Cherry pie, an iconic American dessert, is a labor of love for many home bakers. The process of creating the perfect cherry filling, from pitting the fruit to achieving the right sweetness and texture, can be daunting. It's no wonder that store-bought options become tempting, especially when faced with the challenge of a soggy bottom crust! However, not all store-bought cherry pie fillings are created equal, and some can be downright disappointing.
In a recent taste test, we delved into the world of canned cherry pie fillings, ranking eight popular brands. While some brands impressed with their flavorful, juicy fruit, one stood out for all the wrong reasons: Duncan Hines' Simply Wilderness Cherry Pie Filling. Yes, the same Duncan Hines known for its excellent cake mixes, but this pie filling is a different story altogether.
The Duncan Hines Simply Wilderness Cherry Pie Filling claims to be free of artificial flavors, but our reviewer found it to be excessively sweet, almost cloying. The texture was off too, with a high ratio of gel to fruit, resulting in a mushy, unappetizing consistency. It's a far cry from the fresh, almost jammy texture one expects from a homemade cherry pie.
But it's not just our reviewer who feels this way. Online customer reviews paint a similar picture. Many customers complain about the unappealing brown or grey color of the fruit, which, as we all know, is a crucial part of the eating experience. One customer even joked that they'd be serving "brown cherries" on their cheesecake at the office Christmas party! It's a testament to how important visual appeal is when it comes to food.
Other reviewers highlight issues beyond aesthetics. One commenter noted the limited amount of cherries and an excessive amount of thickening goop, comparing it unfavorably to a dollar store brand. It seems that the value proposition of this product is lacking, especially when there are other, more satisfying options available.
So, if you're considering a store-bought cherry pie filling, you might want to leave Duncan Hines' Simply Wilderness on the shelf. While convenience is tempting, sometimes it's worth investing a little extra time and effort to ensure a truly delicious dessert experience. After all, a cherry pie is more than just a dessert; it's a cherished part of American culinary culture, and we should strive to do it justice!
