Peg'S Cherry Cheese Pie
A creamy cherry cheese pie with a graham cracker crust, perfect for special occasions or casual desserts, offering a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor combination that delights any crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt the butter slightly.
- Mix the melted butter with 1/2 cup sugar and crushed graham crackers.
- Line a pie plate with the graham cracker mixture to form the crust.
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese, eggs, 1/2 cup sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the cream cheese mixture into the prepared pie crust.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until the filling is firm.
- Allow the pie to cool completely, then top with chilled cherry pie filling before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more decadent dessert, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top of the cherry filling. If you prefer a lighter option, use low-fat cream cheese. Additionally, you can substitute the cherry filling with any fruit filling of your choice, like blueberry or strawberry, to create variations of this pie. This recipe is a wonderful addition to summer gatherings, similar to Peanut Icebox Pie.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this pie chilled for the best flavor and texture. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. For a fun twist, consider serving it with a slice of Easy-Breezy Key Lime Pie for a delightful dessert platter that guests will love. Fresh mint leaves as a garnish add a nice touch as well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the crust's texture, it's best to keep the cherry topping separate until ready to serve. If you want to enjoy a slice later, you can also freeze the pie for up to 2 months; just ensure it's well-wrapped to prevent freezer burn.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Peg'S Cherry Cheese Pie contains roughly 482 calories, with 9g protein, 86g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 12g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this pie a day in advance. Just make sure to store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Adding the cherry topping right before serving will help maintain the pie's texture and prevent it from becoming soggy.
What can I use instead of graham crackers for the crust?
If you don't have graham crackers, you can use crushed cookies such as digestive biscuits or vanilla wafers for a different flavor profile. You can also use crushed nuts mixed with a little butter for a gluten-free crust option.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The pie is done when the filling is set and firm to the touch, usually after about 25 minutes of baking. You can also gently shake the pie; if the center jiggles slightly but is firm, it's ready. Keep an eye on it to avoid overbaking.
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).