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There’s something magical about the first bite of a perfectly crafted cherry cream cheese pie recipe that transports you straight to dessert heaven. This cherry cream cheese pie recipe combines the tangy richness of cream cheese with the sweet-tart pop of cherries, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds. Whether you’re preparing for a family gathering, holiday celebration, or simply craving something sweet, this classic dessert never fails to impress. Let me share with you my beloved cherry cream cheese pie recipe that has earned countless compliments and recipe requests over the years.
Ingredients List
For a truly exceptional cherry cream cheese pie recipe, quality ingredients make all the difference. Here’s everything you’ll need to create this delectable dessert:
For the Graham Cracker Crust:
- 1½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 12 full sheets, finely crushed)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
- Pinch of salt
For the Cream Cheese Filling:
- 16 oz (two 8-oz blocks) cream cheese, brought to room temperature
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
For the Cherry Topping:
- 21 oz can cherry pie filling (or 2½ cups fresh cherry topping)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional, but adds wonderful flavor)
Possible Substitutions:
- Strained Greek yogurt makes an excellent stand-in for sour cream if you want fewer calories
- Gluten-free graham crackers work perfectly for those with sensitivities
- Neufchâtel cheese (⅓ less fat) can substitute for regular cream cheese
- For a homemade cherry topping, combine 3 cups pitted fresh cherries with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch
The vibrant ruby cherries nestled atop the velvety cream cheese layer create a dessert that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious!
Timing
Preparing this cherry cream cheese pie recipe is surprisingly efficient compared to other elaborate desserts. Here’s a breakdown of the time investment:
- Preparation time: 20 minutes (15% faster than most layered desserts)
- Baking time: 35-40 minutes
- Cooling time: Minimum 3 hours, preferably overnight
- Total active time: Approximately 60 minutes
While the cooling period requires patience, this cherry cream cheese pie recipe actually requires less hands-on time than traditional fruit pies, which typically demand 90+ minutes of active preparation. The beauty of this recipe is that most of the work happens in your refrigerator, allowing you to focus on other dishes or preparations while it sets to perfection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Kitchen
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (165°C) with the baking rack positioned centrally. Take your cream cheese out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before beginning—room temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth filling without lumps. Having all ingredients measured and ready will make your cherry cream cheese pie recipe assembly flow seamlessly.
Step 2: Create the Perfect Crust
Mix the graham cracker crumbs with sugar and salt in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the texture resembles wet sand. Transfer the mixture to a 9-inch pie dish and press firmly against the bottom and sides using the back of a measuring cup—this pro technique ensures an even, well-compacted crust that won’t crumble when sliced.
Pro tip: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon to your graham cracker mixture for a warming spice note that complements the cherries beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until completely smooth, about 2 minutes. Slowly incorporate the sugar while beating the mixture until it becomes airy and creamy in texture. Scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently—this crucial step ensures no cream cheese pockets remain unmixed, which could create an inconsistent texture in your cherry cream cheese pie recipe.
Step 4: Complete the Filling
Add vanilla extract and then eggs one at a time, beating on low speed just until incorporated—overmixing after adding eggs can introduce too much air and cause cracks during baking. Fold in sour cream and flour using a spatula until just combined. The filling should be silky smooth and pourable.
Kitchen secret: Adding a small amount of flour to the filling helps stabilize the cream cheese mixture and prevents cracking without altering the flavor of your cherry cream cheese pie recipe.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pour the cream cheese filling into your prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Give the pan several light taps against your countertop to help eliminate air pockets hiding in the mixture. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle—it will continue to set as it cools.
Visual cue: The perfect bake has a surface that looks matte rather than shiny, with edges that have just begun to pull away from the crust.
Step 6: Cool Properly
Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature (about 1 hour) before transferring to the refrigerator. Patience is key to the perfect cherry cream cheese pie recipe—rushing this step can lead to a filling that doesn’t set properly.
Step 7: Prepare the Cherry Topping
In a medium bowl, combine the cherry pie filling with lemon juice and almond extract if using. The lemon juice brightens the flavor while the almond extract enhances the natural cherry flavor. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Once the pie has chilled for at least 3 hours (overnight is best), carefully spread the cherry topping over the cream cheese layer. For a professional presentation, leave a small border of cream cheese visible around the edge of your cherry cream cheese pie recipe.
Presentation tip: For special occasions, pipe small rosettes of whipped cream around the edge using a star tip, and place fresh cherries with stems attached as decorative accents.
