Ambrosia Cheese Pie
Creamy and tangy ambrosia cheese pie features a buttery crust, coconut, and fresh orange flavors, perfect for a refreshing dessert suited to gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) baked pastry shell or graham cracker crumb crust ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk ⓘ
- 1/3 cup lemon juice (concentrate) ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1/2 cup peach preserves
- 1/4 cup flaked coconut ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons orange juice ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 fresh orange ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese until fluffy.
- Gradually beat in the sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture into the baked pastry shell or graham cracker crust.
- Chill for 3 hours or until set.
- Garnish with flaked coconut and slices of fresh orange before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a smoother filling, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. You can substitute the peach preserves with apricot or raspberry for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter texture, fold in some whipped cream before chilling the pie. Remember, chilling for a full three hours is essential for the pie to set properly.
Serving Suggestions
This Ambrosia Cheese Pie pairs wonderfully with a light salad or a fruit platter. For an elegant touch, consider serving it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also garnish each slice with extra peach preserves or a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added flair. For dessert enthusiasts, it complements the rich flavors of Southern Pumpkin Pecan Pie (From A Long-Time Alabaman Cook).
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you need to reheat, it's best to serve it cold, as the texture is meant to be creamy and chilled. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the consistency of the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ambrosia Cheese Pie contains roughly 547 calories, with 3g protein, 52g carbohydrates, and 11g fat.
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 different type of crust for this pie?
Yes, you can use a cookie crust made from crushed vanilla wafers or even a chocolate cookie crust for a twist. Just make sure it’s baked and cooled before filling it with the cream cheese mixture.
Is it possible to make this pie dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can replace the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use coconut milk or almond milk in place of sweetened condensed milk. Adjust the sweetness as needed for the best results.
How can I make the pie more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt to the filling or incorporating some finely grated zest from the orange. Additionally, you could mix in chopped nuts or dried fruits for added texture and taste.
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).