Cherry Cheese Pizza
A delightful cherry cheese pizza featuring a buttery crust, creamy cheese filling, and sweet cherry topping, perfect for dessert gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Roll pastry into a 14-inch circle; fit into a 12-inch pizza pan. Flute edges and prick the crust with a fork.
- Bake the crust at 300°F for 15 minutes.
- In a bowl, blend softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
- Add eggs to the cheese mixture and beat well.
- Stir in chopped pecans and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cheese mixture into the partially baked crust and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Allow to cool.
- Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled cheese layer.
- Chill the pie until ready to serve, then top with whipped cream (Cool Whip) before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired. If you prefer a sweeter filling, increase the sugar by a couple of tablespoons. Using a pre-made crust can save time, but for a flakier base, homemade pastry is recommended. Consider adding a pinch of salt to enhance flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful Cherry Cheese Pizza chilled for the best flavor, and consider pairing it with a dollop of whipped cream or Cool Whip on top. It also pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a light fruit salad or browse more American recipes for additional sides.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Cherry Cheese Pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain the crust's texture while warming the filling without making it soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cheese Pizza contains roughly 322 calories, with 4g protein, 37g 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 fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you’ll need to cook them down with sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency. This will allow you to control the sweetness and flavor more precisely, making it a delicious alternative to canned pie filling.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Cherry Cheese Pizza, use a gluten-free pie crust or a homemade gluten-free pastry. Ensure that all other ingredients, like the cream cheese and pie filling, are certified gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy the flavors without the gluten.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the crust and cheese filling a day in advance. Assemble the pizza, but wait to add the cherry topping until just before serving to keep it fresh. This makes it a great option for gatherings or special occasions.
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).