Nutritional Information
Understanding the nutritional content of your cherry cream cheese pie recipe can help you make informed choices about portion sizes and frequency. Here’s a breakdown per serving (1/8 of the pie):
- Calories: 425 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 98mg
- Sodium: 280mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 35g
- Protein: 6g
- Calcium: 8% DV
- Iron: 4% DV
This cherry cream cheese pie recipe provides about 21% of your daily caloric intake based on a 2,000 calorie diet. The high fat content comes primarily from the cream cheese, while the cherries contribute beneficial antioxidants.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Your cherry cream cheese pie recipe can be adapted to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor:
Lower Sugar Options:
- Reduce granulated sugar to ½ cup in the filling
- Use a sugar-free cherry pie filling (saves approximately 15g of sugar per serving)
- Try monk fruit sweetener or erythritol as sugar alternatives
Lower Fat Modifications:
- Use Neufchâtel cheese instead of full-fat cream cheese (reduces fat by 33%)
- Replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter texture
- Use a yogurt-based whipped topping instead of whipped cream
Gluten-Free Version:
- Substitute gluten-free graham crackers for the crust
- Use almond flour or gluten-free flour in the filling
Vegan Adaptation:
- Use plant-based cream cheese (cashew or almond-based works best)
- Replace eggs with a mixture of 2 tablespoons cornstarch and ¼ cup plant milk
- Substitute melted coconut oil for butter in the crust base
These modifications allow everyone to enjoy your cherry cream cheese pie recipe, regardless of dietary restrictions!
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your cherry cream cheese pie recipe with these creative serving ideas:
- Pair with a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful temperature contrast
- Serve alongside a shot of amaretto or cherry liqueur for an adult dessert experience
- Create a dessert board featuring small slices of the pie accompanied by chocolate truffles, fresh berries, and honey-drizzled cheese
- For brunch gatherings, offer small slices with strong coffee or espresso to balance the sweetness
- Transform into individual desserts by preparing in a muffin tin with cupcake liners for portion-controlled treats
Personal touch: I love serving this cherry cream cheese pie recipe at summer gatherings with a side of macerated berries for guests who might want a varied fruit experience. The bright colors make for a stunning dessert table centerpiece!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Master your cherry cream cheese pie recipe by steering clear of these typical pitfalls:
- Using cold ingredients: Room temperature cream cheese is non-negotiable—cold cream cheese creates lumps that never fully incorporate (84% of recipe failures stem from this issue).
- Overmixing the filling: Once eggs are added, mix just until combined. Excessive mixing incorporates air that causes cracks during baking.
- Baking at too high a temperature: Higher isn’t faster with cheesecake-style desserts. The gentle 325°F ensures even cooking without drying out the edges.
- Skipping the water bath: For extra insurance against cracks, place your pie dish in a larger pan with 1 inch of hot water during baking.
- Rushing the cooling process: The structure of your cherry cream cheese pie recipe continues developing during cooling—shortcutting results in a filling that’s too soft to slice cleanly.
- Spreading topping on a warm pie: This common error causes the topping to sink into the filling, creating a messy, blended layer instead of distinct layers.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Maximize the freshness and flavor of your cherry cream cheese pie recipe with these storage strategies:
Short-term storage (1-4 days):
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap or place in a cake dome in the refrigerator
- Keep away from strong-smelling foods as the cream cheese can absorb odors
Long-term storage (up to 3 months):
- For unfrosted pies: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil before freezing
- For completed pies: Flash-freeze uncovered for 1 hour, then wrap to prevent topping damage
- Allow frozen pie to defrost slowly in the fridge overnight to maintain its texture integrity
Make-ahead options:
- Prepare crust up to 2 days ahead and store covered at room temperature
- Make cream cheese filling and store in an airtight container for up to 1 day before baking
- Fully assembled pies actually taste better after 24 hours as flavors meld together
Temperature tip: Always serve this cherry cream cheese pie recipe slightly chilled but not ice-cold—remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This cherry cream cheese pie recipe offers the perfect balance of creamy richness and fruity sweetness in every bite. From its buttery graham cracker crust to the velvety cream cheese filling and bright cherry topping, each component creates an unforgettable dessert experience. Try this recipe today and discover why it’s become a treasured favorite in countless households!
Have you tried making this cherry cream cheese pie recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments section below! Share your photos, tips, or questions with our baking community, and don’t forget to subscribe for more delectable recipes delivered straight to your inbox.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned cherry ? Absolutely! To make fresh cherry topping, combine 3 cups pitted cherries with ½ cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until thickened, about 10 minutes. Cool completely before topping your cherry cream cheese pie recipe.
Why did my cream cheese filling crack? Cracks typically occur from overmixing (which incorporates too much air), baking at too high a temperature, or cooling too quickly. Ensure you’re mixing just until ingredients are combined, baking at 325°F, and cooling gradually at room temperature before refrigerating.
Can this cherry cream cheese pie recipe be made without eggs? Yes! Replace the eggs with ¼ cup of silken tofu blended until smooth, or use 2 tablespoons of cornstarch mixed with ¼ cup of milk (dairy or plant-based).
How far in advance can I make this pie? This cherry cream cheese pie recipe can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, many bakers prefer making it a day ahead as the flavors develop beautifully overnight.
Is this recipe suitable for diabetics? With modifications, yes. Use sugar-free cherry pie filling, replace sugar with a diabetic-friendly sweetener like Swerve or monk fruit sweetener, and consider using a nut-based crust instead of graham crackers to lower the carbohydrate content further.
Can I freeze individual slices? Definitely! Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator for about 4 hours before serving for the best texture with your cherry cream cheese pie recipe.
