Canned Cherry Pie Filling Recipes: A Delicious Shortcut to Homemade Pies

Are you craving the sweet, tart taste of cherry pie but short on time? Canned cherry pie filling is your secret weapon! While using canned filling might seem like a shortcut, it opens up a world of creative possibilities. This article explores various recipes that use canned cherry pie filling as a base, transforming it from a simple ingredient into the star of delicious desserts. We'll focus on maximizing flavor and texture, ensuring your pies are anything but ordinary.

Beyond the Can: Elevating Canned Cherry Pie Filling

The beauty of canned cherry pie filling lies in its convenience. It already contains the cherries, sugar, and thickening agents, significantly reducing prep time. However, its inherent sweetness and sometimes artificial flavor can be improved upon. This is where your culinary creativity comes into play. We'll show you how to enhance the flavor profile and texture, resulting in a homemade pie that tastes far superior to what you might expect from a shortcut recipe.

Recipe 1: Classic Cherry Pie with a Twist

This recipe uses canned cherry pie filling as the foundation, adding fresh ingredients to amplify its natural flavors and create a more sophisticated taste.

Ingredients:

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts

Instructions:

1. Enhance the Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherry pie filling, lemon juice, and almond extract. Heat over medium heat.
2. Thicken the Filling (Optional): In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Slowly add this mixture to the heated cherry filling, stirring constantly until thickened. This step helps to reduce the "canned" taste and improve the texture.
3. Assemble the Pie: Pour the enhanced cherry filling into one of the pie crusts. Top with the other crust, crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.
4. Bake: Bake according to the pie crust package directions, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Pro-Tip: Adding a tablespoon of Kirsch (cherry brandy) adds a sophisticated, boozy depth of flavor.

Recipe 2: Cherry Crisp with a Crumble Topping

This recipe utilizes canned cherry pie filling in a simpler dessert that's perfect for a weeknight treat. The crumble topping adds a delightful textural contrast.

Ingredients:

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crumble: In a medium bowl, combine the oats, flour, brown sugar, and nuts. Pour in the melted butter and mix until crumbly.
2. Assemble the Crisp: Pour the canned cherry pie filling into a greased 8x8 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the filling.
3. Bake: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Recipe 3: Cherry Hand Pies – Portable Deliciousness

These individual hand pies are perfect for parties or on-the-go treats. They require minimal effort while delivering maximum flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
• 1 package (14.1 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Crust: Roll out the pie crusts and use a 4-inch cookie cutter to cut out circles.
2. Assemble the Hand Pies: Place a spoonful of cherry pie filling in the center of each circle. Fold the circle in half to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges to seal. Cut slits in the top to allow steam to escape.
3. Bake: Brush the hand pies with the beaten egg. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

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