Ingredients:

  • 4 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon almond extract
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. If using fresh cherries, pit them. Set aside.
  2. In the saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt (if using).
  3. Stir in the water and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth.
  4. Gently fold in the pitted cherries.
  5. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the mixture has thickened and the cherries are tender (about 5-10 minutes).
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract and butter.
  7. Let the cherry pie filling cool slightly before using it in your pie or other dessert.