Indulge in the creamy decadence of our Cherry Cheesecake Pie—a delightful fusion of tangy cream cheese filling, sweet cherry topping, and buttery graham cracker crust. This classic dessert is sure to become a favorite for any occasion, from family gatherings to festive celebrations.
Ingredients:
For the Graham Crust:
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 whole graham crackers, 1 package)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- ½ cup melted butter (1 stick)
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- ⅔ cup powdered confectioners sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup heavy whipping cream
For the Topping:
- 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Graham Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
- Press the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the prepared pie dish.
- Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
2. Make the Cream Cheese Filling:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add the powdered confectioners sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, beating until well combined and smooth.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whip the heavy whipping cream until stiff peaks form.
- Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Assemble the Pie:
- Spread the cream cheese filling evenly over the cooled graham cracker crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
4. Add the Topping:
- Carefully spread the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese layer, covering the entire surface of the pie.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until set and chilled.
- Before serving, slice the pie into wedges and garnish with additional whipped cream or fresh cherries if desired.
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Variety of Toppings: Experiment with different fruit toppings such as blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry for a unique twist on this classic dessert.
- Crust Variation: Substitute graham crackers with other cookie crumbs like vanilla wafers or digestive biscuits for a different flavor profile.
- Add Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts over the cherry topping for added texture and flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Enhance the cream cheese filling with a teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest for a bright citrus flavor.
- Mini Cheesecake Pies: Instead of one large pie, divide the mixture into individual serving dishes or mini pie tins for adorable single-serve desserts.
With its luscious cream cheese filling, buttery graham cracker crust, and vibrant cherry topping, our Cherry Cheesecake Pie is a decadent treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this dessert is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. So gather your ingredients, whip up a batch of this irresistible pie, and get ready to savor every delicious bite
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use store-bought graham cracker crust instead of making my own?
- Yes, if you’re short on time, you can certainly use a pre-made graham cracker crust from the store. Simply skip the steps for making the crust and proceed with the recipe as directed, starting with preparing the cream cheese filling.
- Can I use low-fat cream cheese or whipped cream instead of heavy whipping cream?
- While you can substitute low-fat cream cheese for regular cream cheese, keep in mind that it may affect the texture and flavor of the filling slightly. As for whipped cream, using whipped topping or whipped cream from a can may not provide the same stability and richness as heavy whipping cream whipped from scratch.
- How long does this pie need to chill before serving?
- The pie should be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the cream cheese filling to set properly. This ensures that the pie slices hold their shape when served and have a creamy texture.
- Can I make this pie in advance?
- Yes, you can make this pie a day or two in advance of serving. Simply prepare the pie as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Adding the cherry topping just before serving helps keep it fresh and vibrant.
- How should I store leftovers of this pie?
- Leftover pie should be covered and stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. It will keep well for 2-3 days. Be sure to cover the exposed edges of the pie with plastic wrap or foil to prevent the crust from drying out.
More Delicious Ideas:
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the cherry topping before serving. Dark chocolate pairs especially well with the tartness of the cherries.
- Almond Extract: Add a splash of almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a subtle nutty flavor that complements the cherries beautifully.
- Cookie Crust Variation: Swap out the graham cracker crust for a chocolate cookie crust or a shortbread crust for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh Fruit Garnish: Top each slice of pie with fresh cherries or other seasonal berries for an extra burst of flavor and a decorative touch.
- Individual Servings: Instead of making one large pie, create individual cheesecake pies in muffin tins or mini tart pans for a charming presentation at parties or gatherings.
Our Cherry Cheesecake Pie is a delightful combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that is sure to please dessert lovers of all ages. With its simple preparation and stunning presentation, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to elegant dinner parties. So go ahead, whip up a batch of this irresistible pie, and watch as it disappears in no time. Your taste buds will thank you!
