Have a can of cherry pie filling sitting in the pantry? These easy cherry pie filling desserts turn it into cakes, cookies, cobblers, cheesecakes and more.
Canned pie filling is one of my favorite shortcuts because the cherries are already prepared, sweetened and ready to use.
You can make an easy dessert without pitting fruit or cooking a filling from scratch.
These ideas include simple treats for holidays, potlucks, family dinners or anytime you need dessert without a lot of extra work.
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What Can You Make With Cherry Pie Filling?
Some of the easiest desserts begin with a can of cherry pie filling and another convenient ingredient, such as cake mix, refrigerated dough, brownie mix or a prepared crust.
Use the filling straight from the can unless the recipe directs you to heat it.
Fold it into batters gently so the cherries do not break apart.
Pair cherry filling with chocolate, almond, vanilla, lemon or cream cheese.
Transfer leftover filling to a covered container instead of storing it in the opened can.
Check the size of the can called for in the recipe, especially when making dump cakes or fruit cobblers.
How do you doctor up a can of cherry pie filling?
Stir in about ½ teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract to give canned cherry pie filling more flavor. You can also add lemon zest, cinnamon or a small amount of brown sugar. For more fruit and a less syrupy texture, gently mix in fresh or frozen cherries. If the filling is too sweet, add a little lemon juice. Chocolate chips, toasted almonds or chopped pecans are also easy additions, depending on the dessert you are making.
Can you eat cherry pie filling straight from the can?
Yes. Canned cherry pie filling is already cooked, so it can be eaten without additional baking. Spoon it over ice cream, cheesecake, waffles or yogurt for a quick dessert.
How long does opened cherry pie filling last?
Transfer leftover cherry pie filling to an airtight container and refrigerate it. For the best quality, use it within three to five days.
Can you freeze leftover cherry pie filling?
Yes. Place leftover filling in a freezer-safe container, leaving a little room for expansion, and freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and stir it before using.
More Easy Dessert Ideas
If you like keeping a few baking shortcuts in the pantry, try these easy dessert ideas next:
This cherry dump cake is warm, buttery and packed with sweet cherry flavor beneath a golden cake-mix topping. It works well for brunch because it feeds a crowd and can be served warm with whipped cream or ice cream. With only a few ingredients and almost no prep, it is one of the easiest cherry pie filling desserts you can make.
These chocolate cherry cupcakes combine rich chocolate cake with a sweet cherry pie filling center. They are easy to serve at brunch since everyone can grab an individual dessert without cutting a cake. Pick this recipe when you want a classic chocolate-and-cherry combination that looks special but is still simple to make.
This cherry crumble layers sweet cherry pie filling between a buttery oat crust and crisp crumb topping. It is a cozy addition to brunch and tastes especially good served warm alongside coffee. The simple ingredients and easy assembly make it a great choice for beginner bakers.
These cherry pie bars have a soft, buttery base, a layer of cherry pie filling and a sweet glaze on top. They are perfect for brunch because they can be cut into small squares and served right from the pan. Choose these when you want the flavor of cherry pie without rolling out pie dough.
Cherry delight has a buttery graham cracker crust, a creamy cheesecake layer and sweet cherry pie filling on top. This chilled dessert can be made ahead, making it a convenient choice for a busy brunch. It is especially good when you want a light, creamy alternative to cake or pie.
This easy cherry cobbler pairs warm cherry pie filling with a soft, golden topping. It is a comforting brunch dessert that can be spooned into bowls and served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. The recipe comes together quickly with basic ingredients, so it is ideal when you need something uncomplicated.
These cherry pie bites tuck sweet cherry pie filling inside flaky crescent dough and finish them with a simple glaze. Their small size makes them easy to add to a brunch board or pastry basket. Choose this recipe when you want a quick handheld treat with very little prep.
Cherry cheesecake brownies combine fudgy chocolate brownies, creamy cheesecake and swirls of cherry pie filling. Cut them into small squares for a rich treat on a brunch dessert table. This recipe is a good pick when you cannot decide between brownies and cheesecake.
