Cherry Almond Mousse Pie (Very Good)
A luscious cherry almond mousse pie featuring creamy layers, toasted almonds, and chocolate, perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert for almond and cherry lovers.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk, divided ⓘ
- 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. almond extract, divided ⓘ
- 9-inch pastry shell, baked ⓘ
- 10 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained
- 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened ⓘ
- 1 c. cold water ⓘ
- 3/4 oz. package instant vanilla pudding mix ⓘ
- 1 c. dairy whipping cream
- 1/2 c. chopped toasted almonds ⓘ
- grated chocolate (for topping) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a saucepan over low heat, cook and stir 1/2 cup milk and chopped unsweetened chocolate until the chocolate is melted and mixture is thickened (about 4 to 5 minutes).
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon almond extract.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the baked pastry shell and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the remaining sweetened condensed milk, softened cream cheese, vanilla pudding mix, and cold water. Mix thoroughly until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream gently until well incorporated.
- Spread the whipped cream mixture over the chocolate layer in the pastry shell.
- Top with drained maraschino cherries and sprinkle with chopped toasted almonds.
- Garnish with grated chocolate before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with a lighter cream cheese alternative. To avoid lumps in your filling, make sure the cream cheese is very soft before mixing. Ensure your whipped cream is folded in gently to maintain its light texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Cherry Almond Mousse Pie is delightful on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Serve it alongside a refreshing fruit salad for a balanced dessert experience. For a special occasion, consider pairing with Caramel Crunch Bars for a delightful dessert spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pie fresh, cover the top with plastic wrap to prevent browning of the cherries. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the mousse may change when thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Almond Mousse Pie (Very Good) contains roughly 963 calories, with 13g protein, 114g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (34% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 10g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 maraschino cherries?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used for a more natural flavor. Just make sure to pit and slice them before adding to the pie. You may need to adjust the sweetness since fresh cherries are less sweet than maraschino cherries.
How can I make this pie gluten-free?
To make this pie gluten-free, substitute the pastry shell with a gluten-free pie crust. You can find pre-made gluten-free crusts at most grocery stores or make your own using almond flour or gluten-free cookies as a base.
What can I do if my mousse doesn't thicken?
If your mousse doesn't thicken, it could be due to under-mixing or using too cold cream. Ensure you mix the cream cheese and pudding thoroughly and use slightly whipped cream, not too cold, to help it set properly.
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).