Aunt Jean'S Cheese Pie
A creamy, fruity cheese pie with a graham cracker crust, topped with cherries and Cool Whip, perfect for a light dessert or special occasion treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese until smooth, gradually adding sugar until blended.
- Blend in sour cream and vanilla.
- Fold in 8 ounces of Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture, blending well.
- Pour the mixture into the premade graham cracker pie crust.
- Top with remaining Cool Whip.
- Add pitted cherries on top.
- Chill in the refrigerator for a minimum of 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and Cool Whip. If you prefer a different fruit topping, fresh strawberries or blueberries can also be delicious alternatives. Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier blending. If you're short on time, you can skip chilling the pie overnight, but letting it set for at least 4 hours enhances the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Jean's Cheese Pie chilled, garnished with additional pitted cherries or a drizzle of chocolate syrup for an extra touch. This dessert pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a slice of pie from the 'American recipes' category.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover cherries, store them separately to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. This pie does not freeze well due to the cream cheese and Cool Whip, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Jean'S Cheese Pie contains roughly 343 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (11% 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 fresh cherries instead of a jar?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries if you prefer. Just pit and slice them before adding them as a topping. Fresh cherries will provide a vibrant flavor and can be mixed with a little sugar to enhance their sweetness if desired.
What can I substitute for Cool Whip?
If you don't have Cool Whip, you can make your own whipped topping by whipping heavy cream with a bit of sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This homemade version gives the pie a fresh taste and allows you to control the sweetness.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make Aunt Jean's Cheese Pie gluten-free, simply use a gluten-free graham cracker crust. Many brands offer gluten-free options that can easily be substituted without affecting the flavor or texture of the pie.
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).