Classic Cherry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

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Here’s a complete, detailed, and “big” recipe write-up for the delicious dessert you’ve shown — a Classic Cherry Cream Cheese Pie. 🍒🥧

🍒 Classic Cherry Cream Cheese Pie Recipe

🌸 Introduction

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie is a no-bake dessert that combines the smooth, tangy flavor of cream cheese with the sweet and tart juiciness of cherries, all layered inside a buttery graham cracker crust. This dessert has been cherished for decades, especially in American households where it became a holiday favorite in the mid-20th century. It’s quick to prepare, requires no oven time, and delivers maximum indulgence with minimal effort.

Whether served at family gatherings, potlucks, or special celebrations, this pie always earns admiration from dessert lovers. Its vibrant cherry topping not only adds a fruity punch but also makes it visually stunning — a centerpiece dessert that is as gorgeous as it is delicious.

🛒 Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10–12 crackers)
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

For the Cream Cheese Filling:

  • 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (whipped until soft peaks form)

For the Topping:

  • 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling (or homemade cherry compote)

🥄 Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Crust:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and sugar.
  2. Stir in melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set.

Step 2 – Make the Cream Cheese Filling:

  1. Beat softened cream cheese in a large bowl until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add powdered sugar and vanilla extract; continue beating until well combined.
  3. Fold in the whipped cream gently until the filling is light and fluffy.

Step 3 – Assemble the Pie:

  1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chilled crust.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula for an even layer.
  3. Spoon cherry pie filling over the cream layer, spreading it gently to cover.

Step 4 – Chill and Serve:

  1. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3–4 hours, or overnight, for best texture.
  2. Slice and serve chilled.

🥘 Methods

  • No-bake method: This recipe requires no oven — perfect for hot days or quick desserts.
  • Alternative crust: Can substitute graham crackers with digestive biscuits, Oreos, or gingersnaps for different flavors.
  • Homemade topping: Fresh cherries cooked with sugar and cornstarch can replace canned filling.

📜 History

The cherry cream cheese pie became widely popular in the 1960s and 1970s when canned pie fillings became common in households. Quick desserts gained popularity during this time, as families sought easier ways to prepare impressive dishes without spending hours in the kitchen. Over time, it became a classic no-bake pie in American and European homes, particularly during festive seasons like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day.

🌿 Benefits

  • Quick & Easy: Requires no baking, ready in a few hours.
  • Visually Appealing: Bright cherries make it festive and beautiful.
  • Customizable: Swap cherries for blueberries, strawberries, or mixed berries.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults.

🏗 Formation (Layers)

  1. Base Layer – Buttery graham cracker crust.
  2. Middle Layer – Smooth cream cheese filling.
  3. Top Layer – Glossy cherry topping.

❤️ Lovers of this Dessert

  • Cheesecake Lovers: Enjoy the creamy, tangy filling.
  • Fruit Lovers: The cherry topping provides sweet-tart freshness.
  • Quick Dessert Lovers: Ideal for those who want an impressive dessert without much effort.

🍽 Nutrition (per slice, 1/8 of pie)

  • Calories: ~370 kcal
  • Fat: 22g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sugar: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g

(Values may vary depending on brands and ingredients used.)

✨ Conclusion

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a nostalgic, comforting treat that bridges generations. Its no-bake simplicity, creamy filling, and juicy cherry topping make it an ideal go-to recipe for special occasions and everyday indulgence. A bite of this pie delivers sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess all in one — a harmony of flavors and textures.

💕 Final Note for Lovers

This pie is perfect for:

  • Romantic dinners 🍷
  • Holiday celebrations 🎄
  • Family gatherings 🍽
  • Sweet cravings at any time 💖

Once you try it, you’ll fall in love with the balance of rich cream cheese and juicy cherries — a dessert that truly speaks the language of love.

Would you like me to also give you a homemade cherry topping recipe (instead of canned) so it tastes even fresher? 🍒

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