I've often found myself drawn to the simplicity and elegance of a Cherry Cream Cheese Pie.
It strikes the perfect balance between creamy and fruity, making it a crowd-pleaser at gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients and a straightforward preparation method, this pie seems almost effortless.
What really stands out, though, is the way the flavors come together after a proper chill.
You might be curious about the key steps to achieve that ideal texture and taste—let's explore the essential elements that make this pie not just good, but exceptional.
Ingredients Needed
When making this delightful Cherry Cream Cheese Pie, you'll need a few key ingredients to achieve that creamy goodness. Here's what you'll gather:
Cream Cheese: One 8-ounce package, softened for easy mixing.
Sweetened Condensed Milk: A 14-ounce can adds sweetness and richness.
Lemon Juice: You'll need 1/3 cup for a zesty kick.
Vanilla Extract: Just a teaspoon will enhance the flavors beautifully.
Graham Cracker Crust: Grab one store-bought crust to simplify your preparation.
Cherry Pie Filling: The topping! One can will crown your cherry cream cheese pie.
With these ingredients in hand, you're set to create a delicious no-bake dessert that's perfect for summer gatherings.
Enjoy the process; it's bound to be rewarding!
Preparation Steps
With all your ingredients gathered, it's time to jump into the preparation steps for this Cherry Cream Cheese Pie.
First, I grab a large bowl and mix together the softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. I whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Next, I take the store-bought graham cracker crust and carefully spread the cream cheese mixture into it, making sure it's even.
Once that's done, I cover the pie with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator. The hardest part is waiting for it to chill for at least 8 hours!
Once ready, I'll top it with the cherry pie filling. Enjoy your homemade cherry and cream cheese pie!
Chilling Instructions
To guarantee your Cherry Cream Cheese Pie sets perfectly, I carefully cover it with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. This chilling step is essential for a smooth, delicious cream cheese pie with cherries.
I recommend letting it chill for at least 8 hours, or even overnight if you can wait! During this time, the flavors meld beautifully, and the pie firms up just right. If you're planning a gathering, I always suggest making this dessert the day before.
Once the chilling time is up, you can take it out, top it with cherry pie filling, and pop it back in the fridge briefly until you're ready to serve. Enjoy that creamy goodness!
Serving Suggestions
Serve up your Cherry Cream Cheese Pie with a twist by adding a dollop of whipped cream on each slice for an extra touch of indulgence.
You can also sprinkle a bit of graham cracker crumbs on top for added texture—it really enhances the cherry cheese pie experience!
Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, which melts beautifully on a slice.
If you're feeling adventurous, try drizzling some chocolate or caramel sauce over the top.
For a revitalizing drink, serve it with iced tea or lemonade.
Lastly, if you're hosting a gathering, you can slice it into bite-sized pieces for easy serving and extra appeal.
Your guests will love it!
Nutritional Information
When enjoying a slice of Cherry Cream Cheese Pie, you might be curious about the nutritional values that come with this delightful dessert.
Here's what I found out about our cherry cheese pie!
Nutritional Information per Serving:
Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 180mg
Carbohydrates: 39g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 28g
Protein: 4g
While it's a treat to indulge, moderating your portion size can help balance your diet.
Enjoying this sweet cherry cheese pie in moderation adds a fun, flavorful touch to your summer gatherings!
Conclusion
To sum up, making a Cherry Cream Cheese Pie is easier than you might think! With just a few ingredients and some time for chilling, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love.
Don't forget to let it sit in the fridge overnight for the best flavor and texture. When you're ready to serve, just top it with cherry pie filling and enjoy the smiles it brings to your friends and family. Happy baking!