Delicious Cherry Pie Filling Recipes: From Classic to Creative

Cherry pie filling is a versatile ingredient that goes far beyond just pie! While a classic cherry pie is undeniably delicious, there’s a whole world of desserts and treats you can create with this sweet and tangy delight. This post will explore several recipes using cherry pie filling, from the traditional to the innovative, complete with detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.

## What Makes Cherry Pie Filling So Great?

Cherry pie filling is a convenient and flavorful way to add a burst of cherry goodness to your baking. It’s pre-made, saving you time and effort in pitting cherries and creating a sauce from scratch. The sweet and slightly tart flavor profile is perfect for complementing other flavors, making it a wonderful addition to many desserts. Plus, the vibrant color adds visual appeal to any creation.

## Recipe 1: Classic Cherry Pie

Let’s start with the star of the show: the classic cherry pie. This recipe will guide you through creating a flaky crust and a perfectly balanced cherry filling.

**Ingredients:**

* **For the Crust:**
* 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
* ½ cup vegetable shortening, cold
* 6-8 tablespoons ice water
* **For the Cherry Pie Filling:**
* 2 (21-ounce) cans cherry pie filling
* ¼ cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste based on the sweetness of your filling)
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds a lovely depth of flavor)
* 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

**Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Pie Crust:**

* In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You should still see small pieces of butter.
* Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
* Divide the dough in half, flatten each half into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours).

**2. Make the Cherry Filling:**

* In a large bowl, combine the cherry pie filling, granulated sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and almond extract (if using). Stir gently until well combined.

**3. Assemble the Pie:**

* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie plate.
* Trim and crimp the edges of the crust.
* Pour the cherry pie filling into the crust.
* Dot the top of the filling with the small pieces of butter.
* Roll out the second disc of dough and either place it over the filling as a top crust, crimping the edges to seal, or cut it into strips to create a lattice top.
* If using a top crust, cut several slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
* Brush the top crust (or lattice) with the beaten egg wash.
* Sprinkle with turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, if desired.

**4. Bake the Pie:**

* Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. If the crust starts to brown too quickly, cover the edges with foil or a pie shield.
* Let the pie cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This is important as the filling will thicken as it cools.

**Tips for the Perfect Cherry Pie:**

* **Keep ingredients cold:** Cold butter and shortening are essential for a flaky crust. Make sure your butter, shortening, and water are as cold as possible.
* **Don’t overmix the dough:** Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough crust. Mix just until the dough comes together.
* **Let the pie cool completely:** Cooling allows the filling to thicken, preventing a runny pie.
* **Use high-quality cherry pie filling:** The quality of your cherry pie filling will directly impact the flavor of your pie. Choose a brand that you enjoy.
* **Add a touch of almond extract:** Almond extract enhances the cherry flavor and adds a lovely depth to the filling.

## Recipe 2: Cherry Pie Bars

These cherry pie bars are a simpler and quicker alternative to a full pie. They are perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any time you need a portable and delicious treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
* ¾ cup packed brown sugar
* ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, melted
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
* ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Crust:**
* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* In a large bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, melted butter, and salt. Mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
* Press half of the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. **Add the Cherry Filling:**
* Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the crust.
* Sprinkle the chopped nuts (if using) over the filling.
3. **Add the Topping:**
* Crumble the remaining crumb mixture over the cherry filling and nuts.
4. **Bake the Bars:**
* Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
* Let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares.

**Tips for Cherry Pie Bars:**

* **Use melted butter:** Melted butter creates a soft and chewy crust.
* **Press the crust firmly:** Pressing the crust firmly into the pan will help it hold its shape.
* **Let the bars cool completely:** Cooling allows the filling to set, making the bars easier to cut.
* **Add a streusel topping:** For an extra layer of flavor and texture, add a streusel topping to the bars.

## Recipe 3: Cherry Pie Dip

This creamy and decadent cherry pie dip is perfect for parties or gatherings. Serve it with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon pita chips for a delightful appetizer or dessert.

**Ingredients:**

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* ½ cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling, roughly chopped
* Graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon pita chips, for serving

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cream Cheese Base:**
* In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. **Add the Cherry Filling:**
* Gently fold in the chopped cherry pie filling.
3. **Chill and Serve:**
* Cover the dip and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
* Serve with graham crackers, vanilla wafers, or cinnamon pita chips.

**Tips for Cherry Pie Dip:**

* **Use softened cream cheese:** Softened cream cheese will blend more easily and create a smoother dip.
* **Roughly chop the cherry pie filling:** Chopping the cherry pie filling will make it easier to dip.
* **Chill the dip before serving:** Chilling the dip allows the flavors to meld and the dip to thicken.
* **Add a sprinkle of cinnamon:** A sprinkle of cinnamon adds a warm and comforting flavor to the dip.

## Recipe 4: Cherry Pie Parfaits

These cherry pie parfaits are a simple and elegant dessert that can be assembled in minutes. They are perfect for a light and refreshing treat.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
* 1 cup vanilla yogurt or whipped cream
* ½ cup crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers

**Instructions:**

1. **Assemble the Parfaits:**
* In individual glasses or parfait dishes, layer the cherry pie filling, vanilla yogurt or whipped cream, and crushed graham crackers or vanilla wafers.
* Repeat the layers until the glasses are full.
2. **Chill and Serve:**
* Refrigerate the parfaits for at least 15 minutes before serving.

