Instant Pot cherry pie filling is a delicious, homemade treat that can be used in your favorite pie recipe or as a topping for ice cream or sweet breakfast favorites. You’ll never go back to using store bought pie filling after trying this version!

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There is nothing better than homemade pie filling.

While the canned kind is convenient, it just doesn’t hold a candle to the flavor of this cherry pie filling.

And thanks to the Instant Pot it doesn’t need to be difficult to make.

It comes together quickly and is perfect for using right away or even freezing and saving for later.

Ingredients

To make this you’ll need:

Cherries– Pitted, sweet dark cherries. Use a cherry pitter to easily pit the cherries. If cherries aren’t in season, use thawed frozen cherries.
Sugar– Granulated
Lemon juice– Bottled is ok here.
Water
Cornstarch– To thicken the filling
Flavorings– Ground cinnamon and vanilla extract

How to Make

To make this Instant Pot pie filling, start by making sure the liner’s in the Instant Pot.

Then add the washed, pitted cherries to the liner of the pot.

Then, whisk the sugar, lemon juice, water, cornstarch, and cinnamon together in a small bowl until the mixture’s smooth.

Pour the mixture evenly out over the fruit.

Secure the lid on the pot and make sure the vent valve is set to the sealed position.

Pressure cook on HIGH for 1 minute.

When the Pot beeps, carefully open the vent valve to allow the hot steam to escape to do a quick release.

Open the lid and stir the cherry mixture.

Then turn the Pot on SAUTE mode and let the mixture simmer, stirring often, just until it thickens slightly.

Once the filling thickens, hit the CANCEL button to stop the cooking process and stir in the vanilla extract.

Let the pie filling sit until completely cooled.

Use and enjoy!

Stovetop Directions

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make this cherry pie filling in a pot on the stove.

Just add all ingredients to a pot, stirring to combine.

Bring everything to boil, then immediately reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.

Stir often, until it’s thickened.

Cool completely and then use or store.

Storing

You can store this cherry pie filling in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container.

Can I freeze homemade cherry pie filling?

Yes! You can freeze this for up to 3 months.

Just let it cool and transfer it to a freezer safe container.

Freeze and thaw before using.

How to Use Cherry Pie Filling

Of course you can use it in cherry pies, turnovers, and other desserts, but it’s amazing as a topping as well.

We love spooning it onto:

ice cream
yogurt
oatmeal
waffles
pancakes

Tips and Tricks

When stirring together the sugar mixture, DO NOT STOP until the mixture is smooth. If you don’t stir it together until smooth before adding it to the pot, the sugar and starch may stick to the bottom of the Instant Pot during cooking causing a BURN notice.
When simmering it’s important to stir the mixture often. As it begins to thicken it will stick to the bottom more if left too long.
If after simmering for 10 minutes the mixture seems too thin, don’t worry! The filling will continue to thicken as it cools.
This recipe yields about 3 cups (1 1/2 pints) of cherry pie filling.

Recipes that Use Cherry Pie Filling

This Instant Pot cherry pie filling is a delicious upgrade to your homemade baked goods.

Make it the next time you need a pie filling or delicious, sweet topping.

Looking for recipes that use cherry pie filling?

Try these:

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