Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

This Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling is the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors, making it an ideal addition to your desserts. Whether you’re preparing a classic cherry pie or topping off a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this homemade filling will elevate your dishes. With its fresh ingredients and simple preparation, you can enjoy the taste of summer cherries year-round. Plus, it’s great for preserving, allowing you to savor the essence of cherries for months to come.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Homemade Goodness: Enjoy the satisfaction of making pie filling from scratch with fresh ingredients.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for pies, tarts, or as a topping for yogurt and ice cream.
• Easy Preparation: Quick and straightforward steps make it simple to whip up this delicious filling.
• Preserve Summer Flavor: Capture the taste of sour cherries and enjoy them long after the season ends.
• No Preservatives: Control what goes into your filling without any artificial additives.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the delicious world of homemade cherry pie filling, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and ensures that you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Sieve or strainer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Canning jar

Importance of Each Tool

• Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating your ingredients evenly without burning.
• Sieve or strainer: Ensures that your cherries are separated from their juice efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps blend dry ingredients smoothly into liquids, preventing clumps in your mixture.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 4 cups pitted sour cherries (fresh and pitted or thawed from frozen)
• 2 cups cherry juice (more if using thawed cherries)
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2 teaspoons vanilla

How to Make Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

Step 1: Prepare the Cherries

• Thaw your cherries if frozen.
• Place them in a sieve over a bowl for a couple of hours to allow excess juice to drain off.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• In a mixing bowl, blend cornstarch with both sugars until well combined.

Step 3: Heat Cherry Juice

• Pour cherry juice into a medium saucepan.
• Gradually whisk in the dry ingredients while sprinkling them over the juice through a sieve to prevent lumps.

Step 4: Thicken Mixture

• Set the heat to medium-low and stir continuously until the mixture thickens and becomes clear. This should take about 5–7 minutes.

Step 5: Add Cherries

• Gently fold in the strained cherries into the thickened mixture, stirring constantly for about 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Final Touches

• Remove from heat immediately; avoid overcooking as it may make the cherries too soft.
• Stir in almond extract and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 7: Cool and Store

• Pour the filling into a canning jar.
• Allow it to cool at room temperature before sealing.

Step 8: Freezing or Refrigerating

• Choose to freeze your pie filling for longer storage or refrigerate it in a tightly sealed container for up to 2–3 weeks.

With this easy recipe, you can relish homemade Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling anytime you crave that delightful cherry flavor!

How to Serve Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling can be enjoyed in many delightful ways beyond just a pie. This versatile filling adds a burst of flavor to various dishes and desserts. Here are some delicious serving suggestions.

As a Traditional Pie

• A classic choice, use the filling to create a beautiful pie with a flaky crust. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Over Vanilla Ice Cream

• Spoon warm Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling over a dish of vanilla ice cream for a quick and delightful dessert that balances sweetness with tartness.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer the cherry filling in yogurt parfaits alongside granola and fresh fruits for a refreshing breakfast or snack option.

With Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle the pie filling over pancakes or waffles, adding a fruity twist to your breakfast. Pair it with maple syrup for extra sweetness.

As a Topping for Cheesecake

• Use Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling as an elegant topping on cheesecake, enhancing its creamy texture with vibrant fruit flavors.

In Tartlets

• Fill mini tart shells with the cherry mixture for bite-sized desserts perfect for parties or gatherings.

How to Perfect Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

Creating the perfect Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling is easy when you follow these helpful tips.

• Choose ripe cherries: Using fresh, ripe sour cherries enhances the flavor and overall quality of your pie filling.

• Thoroughly drain cherries: Ensure that the thawed cherries are well-drained to prevent excess liquid from making your filling runny.

• Use cornstarch properly: Mix cornstarch evenly with sugars before adding it to the juice; this prevents clumping and ensures smooth consistency.

• Stir constantly while heating: Continuously stir the mixture as it heats up to avoid scorching and achieve an even thickness.

• Cool before storing: Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before transferring it into jars; this helps maintain its texture.

• Store properly: Keep the filling in tightly sealed containers in the refrigerator or freezer for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

Pairing side dishes with Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
   The smooth texture of mashed potatoes complements the tartness of cherry filling beautifully, creating a comforting contrast.

2. Roasted Vegetables
   A mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes offers a savory balance to the sweet cherry flavors.

3. Quinoa Salad
   A light quinoa salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of desserts made with cherry filling.

4. Grilled Chicken Breast
   Seasoned grilled chicken pairs nicely, especially when drizzled with some of the cherry sauce for added flavor.

5. Crispy Green Salad
   A fresh green salad topped with nuts and feta creates a crunchy texture that works well alongside sweet pies or desserts.

6. Savory Cheese Platter
   Consider serving a cheese platter featuring sharp cheeses that contrast nicely against sweet fruit fillings, appealing to diverse palates.

7. Spiced Rice Pilaf
   A fragrant rice pilaf infused with spices adds depth and complexity, making it an excellent side dish for savory meals featuring cherry fillings.

8. Steamed Asparagus
   Lightly steamed asparagus brings bright flavors that balance well against richer desserts or main courses served with cherry pie filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin your batch. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.

• Overcooking the cherries: Cherries should be added to the thickened mixture just long enough to heat through. Overcooking can make them mushy and lose their vibrant color.
• Not straining the cherries properly: Ensure you strain the cherries well to separate them from the juice. This helps achieve a thicker filling without excess liquid.
• Ignoring the cornstarch mix: Always blend cornstarch with sugar before adding it to the juice. This prevents clumping and ensures a smooth filling.
• Skipping the cooling step: Allowing your pie filling to cool to room temperature is essential before storing it. Skipping this can lead to condensation in storage containers.
• Underestimating storage: Make sure to use an airtight container for both refrigeration and freezing. This preserves freshness and prevents odors from affecting your filling.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks.
• Ensure the filling is completely cooled before sealing.

Freezing Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 6 months.
• Leave space at the top of the container, as the filling will expand when frozen.

Reheating Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling?

Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling is a homemade recipe that mimics store-bought cherry pie filling with fresh ingredients, making it tastier and healthier.

Can I use frozen cherries for Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling?

Yes, you can use frozen pitted sour cherries! Just thaw them and drain excess juice before starting your recipe.

How long does Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling last?

The filling lasts up to 2-3 weeks in the refrigerator and up to 6 months if stored properly in the freezer.

Can I customize my Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling?

Absolutely! You can adjust sugar levels or add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

How do I know when my pie filling has thickened properly?

The filling should become very thick and clear when cooked over medium-low heat, usually within minutes after adding cornstarch.

Final Thoughts

Evans Sour Cherry Pie Filling is not only delicious but also versatile for various desserts. Whether you’re making pies or using it as a topping for ice cream, you’ll love its fresh taste. Feel free to customize it with different spices or sweeteners according to your preference!