**Tips for Cherry Pie Parfaits:**

* **Use your favorite yogurt or whipped cream:** Choose a yogurt or whipped cream that you enjoy.
* **Add other toppings:** Get creative and add other toppings, such as chopped nuts, chocolate shavings, or shredded coconut.
* **Use clear glasses:** Using clear glasses will showcase the beautiful layers of the parfait.
* **Make them ahead of time:** These parfaits can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

## Recipe 5: Cherry Pie Filling Thumbprint Cookies

These adorable thumbprint cookies are a fun and festive way to use cherry pie filling. They are perfect for holiday baking or any special occasion.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* ½ cup granulated sugar
* ¼ cup powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
* ¼ teaspoon salt
* 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Cookie Dough:**
* In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and powdered sugar until light and fluffy.
* Beat in the vanilla extract.
* In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
* Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
* Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
2. **Shape the Cookies:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
* Place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet.
* Use your thumb or the back of a spoon to make an indentation in the center of each cookie.
3. **Add the Cherry Filling:**
* Fill each indentation with a small spoonful of cherry pie filling.
4. **Bake the Cookies:**
* Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are lightly golden brown.
* Let the cookies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips for Cherry Pie Filling Thumbprint Cookies:**

* **Chill the dough:** Chilling the dough will prevent the cookies from spreading too much in the oven.
* **Don’t overfill the indentations:** Overfilling the indentations will cause the filling to spill over the edges of the cookies.
* **Use a small spoon or piping bag to fill the indentations:** This will help you control the amount of filling you add.
* **Dust the cookies with powdered sugar:** Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness.

## Recipe 6: Cherry Pie Smoothie

For a quick, refreshing, and healthy treat, try a cherry pie smoothie. It’s a great way to start your day or enjoy a guilt-free dessert.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 cup frozen cherries (can use some from the cherry pie filling, drained)
* ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
* ¼ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess and protein)
* 1 tablespoon almond butter (or any nut butter)
* ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
* Pinch of cinnamon
* Sweetener to taste (honey, maple syrup, or stevia)

**Instructions:**

1. **Combine Ingredients:** Add all ingredients to a blender.
2. **Blend:** Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. **Adjust Consistency:** If the smoothie is too thick, add more milk. If it’s too thin, add more frozen cherries or ice.
4. **Taste and Adjust:** Taste and add sweetener as needed.
5. **Serve:** Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately.

**Tips for Cherry Pie Smoothie:**

* **Use frozen cherries:** Frozen cherries add thickness and chill to the smoothie.
* **Add a handful of spinach:** For an extra nutritional boost, add a handful of spinach. You won’t even taste it!
* **Use protein powder:** Add a scoop of protein powder for a more filling and protein-rich smoothie.
* **Garnish with a cherry:** Garnish with a fresh cherry or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a beautiful presentation.

## Recipe 7: Mini Cherry Pie Bites

These mini cherry pie bites are the perfect party appetizer or dessert. They are easy to make and are always a crowd-pleaser.

**Ingredients:**

* 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
* 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
* 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
* Turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. **Prepare the Pie Crusts:**
* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Unroll the pie crusts on a lightly floured surface.
2. **Cut the Circles:**
* Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter to cut out circles from the pie crusts.
3. **Fill the Bites:**
* Place half of the pie crust circles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
* Spoon a small amount of cherry pie filling onto each circle.
4. **Top and Seal:**
* Top each circle with another pie crust circle.
* Use a fork to crimp the edges of the circles, sealing the filling inside.
5. **Egg Wash and Sugar:**
* Brush the tops of the mini pies with the beaten egg wash.
* Sprinkle with turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, if desired.
6. **Bake the Bites:**
* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crusts are golden brown.
* Let the mini pies cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

**Tips for Mini Cherry Pie Bites:**

* **Use refrigerated pie crusts:** Refrigerated pie crusts are convenient and easy to use.
* **Don’t overfill the bites:** Overfilling the bites will cause the filling to spill out during baking.
* **Crimp the edges tightly:** Crimping the edges tightly will prevent the filling from leaking out.
* **Serve warm or at room temperature:** These mini pies can be served warm or at room temperature.

## Creative Variations and Ideas

The beauty of cherry pie filling lies in its adaptability. Here are some additional ideas to inspire your creativity:

* **Cherry Pie Crumble:** Use cherry pie filling as the base for a crumble, topped with a buttery oat topping.
* **Cherry Pie Scones:** Fold cherry pie filling into scone dough for a delightful breakfast treat.
* **Cherry Pie French Toast Casserole:** Layer cherry pie filling between slices of French toast in a casserole dish and bake for a delicious brunch.
* **Cherry Pie Ice Cream Topping:** Warm cherry pie filling and spoon it over vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
* **Cherry Pie Hand Pies:** Similar to the mini pie bites, but shaped like individual hand pies.
* **Cherry Pie Stuffed Pancakes or Waffles:** Add a spoonful of cherry pie filling to the center of your pancake or waffle batter before cooking.
* **Cherry Pie Filling Swirl Bread:** Swirl cherry pie filling into bread dough before baking for a sweet and colorful loaf.

## Storing Cherry Pie Filling Creations

Proper storage is essential to maintain the quality and flavor of your cherry pie filling creations:

* **Pies and Bars:** Store leftover pies and bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
* **Dip:** Store cherry pie dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Parfaits:** Parfaits are best consumed immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* **Cookies:** Store thumbprint cookies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
* **Smoothies:** Smoothies are best consumed immediately.
* **Mini Pie Bites:** Store mini pie bites in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

## Conclusion

Cherry pie filling is a remarkably versatile ingredient that can elevate a wide range of desserts and treats. From the classic cherry pie to innovative creations like cherry pie dip and smoothie, the possibilities are endless. With these recipes and tips, you can unleash your creativity and enjoy the delightful flavor of cherries in countless ways. So, grab a can of cherry pie filling and start experimenting! Happy baking!