Cherry Topped Pie
A cool, creamy cherry-topped pie featuring layers of graham crackers, vanilla pudding, and whipped topping, perfect for a quick and delightful dessert for family and gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 9-inch square pan with whole graham crackers, breaking crackers to fill the pan.
- Combine pudding mix and cold milk in a bowl.
- Beat slowly with a rotary beater or electric beater until well blended, about 2 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Blend in the thawed Cool Whip nondairy whipped topping.
- Spread half of the pudding mixture over the graham cracker layer.
- Add another layer of graham crackers on top of the pudding layer.
- Spread the remaining pudding mixture over the second layer of crackers.
- Top with cherry pie filling.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract to the pudding mixture. If you don’t have Cool Whip, you can substitute it with homemade whipped cream made from heavy cream and sugar. To make the pie even more decadent, layer in some chocolate shavings or crushed nuts between the layers. This pie can be a delightful contrast to savory dishes like Barbecued Brisket(This Is Really Great!!!).
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Cherry Topped Pie chilled, garnished with additional whipped topping or fresh cherries for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or a savory dish like Turkey And Green Bean Casserole for a balanced dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. The pie can last for up to 3 days in the fridge, but the graham cracker layers may soften over time. For best texture, it's recommended to consume it within the first day or two. Do not freeze, as the texture will change.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Topped Pie contains roughly 656 calories, with 12g protein, 128g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (59% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (33% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1020mg per serving (44% 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! Pit and slice them, then toss with a little sugar and cornstarch to thicken. Cook them briefly on the stove until they release their juices and create a syrupy consistency. This will give your pie a fresh flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and let it chill overnight in the refrigerator. Just keep the cherry topping separate until you're ready to serve to maintain the graham cracker's crunchiness.
What can I substitute for graham crackers?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can use crushed digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers as a substitute. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free graham cracker alternatives or use ground almonds mixed with a little sugar and melted butter to create a crust.
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).