These soft thumbprint cookies have a cheesecake-style cookie base filled with sweet cherry pie filling. They are easy to arrange on a brunch platter and can be enjoyed without plates or utensils. Make these when you want a bite-size cherry cheesecake dessert that is easy to share.
These cherry pie cupcakes pair soft vanilla cake with sweet cherry pie filling and creamy frosting. The individual portions make them simple to serve at brunches, showers and family gatherings. They are a fun choice when you want cherry pie flavor in an easy cupcake.
This no-churn cherry pie ice cream is cool and creamy with swirls of cherry pie filling and pieces of graham cracker. It makes a refreshing finish for a spring or summer brunch and can be prepared the day before. No ice cream machine is needed, making this four-ingredient recipe especially easy.
This cherry cheesecake icebox cake layers graham crackers, creamy cheesecake filling and sweet cherry pie filling. Because it needs time to chill, it is an easy make-ahead dessert for brunch. Choose this no-bake recipe when you want something cool, creamy and large enough to share.
These mini cherry cheesecakes have a creamy filling, a crumbly crust and a bright cherry pie filling topping. Their individual size makes them especially easy to serve at brunches, showers and holiday gatherings. They give you all the flavor of cheesecake without needing to slice and plate a full-size dessert.
These chocolate thumbprint cookies are soft and rich with a sweet cherry pie filling center. They fit easily onto a brunch cookie tray and are just the right size for enjoying with coffee. Pick this recipe when you want a simple bite-size version of the classic chocolate-cherry pairing.
This Black Forest poke cake combines chocolate cake, cherry pie filling and a light whipped topping. It can be made ahead and feeds plenty of people, making it a practical choice for a larger brunch. Choose it when you want a soft, rich cake with plenty of chocolate and cherry flavor in every slice.
This cherry cheesecake has a buttery graham cracker crust, a smooth cream cheese filling and a generous cherry pie filling topping. It makes a pretty centerpiece for a holiday brunch or special celebration and can be prepared in advance. This is the one to choose when you want a classic cherry dessert everyone will recognize.
These cherry brownies are rich, chocolatey and topped with sweet cherry pie filling. Cut them into smaller squares for an easy addition to a brunch dessert tray. They are a great choice when you want to dress up a familiar brownie with very little extra work.
These cherry hand pies wrap sweet cherry pie filling inside a flaky, golden crust. They are easy to serve at brunch because guests can pick one up without needing a fork or plate. Choose them when you want a portable cherry dessert that looks a little more special than a traditional slice of pie.
This Black Forest trifle layers fudgy brownies, creamy chocolate filling and sweet cherries. Its layered presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for a brunch dessert table, while using prepared ingredients keeps assembly simple. Pick this recipe when you need a rich, crowd-size dessert without additional baking.
This creamy cherry salad combines cherry pie filling, whipped topping, pineapple, marshmallows and crunchy walnuts. It can be made ahead and served cold, making it an easy addition to a brunch buffet. Choose this recipe when you want a nostalgic fruit-fluff dessert that requires no baking.
This cherry coffee cake has a soft, buttery base layered with cherry pie filling and finished with a sweet glaze. It is made for brunch and pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or tea. Choose this recipe when you need a make-ahead pastry-style treat that can serve a crowd.
This slow cooker dump cake combines sweet cherry pie filling, juicy pineapple and a buttery cake-mix topping. It stays warm in the slow cooker, making it convenient for a relaxed brunch buffet. Choose this version when you need to keep the oven free and want a dessert with almost no hands-on prep.
Reesa Lewandowski is the creator of Momma Lew, a New Jersey-based food blog where she shares easy, family-friendly recipes inspired by everyday life. A mom of two teenagers and a self-taught cook and baker, Reesa has spent over a decade developing simple, approachable meals—from quick weeknight dinners to festive desserts—all tested in her own kitchen. Her recipes focus on comfort food with a modern twist, seasonal favorites, and stress-free baking. Drawing inspiration from her Jersey roots, Reesa’s goal is to help busy families enjoy delicious meals without the fuss.
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