Heavenly Pie
Heavenly Pie is a delightful dessert that layers creamy flavors with a crunchy almond topping and a sweet cherry finish. The combination of lemon and almond extract gives it a refreshing brightness, making it perfect for gatherings or a special treat. Ideal for those who love fruit and nut desserts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown almonds by spreading them on a pan and placing in a 350° oven until lightly browned.
- Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Sprinkle cooled almonds over the pie shell.
- Mix sweetened condensed milk, salt, lemon juice, almond extract, and vanilla together.
- Fold in whipped cream until combined.
- Pour the mixture into the pie shell and spread evenly.
- Spoon cherry pie filling over the top.
- Refrigerate for 4 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a nuttier flavor, consider toasting the almonds slightly longer, but keep a close eye to avoid burning. If you don’t have almond extract, vanilla extract can be used as a substitute, though the flavor will differ slightly. You can also use a pre-made graham cracker crust in place of the pie shell for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions
This Heavenly Pie pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It can also be served alongside a light salad or fruit platter for a balanced meal. Consider serving it after a hearty dish like Au Gratin Potatoes for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pie is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just slice and serve directly from the fridge for a refreshing dessert.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Heavenly Pie contains roughly 233 calories, with 6g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1092mg per serving (47% 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 prepare them with sugar and cornstarch to create a filling consistency similar to cherry pie filling. Cook the mixture until thickened before spooning it over the pie.
How can I make this recipe more chocolatey?
To add a chocolate flavor, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cherry filling or incorporating a layer of Chocolate Pudding Or Pie Filling under the whipped cream layer for a decadent twist.
Is this pie suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Heavenly Pie is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived products other than dairy. You can also use non-dairy whipped cream to make it vegan-friendly.
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).