Maraschino Cherry Cream Pie
A luscious cherry cream pie featuring maraschino cherries, rich custard filling, and a light meringue topping, perfect for special occasions or sweet gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix cornstarch, sugar, salt, and egg yolks in a pan.
- Combine water, milk, and cherry juice.
- Add the liquid mixture to the dry ingredients and beat together.
- Cook in a heavy saucepan until thickened.
- Add chopped cherries, oleo, and vanilla.
- Pour into an unbaked pie shell.
- Top with meringue and bake until meringue is lightly browned.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother filling, ensure you whisk the egg yolks thoroughly before adding them to the dry ingredients. If you prefer a lighter texture, consider using whipped cream instead of meringue for the topping. You can substitute the maraschino cherries with fresh cherries or even raspberries for a different flavor profile. Adjust the sugar according to the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
Serving Suggestions
Serve chilled for a refreshing dessert option, and consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess. This pie also goes well with a light fruit salad or a glass of iced tea. For a delightful twist, try serving it alongside Toast Sticks for a fun, casual dessert pairing.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Be cautious not to overbake, as it may affect the texture of the filling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Maraschino Cherry Cream Pie contains roughly 211 calories, with 4g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 929mg per serving (40% 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 a store-bought pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver and will work perfectly with this filling. Just make sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking if necessary, to ensure a crisp base for your pie.
Is it possible to make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the filling and pour it into the crust a day in advance. Just wait to add the meringue topping until you're ready to bake the pie. This allows for the best texture and prevents the meringue from weeping.
What can I do if I don't have cornstarch?
If you don't have cornstarch, you can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour. However, note that the filling may be slightly less glossy and thick than with cornstarch. Be sure to cook it long enough to eliminate any floury taste.
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).