Grandma Betty's Boozy Cherry Pie Filling

Alright, let's dive into this cherry pie filling recipe . ever wondered how to recreate that michigan cherry pie experience at home? or maybe you're just staring at a can of cherries wondering, "what are cherries good for, anyway?" honestly, this recipe’s the answer to both.

Grandma Betty's Boozy Cherry Pie Filling

This homemade cherry pie filling recipe is inspired by my actual grandma betty, bless her heart. she always had a fresh cherry pie sitting pretty on the counter.

We're talking a hint of almond, a splash of kirsch (cherry brandy) seriously, it's next level. it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, ideal for pies, tarts, or straight-up spooning.

And you know? i once used it on waffles!

What makes this recipe special?

This ain’t your store-bought goop. it’s a proper diy cherry pie filling , simple enough for beginners. from start to finish, you’re looking at under an hour, yielding about 6 cups.

It’s enough to fill one 9 inch pie. imagine serving a grandmas cherry pie version for your friends and family. how to make cherry pie filling from canned cherries may seem like a simple question, but this recipe is truly next level.

From the orchard to your oven!

What i love about this filling is how easy it is. pitting the cherries is the hardest part, honestly. once that's sorted, you just chuck everything into a pan and let it simmer.

Plus, cherries are packed with antioxidants, so it's practically health food, right? this cherry pie easy recipe is perfect for sunday baking or when you need a quick dessert for unexpected guests.

I would say this is the best cherry pie recipe ever .

Let's Talk Ingredients

Time to gather your goodies! you'll need fresh sweet cherries (or canned if you're in a pinch), sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, almond extract, and a splash of kirsch, which is optional, but seriously, don't skip it.

The alcohol bakes out, leaving only a delicious cherry flavour. also, a pinch of salt is key. don't forget it!.

Now, let's get to the step-by-step instructions and make some pie magic.

Alright, let's chat about what you need to make some seriously good cherry pie filling recipe . forget shop bought gloop, we are going grandma betty's boozy cherry pie filling way! and trust me, she knew a thing or two about home-made cherry pie .

Ingredients & Equipment

This cherry pie filling recipe uses simple ingredients. but the quality matters, yeah? think of it like this, good in, great out.

Like when i tried making it with those sad, pale cherries once never again! michigan cherry pie is the way to go if you can get 'em.

Main Ingredients

• Cherries : You will need 6 cups of fresh sweet cherries, pitted (that’s around 700g ). If fresh cherries are not available, two (21-ounce) cans of pitted sour cherry pie filling in water, drained and rinsed, will do at a pinch. But honestly , fresh is best!
• Sweetener : ¾ cup (150g) of granulated sugar. Adjust this according to how sweet your cherries are.
• Thickener : ¼ cup (30g) of cornstarch is all it takes.
• Flavorings : ¼ cup (60ml) of fresh lemon juice (brightens everything up!), 1 teaspoon (5ml) of almond extract (that's the secret ingredient), 2 tablespoons (30ml) of Kirsch (cherry brandy) because we're fancy, and a pinch of salt.

Seasoning Notes

The almond extract and kirsch are the secret weapons in this cherry filling recipes easy . they add depth and a bit of je ne sais quoi .

If you don’t have kirsch, you could use a splash of amaretto. cinnamon and nutmeg can be added to enhance the flavor.

Equipment Needed

Okay, so you won’t need a spaceship for this! Just some basics:

• A cherry pitter. Trust me on this one, unless you fancy spending all day on pitting.
• A large saucepan.
• A wooden spoon or a spatula.
• Measuring cups and spoons.

Easy peasy, right? Now, grab your stuff, and let's make some magic happen! How to make cherry pie filling from canned cherries , or fresh. Your choice!

Right then, let's chat about my grandma betty's famous cherry pie filling recipe . honestly, her cherry pie from scratch was legendary.

Everyone wanted a slice. i’m aiming to recreate that magic. this recipe is proper easy. it will get you fantastic results.

Even if you're a bit rubbish in the kitchen.

Let's Get This Show on the Road: Prep Steps

First things first. It's all about the mise en place , you know? Having everything ready before you start. Stops you from flapping about like a headless chicken later on.

• Essential prep: Get your 6 cups of cherries pitted. Oh my gosh, I hate this. But a cherry pitter is a lifesaver here. Alternatively, use those 2 cans of pitted cherries (rinsed!). Measure out your ¾ cup of sugar and ¼ cup of cornstarch. You don't want to be scrabbling for ingredients with sticky hands.
• Time saving tip: Measure out all your spices into one bowl. Less faff later!
• Safety first! No one wants a trip to A&E. Keep knives sharp and watch those tiny hands.

step-by-step to Cherry Pie Perfection

This is where the magic happens. This Cherry Pie Easy Recipe is seriously straightforward.

1. Get the cherries ready. Pit those little blighters or rinse those canned cherries.
2. Dry ingredients unite! In a saucepan, whisk ¾ cup sugar, ¼ cup cornstarch, and a pinch of salt.
3. Wet ingredients join the party! Stir in ¼ cup lemon juice.
4. Cherries get coated. Add the cherries and stir until they're all cosy with the mixture.
5. Let's cook this! Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir constantly .
6. Thickening time! Keep simmering for about 20- 25 minutes . Stir occasionally. Aim for the filling to coat the back of a spoon. A sure sign it is home-made Cherry Pie .
7. Flavour bomb! Take off the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon almond extract and 2 tablespoons Kirsch (optional). Kirsch is lush , trust me.
8. Cool it, man. Let it cool slightly. Then it's ready for your pie!

