How to Make Delightful Cherry Pie Filling with Your Kids This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for baking with kids, especially when fresh cherries are in season! Making cherry pie filling together is not only a fun culinary adventure but also a wonderful way to bond with your children or grandchildren. The vibrant color and sweet-tart flavor of fresh cherries make this treat a memorable summer project. So, let's jump into the steps for creating a delicious cherry pie filling!

A close-up view of fresh cherries cooking in a saucepan for pie filling.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. For this easy cherry pie filling recipe, you will need:

• 4 cups pitted cherries: Fresh cherries are ideal, but you can use frozen if necessary.

• ¼ cup water: This helps to create a syrupy filling.

• ⅔ cup white sugar: Adjust this amount based on your sweetness preference.

• ¼ cup cornstarch: Ensure a thick texture that holds well when baked.

• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice: This adds a nice tang to balance the sweetness.

  
  

Involve your kids in the cooking process right from the start—let them help wash and pit the cherries! This hands-on preparation is both entertaining and educational as they learn about the ingredients they’ll be using.

Cooking the Cherries

Start by placing the pitted cherries and water into a saucepan. Cook this mixture over medium heat until the cherries start to release their own juices, which should take around 5 minutes.

During this time, engage your kids by discussing how the cherries change as they cook and release those beautiful juices. They may be amazed to see how the simple fruit transforms, becoming vibrant and deliciously fragrant!

Mixing it Up

Once the cherries are simmering, mix the sugar and cornstarch together in a small bowl. This is a great opportunity for your kids to learn about how cornstarch acts as a thickener in pies and sauces. After mixing, add this combination along with the lemon juice to the cherries.

Keep the mixture cooking while gently stirring until it thickens. You should see the sauce transform into a rich, glossy filling. This is the magic moment that shows your kids how heat and time can change ingredients into something special.

Enjoying Your Creation

Once the cherry filling has cooled, it can be used in several delicious ways. You can pour it into a prepared pie crust for a classic cherry pie, but don’t forget that this filling is also fantastic as a topping for:

• Baked or no-bake cheesecake: It adds a burst of flavor and color.

• Ice cream sundaes: A scoop of cherry filling can elevate a simple scoop into a dessert masterpiece.

  
  

Encourage your kids to think creatively about how they might want to enjoy their cherry filling! They might even come up with fun dessert ideas of their own, sparking their imaginations in the kitchen.

Making Sweet Memories Together

Baking cherry pie filling with your kids creates an excellent opportunity to instill a love for cooking and forge lasting memories during the summer. Not only does this delightful experience introduce them to the joys of working with fresh ingredients, but it also promotes learning and bonding. So, gather those cherries and start making your own cherry filling today—delicious summer treats are waiting!

Let your creativity flow and enjoy the process together. Happy baking!