Cheery Cherry Cheese Pie
A creamy cherry cheesecake pie with tangy lemon flavor topped with sweet cherry pie filling, perfect for summer gatherings and dessert lovers seeking a cool, fruity treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the cream cheese until light and fluffy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and blend thoroughly.
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla.
- Pour the mixture into the ready-made graham cracker crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Top with chilled cherry pie filling before serving.
- Refrigerate leftovers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version of this pie, consider using light cream cheese or a dairy-free alternative. If you don't have lemon juice, you can substitute it with lime juice for a different twist. Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened for a smooth filling. This pie can also be made with other fruit toppings, like blueberry or raspberry, for a fun variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful pie chilled, garnished with additional fresh cherries or whipped cream for added flair. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a refreshing fruit salad. You could also serve it alongside a slice of Paul'S Pasta Salad for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may become soggy over time, so it's best to enjoy the pie fresh. To serve again, no need to reheat; just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before slicing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cheery Cherry Cheese Pie contains roughly 864 calories, with 12g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 663mg per serving (29% 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 different crust for this pie?
Absolutely! While a graham cracker crust is traditional, you can use an Oreo crust for a chocolatey twist or a shortbread crust for a buttery flavor. Just make sure to adjust the chilling time if the crust is different.
How can I make this pie ahead of time?
This pie is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the cherry pie filling right before serving to keep it fresh and visually appealing.
What can I use instead of cherry pie filling?
If cherry pie filling isn't available, you can easily substitute it with other fruit pie fillings like blueberry or strawberry. Alternatively, fresh fruit and a bit of sugar can be used to create a simple topping.
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).