Lemon-Infused Cherry Pie Filling

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 8
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

If you've ever wanted to elevate your cherry pie game, this Lemon-Infused Cherry Pie Filling is your new best friend. With a bright and zesty twist from fresh lemon juice and zest, this filling is vibrant and refreshing — perfect for any season.

Ingredients for Lemon-Infused Cherry Pie Filling

Cherries: The star of the show, bringing natural sweetness and a juicy texture. Opt for fresh, pitted cherries for the best flavor.

Granulated sugar & brown sugar: They work together to sweeten the filling while the brown sugar adds a hint of molasses richness.

Cornstarch: This is our go-to thickening agent, ensuring the filling sets nicely without being runny.

Lemon juice & lemon zest: These add a refreshing zing that cuts through the sweetness and brightens the entire filling.

Vanilla extract: A little warmth and depth to complement the cherries and lemon.

Almond extract: Adds a subtle, nutty note that pairs beautifully with cherries.

Salt: Just a touch to enhance all the other flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a smoother filling, mash some of the cherries with a potato masher while cooking.
  • For a deeper lemon flavor, add a bit more zest. Just be careful not to overdo it!
  • Make sure your cornstarch is fresh; old cornstarch can lose its thickening power.

Serving Suggestions

This lemon-infused cherry filling is divine in a classic pie crust, paired with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. It's also fantastic over pancakes or waffles for a brunch twist, and it can even elevate a bowl of Greek yogurt for a refreshing snack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, just thaw them completely and drain excess water before using.
Is this filling suitable for canning?
While it can be canned, always follow safe canning practices to ensure quality and safety.

Lemon-Infused Cherry Pie Filling Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing your large saucepan and adding the pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Place it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You want the sugars to start melting and the cherries to release their juices, creating a sweet, syrupy base.

While the cherries are cooking, take a small bowl and whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice until it's smooth. This mixture is crucial as it will help thicken the filling without clumps.

Pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan with the cherries. Stir it in well, making sure everything is evenly distributed.

Next, add the lemon zest, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt to the saucepan. Keep stirring the mixture over medium heat. You'll notice it starts to thicken — this should take about 10 minutes.

Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Let the filling cool before using it in your favorite pies or as a delightful topping.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The lemon brings a fresh twist to traditional cherry pie filling.
  • Perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors.
  • Ready in just about 10 minutes.
  • Versatile use in pies, tarts, or even as a topping for ice cream.

Ingredients

4 cups pitted cherries
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/8 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1: In a large saucepan, combine pitted cherries, granulated sugar, and brown sugar.
2: In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and lemon juice until smooth.
3: Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan with cherries.
4: Stir in lemon zest, vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt.
5: Cook over medium heat until the mixture begins to thicken, stirring constantly, about 10 minutes.
6: Remove from heat and let cool before using in pies, tarts, or as a topping.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!