Amaretto Cherry-Cheese Pie
A luscious cherry-cheese pie with amaretto flavor, almond topping, and a golden, puffed crust, perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert for gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth and fluffy.
- Beat in almond cake filling, eggs, salt, Amaretto liqueur, and almond extract until well blended.
- Pour mixture into a 9-inch pie plate.
- Bake in the center of the oven for 10 minutes.
- Blend sugar and 2 tablespoons of sliced almonds in a cup.
- Sprinkle over the top of the pie.
- Continue baking for 30 minutes longer or until the pie is puffed and golden.
- Remove pie to a wire rack and cool.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the baked pie.
- Top with remaining sliced almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before beating, as this helps achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a less sweet pie, reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute. You can also experiment with different fruit toppings if cherry isn't your favorite; blueberries or raspberries work well too, making it a versatile dessert. Pairing it with Audrey'S Favorite Vegetable Dip can balance the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pie chilled for a refreshing dessert experience. It complements well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. For a more elegant presentation, garnish with fresh cherries or mint leaves. This pie also pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, making it a delightful end to any meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Amaretto Cherry-Cheese Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to soften the pie without melting the toppings. Enjoy it cold or slightly warmed for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Amaretto Cherry-Cheese Pie contains roughly 304 calories, with 3g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 935mg per serving (41% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making one?
Yes, using a store-bought pie crust can save time and effort. Just ensure it’s a 9-inch crust, and follow the baking instructions on the package for best results. Pre-baking the crust for a few minutes before adding the filling can also help prevent sogginess.
What can I substitute for Amaretto liqueur?
If you want to avoid alcohol, you can substitute Amaretto with a mixture of almond extract and a bit of water or milk to achieve a similar flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of almond extract mixed with 1 tablespoon of water to replace the 2 tablespoons of Amaretto.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make the Amaretto Cherry-Cheese Pie gluten-free, ensure that your almond cake filling is labeled gluten-free. Additionally, you can use a gluten-free pie crust or make a crust from gluten-free cookies. Always check the labels of all ingredients to avoid any gluten contamination.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).