Pro Tips for a Showstopper Michigan Cherry Pie

Okay, now for the insider secrets.

• Don't overcook the filling . It'll thicken more as it cools. Nobody wants a brick of cherry pie filling recipes homemade .
• Taste as you go . Cherries vary in sweetness. Add more sugar if needed.
• Make it ahead! This can be made a day in advance. Store it in the fridge.

And that's it! my grandma betty's best cherry pie recipe . this will bring you closer to the grandmas cherry pie .

Honestly, it’s easier than falling off a log. now, go forth and bake a fresh cherry pie !

Alright, let's dive into some Recipe Notes for Grandma Betty's Boozy Cherry Pie Filling recipe . This ain't your average filling; we're levelling up here.

Serving Suggestions: Think Beyond Pie!

Let's talk presentation. Plating can make all the difference, right? For a classic look, nothing beats a slice of warm Cherry Pie From Scratch with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Or get fancy! Spoon some of this Homemade Cherry Pie Filling recipe Easy into individual ramekins, top with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprig of mint. Bam! Instant elegance.

Pairing is key! i reckon a glass of chilled moscato would be spot-on. maybe even a cheeky little sherry. for sides, think vanilla ice cream or even a sharp cheddar.

Yeah, cheddar. don't knock it 'til you try it.

Storage Savvy: Keeping It Fresh

Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but hey, it happens.) This cherry pie filling recipe stores like a dream.

Pop any remaining filling into an airtight container and it'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Don't leave it out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, safety first, yeah?

Fancy freezing it? go for it! just make sure it's completely cooled first. use a freezer safe container or bag. it'll keep for up to 3 months.

When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. you might need to stir it a bit to get it back to its original consistency.

Reheating is a doddle. Gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until heated through. Or, you could even microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Feel like tinkering? Good! Me too! Want something a little different to a Cherry Pie Easy Recipe ?

• Dietary adaptations: for a gluten-free version, make sure your pie crust is gluten-free or use a gluten-free crumble topping. swap regular sugar for a sugar alternative, just follow the instructions for the substitute.

• Seasonal swaps: in the autumn, a little bit of apple or pear mixed in would be lush . for a fresh cherry pie filling recipe, you might want to add some rhubarb in spring! if you're using frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw them fully and drain off the excess juice.

  Want to try cherry pie with tart cherries ? then use canned tart cherries, it'll be perfect!.

Nutrition Nuggets: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, let's be real. This is pie filling. It's not exactly health food. But! What Are Cherries Good For ? They're packed with antioxidants!

In simple terms, you're getting some good stuff with your sweetness. you can search for cherry pie filling recipes homemade to get an idea of a nutritional values of a home recipe compared to store-bought, but these can vary widely.

Cherries are naturally low in fat and a decent source of fiber.

So, there you have it. everything you need to know to nail this cherry pie filling recipe . get in the kitchen and bake something amazing! don't worry if it's not perfect.

Just have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries for this cherry pie filling recipe?

Absolutely! Using frozen cherries is a great option, especially when fresh cherries aren't in season. Just be sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess juice before adding them to the saucepan, otherwise your filling will be too watery. Nobody wants a soggy bottom, right?

My cherry pie filling is too runny. How can I fix it?

A runny filling is a common pie problem, but fear not! If your filling hasn't thickened enough during cooking, you can dissolve a bit more cornstarch (about a tablespoon) in cold water and stir it into the simmering filling. Cook for a couple more minutes until it thickens.

Next time, be sure to measure your cornstarch accurately it's key to getting that perfect consistency. Think of it like Goldilocks and the Three Bears: you want it just right!

How long does this cherry pie filling recipe keep, and how should I store it?

Once cooked, this cherry pie filling will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any funky fridge odors. If you want to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.

Just thaw it completely in the refrigerator before using.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this cherry pie filling recipe?

You can certainly adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start by reducing the sugar by a couple of tablespoons and give it a taste. Remember that some cherries are naturally sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly.

If you're looking to cut back significantly, you could also try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, but be aware that it might slightly alter the texture of the filling.

What can I use this cherry pie filling recipe for besides pie?

Oh, the possibilities are endless! Think beyond the classic pie. This filling is fantastic spooned over ice cream, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or used as a topping for pancakes or waffles. You could even use it to make cherry hand pies or a simple cherry crisp. Get creative and have some fun with it!

It’s like Mary Berry says, "Baking is more than just a job; it's a love affair!"

Can I use canned cherries for this cherry pie filling recipe, and how would that affect the recipe?

Yes, you can use canned cherries, but be aware that they are often packed in syrup, which will make the cherry pie filling recipe sweeter. Reduce the granulated sugar in the recipe to account for this. Also, canned cherries can be softer than fresh or frozen, so the texture of the filling might be slightly different.

Drain the cherries very well to avoid a watery filling.