Once you have the pie crust ready, then the only time-consuming task is pitting cherries unless you own a cherry pitter. I wish I had it but a good knife will do that job well too. I use the same method of slicing avocado or any stone fruit like peach or nectarine to pit the cherries. Yes, it is time-consuming but way less messy and way neater cuts. So, slice along the middle of the cherry, twist and open, and use your thumb to remove the seed.