Cherry Filling for Cake
Elevate your cakes with this luscious homemade cherry filling that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and luscious texture. Crafted with juicy pitted cherries, a hint of bright lemon juice, and just the right amount of sweetness, this easy recipe creates a perfectly thick and glossy filling that’s ideal for layering between cake tiers or spooning over a finished dessert. The cornstarch slurry ensures a smooth, jam-like consistency, while an optional splash of vanilla extract adds a touch of warmth and depth. Whether you’re working with fresh cherries in season or frozen ones for convenience, this simple yet versatile recipe comes together in under 20 minutes and can be made ahead for stress-free cake decorating. Perfect for cherry lovers, this homemade cherry filling will take your baking to new heights!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until it forms a smooth slurry.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook while gently stirring until the cherries release their juices, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the cherry mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Continue cooking for 3–5 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and reaches a jam-like consistency.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using, for added flavor.
Let the cherry filling cool completely before using it as a cake layer or topping.
Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
751 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 1.1 g | 1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4 mg | 0% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 189.2 g | 69% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.9 g | 35% | |
| Total Sugars | 160.6 g | ||
| Protein | 5.1 g | 10% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 58 mg | 4% | |
| Iron | 1.1 mg | 6% | |
| Potassium | 1039 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
