Cherry Cream Pie
Cherry Cream Pie offers a delightful combination of creamy vanilla pudding, sweet cherry filling, and fluffy whipped topping nestled in a crisp baked crust. Perfect for summer gatherings or casual desserts, its vibrant flavors and smooth texture appeal to both fruit lovers and those seeking a quick, satisfying treat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake the pie shell and let it cool.
- In a 2 1/2-quart bowl, beat the vanilla instant pudding, pie filling, whipped topping mix, milk, and almond extract on low speed until blended.
- Increase the speed to high and beat until soft peaks form, about 3 minutes.
- Fold in the drained cherry pie filling.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie shell.
- Refrigerate until the pie is firm, at least 2 hours.
- Serve each slice topped with 1/2 cup of reserved cherry syrup.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a touch of melted chocolate or using almond-flavored whipped topping. If you don't have almond extract, vanilla extract works as a suitable substitute. To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie shell. Ensure the cherry pie filling is well-drained to avoid a soggy crust.
Serving Suggestions
This cherry cream pie is delightful on its own but can be served with a dollop of additional whipped topping or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a festive touch, garnish each slice with fresh cherries or a sprinkle of chopped nuts. It pairs beautifully with a light salad or the Au Gratin Potato Casserole for a complete meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover cherry cream pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing the pie, as the texture may change upon thawing. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Cream Pie contains roughly 498 calories, with 13g protein, 64g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 598mg per serving (26% 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 cherry pie filling?
Yes, you can use fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them down with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a filling. This will give you a fresher taste, though it requires additional preparation time compared to canned pie filling.
How can I make this pie more festive for special occasions?
To make your cherry cream pie more festive, consider decorating the top with whipped cream rosettes or using a combination of berries. You can also add a sprinkle of edible glitter or serve it with a side of chocolate sauce for a delightful surprise.
What can I do if the pudding doesn't thicken properly?
If the pudding mixture doesn't thicken as expected, ensure you’ve beaten it long enough on high speed. If it still seems runny, you can add a little more instant pudding mix to help it set. Just mix in gradually until the desired thickness is achieved.
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).