Description
This luscious Raspberry Filling is perfect for enhancing your desserts with vibrant flavor and natural sweetness. Made from fresh or thawed raspberries simmered gently with sugar and thickened with cornstarch, this easy-to-make filling offers a smooth, jam-like consistency with a hint of lemon and vanilla to brighten the taste. Ideal for pies, tarts, cheesecakes, or as a topping for pancakes and ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Raspberry Mixture
- 6 cups fresh raspberries (about 3 pints), or frozen raspberries (thawed)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
Thickening Slurry
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but highly recommended)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Rinse the Raspberries: Gently rinse fresh raspberries under cold water. For frozen raspberries, ensure they are fully thawed and drain any excess liquid.
- Combine Raspberries and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine raspberries and granulated sugar, stirring gently to coat evenly.
- Simmer the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Cook Down the Berries: Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until raspberries soften and release their juice, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
- Smash Some of the Berries (Optional): Use a potato masher or spoon to gently crush some raspberries for a smoother texture.
- Whisk Cornstarch and Water: In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
- Slowly Add Slurry to Raspberry Mixture: Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering raspberry mixture while stirring continuously.
- Stir Constantly: Keep stirring as you add the slurry to avoid lumps and ensure even thickening.
- Simmer and Thicken: Continue simmering over medium heat, stirring frequently until the filling thickens.
- Cook Until Desired Consistency: Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the filling coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from Heat: Take the saucepan off the heat once the desired consistency is reached.
- Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla Extract: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Add a Pinch of Salt: Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness and boost flavor complexity.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the filling and modify sweetness or tartness to preference.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the filling to cool slightly before using; it will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar depending on the tartness of your raspberries or your personal preference.
- For a chunkier filling, avoid mashing the berries; for smoother texture, mash more berries.
- This filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Use the filling warm or chilled depending on your dessert application.
- Perfect for pies, cheesecakes, tarts, or as a topping for pancakes and ice cream.
