This Easy Cream Cheese Pie is a simple, no-bake dessert that’s rich, creamy, and perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients, this pie comes together quickly and requires minimal effort. The creamy filling is made with sweetened cream cheese and topped with your favorite fruit or pie filling for a touch of sweetness and color.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Cheese Pie
- No-Bake: This dessert is perfect for warm days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
- Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up this pie in no time.
- Customizable: You can top it with your favorite fruit, chocolate, or pie filling for a personalized touch.
- Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese filling is smooth, decadent, and pairs perfectly with a buttery graham cracker crust.
Ingredients
For the Crust
1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cream Cheese Filling
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ cup lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
For the Topping (Optional)
1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or your favorite pie filling)
Fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or whipped cream (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or a flat-bottomed glass to press the crust into an even layer. Refrigerate the crust while you prepare the filling. - Make the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until fully combined and smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Mix until well blended and the mixture thickens slightly. - Assemble the Pie
Pour the cream cheese filling into the prepared graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until the filling is firm. - Top and Serve
Once the pie is set, top it with cherry pie filling or your favorite pie topping. You can also garnish the pie with fresh berries, chocolate shavings, or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cream Cheese Pie
- Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling.
- Chill Time: Be sure to chill the pie for at least 3 hours so the filling has time to firm up.
- Personalize the Topping: While cherry pie filling is a classic, you can use any topping you like—blueberries, strawberries, chocolate syrup, or caramel all work beautifully.
Variations
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie: Add ¼ cup of cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture for a chocolatey twist.
- Tropical Cream Cheese Pie: Top with a combination of fresh tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and kiwi for a bright, summery version.
- No-Crust Cream Cheese Pie: If you want to skip the crust, you can make this pie in individual bowls or cups for a crustless version.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! This pie can be made 1-2 days in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator, covered, until you’re ready to serve.
Q2: Can I freeze this cream cheese pie?
Yes, you can freeze this pie without the topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and add your topping before serving.
Q3: Can I use a store-bought crust?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to make this dessert even quicker.
Q4: What can I serve with this pie?
This cream cheese pie pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also great served alongside fresh fruit for added freshness.
Easy Cream Cheese Pie is a simple, no-bake dessert that’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. With its rich filling and customizable toppings, this pie is sure to be a hit with family and friends. Whether you’re serving it at a party or enjoying it as an everyday treat, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth!
