Cherry Pie Filling
Sweet and tart cherry pie filling with almond flavor and a hint of red coloring, perfect for making two delicious cherry pies for dessert or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sour cherries, sugar, cornstarch, tapioca, flour, almond flavoring, and red coloring in a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly to coat the cherries evenly.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens and begins to boil.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Spoon the filling into prepared pie crusts.
- Top with sliced margarine on top of each pie.
- Bake as desired or store for later use.
Tips & Substitutions
For a thicker filling, you can increase the cornstarch or tapioca slightly. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar to 1 cup. For a unique twist, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to enhance the flavor. This filling also works well in various desserts, such as a tart or layered with whipped cream for a light treat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cherry pie filling warm or cold, either on its own or as a topping for vanilla ice cream to create a delightful dessert. It also pairs beautifully with pancakes or waffles for a sweet breakfast option. For a special touch, drizzle with a bit of Homemade Tomato Catsup for a savory contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cherry pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it for up to three months; just place it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove over low heat to restore its consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Pie Filling contains roughly 1033 calories, with 11g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (191% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (80% of the Daily Value), and iron (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 22g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen cherries can be used in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before combining them with the other ingredients. This ensures the filling maintains the right consistency without becoming too watery.
How do I adjust the recipe for different types of cherries?
You can substitute sweet cherries for sour ones if you prefer a sweeter filling. If using sweet cherries, you may want to reduce the sugar by half to balance the sweetness. Just be sure to taste and adjust according to your preference.
What if I don’t have tapioca?
If you don’t have tapioca, you can substitute with an equal amount of additional cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Both will help thicken the filling effectively. Just be sure to combine them thoroughly to avoid any lumps.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).