This homemade cherry sauce is bursting with flavor and perfect for topping everything from cheesecake to pancakes. Made in just minutes using canned sweet cherries, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch, it comes together quickly on the stove and cools into a glossy, fruit-packed sauce. It's an effortless way to add a burst of fruity goodness to your favorites.

cherry sauce in a glass container on a light pink surface with an orange linen.

Now you can of course buy a jar of cherry pie filling if you are looking for a cherry sauce or cherry topping but making this homemade version is so easy and SOOO worth it! The store bought cherry pie filling is very thick and saucy not enough cherries in my opinion. This homemade version of cherry topping is bursting with sweet cherry flavor. I love making my own so I can control the sweetness and juiciness of the sauce, same idea with my simple strawberry compote. I developed this cherry sauce for cheesecake, specifically for my Cherry Cheesecake recipe.

Sweet Cherries Plus Lemony Brightness

For this easy cherry topping recipe you'll need:

Canned Dark Sweet Cherries (with juice) These provide the base of the sauce-bursting with flavor and perfectly sweet. The juice helps develop the sauce without thinning it too much. You can make this sauce with canned or fresh cherries. You may just want a little bit of water added if you use fresh.
Granulated Sugar Sweetens the sauce without adding extra texture. It balances the natural tartness in the cherries.
Cornstarch + Lemon Juice (Slurry) Thickens the sauce while lemon juice brings brightness-and it activates the cornstarch for a glossy finish.

ingredients for cherry sauce on a light pink surface.

For ingredient quantities please reference the recipe card below. On the recipe card there is a button for US or M (Metric) measurements.

Cook, Reduce, Pour. Just That Easy!

fork whisking cornstarch and lemon juice together in a glass bowl. — In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice to create a slurry.

cherries, slurry, and sugar in a large metal pot on a light pink surface with an orange linen. — In a small bowl whisk together the cornstarch and lemon juice to create a slurry.

spatula moving cherry topping around in a metal pot on a light pink surface with an orange linen. — You want to bring the mixture to a slight boil then, reduce the heat and continue to stir. I like to use a heatproof rubber spatula.

The cherries will naturally sort of break down and the consistency of the liquid will thicken to a sauce. You can see in the photo if you push the cherry mixture to the side it will hold together for a couple of seconds.

cherry topping in a metal pot on a light pink surface with an orange linen. — The longer you cook it the more reduced it will become. It will thicken as it cools too.

Here it is, the perfect cherry cheesecake topping. If you are looking for another fruity sauce check out all of my simple fruit sauces for homemade desserts.

What to serve this cherry sauce with?

On top of a Cheesecake
Vanilla Ice Cream or Chocolate Ice Cream
Pancakes, French Toast, or Waffles
Pound Cake
Bread pudding

★★★★★ Please let me know if you make this recipe by leaving a star rating and comment below!

Make sure to join our Newsletter and follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter.

Recipe Card