no lumps.
Add cornstarch mixture to cherries, stirring frequently until thickened (about 3-4 minutes), remove from heat.
If using for a pie, pour filling into your crust (bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes) or let the filling cool and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Best Sourdough Pie Crust To Use
My all-time favorite pie crust to use is my Homemade Sourdough Pie Crust here at Plum Branch Home. It is so simple and tastes amazing! Before you begin this filling recipe, go whip up our pie crust to make the most delicious homemade pie.
Best Cherries To Use
- sweet cherries
- bing cherries
- rainier cherries
Tips to Make Cherry Pie Filling with Fresh Cherries
- Make sure your fresh cherries are ripe for the best flavor and texture.
- By cutting your cherries in half after pitting they cook down easier.
- While cooking your cherries in the saucepan use your spoon to mash them down for smaller pieces.
- Adding cornstarch in with a little water thickens your filling to ensure it sets up while baking in the crust.
Prep and Make Ahead Tips
If you’re looking to save time or make part of this recipe ahead you can wash, pit, and half the cherries. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze them for up to 3 months before using. You can also make your sourdough pie crust ahead of time and freeze that for up to 3 months as well.
Cherry Pie Filling Freezing and Storage
You can store this pie filling in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer bag. If you bake an entire pie, it can be left on the counter for up to 2 days then needs to be refrigerated. This entire pie will last up to 4 days in the fridge.
Recipe FAQ
- Can I use honey in place of the cane sugar? For sure! Just use half the measurement of cane sugar for honey and adjust to your taste preferene.
- Can I use regular sugar? You can but I don’t recommend it. Pure cane sugar is healthier and so much better.
- Can I use frozen cherries? You may need to add a little more cornstarch due to the cherries being frozen but they should work great.
- What does the lemon juice do? Can I leave it out? The lemon juice balances the sweetness and brightens the flavor of the filling. You can leave it out just know it will change the flavor a little.
- How do you pit fresh cherries? You’ll want to use a cherry pitter or you can use a metal drinking straw and stick it through the center.
- For cherry pie do I have to prebake the crust? Not for this recipe if you’re using our PBH Homemade Sourdough Pie Crust.
- What cherries are best for making homemade pie? Bing cherries, sweet cherries, or rainier cherries are best.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
Try these PBH Dessert Recipes
- How to Make the Perfect Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
- The Best Mixed Berry Cobbler Slow Cooker Recipe
- How to Make Iced Peach Tea (Under 15 Minutes)
If you enjoyed this homemade recipe, it would mean a lot if you could come back and give it a 5-star review! Thanks for supporting Plum Branch Home!
Homemade Cherry Pie Filling (with Fresh Cherries)
Ingredients
- 4 1/2 cups sweet cherries
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2/3 cup pure cane sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch (organic or non-gmo)
- 1 tsp water
Instructions
- IF USING FRESH CHERRIES: Rinse and pat dry with a kitchen towel. Pit them using a cherry pitter (or drinking straw), and cut each one in half.
- Add cherries, vanilla, honey, and lemon juice to a medium-sized saucepan and heat on medium heat for 15 minutes stirring occasionally. This filling mixture should start to bubble and come together as a sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until combined and no lumps.
- Add cornstarch mixture to cherries, stirring frequently until thickened (about 3-4 minutes), remove from heat.
- If using for a pie, pour filling into your crust (bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes) or let the filling cool and store it in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
- sweet cherries
- bing cherries
- rainier cherries
- My all-time favorite pie crust to use is my Homemade Sourdough Pie Crust here at Plum Branch Home. It is so simple and tastes amazing! Before you begin this filling recipe, go whip up our pie crust to make the most delicious homemade pie.