This Cherry Cream Pie is a delightful no-bake dessert that combines a creamy, tangy filling with sweet cherry topping, all nestled in a homemade crust. It’s perfect for those who love a twist on the classic cherry pie.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the crust:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 tbsp vegetable shortening
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 5 tbsp cold water
For the filling:
- 8 oz brick-style cream cheese, softened
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling

Directions

Prepare the crust:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in the shortening and butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, beat the egg with cold water. Add to the flour mixture and stir until combined.
- Form the dough into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface and fit into a 9-inch pie pan. Trim and crimp the edges.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights.
- Bake for 15 minutes, remove weights and parchment, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until golden. Let cool completely.
Prepare the filling:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, beating until well combined.
- Stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Pour the filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
Top with cherry filling:
- Just before serving, spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream layer.
- Slice and serve chilled.

Nutritional Facts

Per serving (1/8 of the pie):

Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 48mg
Sodium: 329mg
Total Carbohydrates: 69g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 39g
Protein: 8g
Vitamin C: 9mg
Calcium: 177mg
Iron: 1mg
Potassium: 333mg

The Appeal of Cherry Cream Pie

Cherry Cream Pie is a unique dessert that has gained popularity for its simple yet luxurious taste. What makes this pie stand out is its contrast of textures and flavors. The creamy, smooth filling pairs perfectly with the tartness of the cherries, offering a delightful balance. The pie crust, whether homemade or store-bought, provides a satisfying crunch that complements the richness of the filling. The vibrant red cherry topping adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Why Choose Cherry Cream Pie?

There are many reasons to choose Cherry Cream Pie for your next gathering or celebration. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Unlike traditional fruit pies that require baking, this cherry cream pie is a no-bake dessert. This makes it a perfect option for those who want a sweet treat but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The preparation time is minimal, and you can have it ready in no time.

Another reason to opt for Cherry Cream Pie is its versatility. It’s a great dessert for any season. In the warmer months, the refreshing, chilled pie offers a cool, sweet ending to a summer meal. During the cooler months, it still makes for a comforting and indulgent dessert. It’s also an ideal choice for holiday dinners, birthdays, or any special occasion where you want a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Perfect for Special Occasions

Cherry Cream Pie is a wonderful addition to your holiday celebrations. Its vibrant cherry topping and smooth, creamy filling create a festive look that adds to the ambiance of any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas gathering, or a summer barbecue, this pie will elevate your dessert table.

For those who celebrate national holidays like Independence Day, the bold red color of the cherries makes this pie a great patriotic dessert choice. It can even be adapted for themed events, offering a visually striking option that’s perfect for photo opportunities.

A Dessert with Simple Yet Elegant Flavors

The beauty of the Cherry Cream Pie lies in its simplicity. The ingredients used in the filling—cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, and lemon juice—come together to create a rich and tangy base that’s not too sweet but still indulgent. The creamy texture is light enough to be refreshing but rich enough to satisfy your dessert cravings.

The cherry topping brings a burst of sweetness and a slight tartness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. While many people are familiar with the combination of cherries and cream, the unique preparation of the pie elevates this familiar pairing to new heights.

The Importance of the Pie Crust

Though the filling is the star of the Cherry Cream Pie, the pie crust is essential to its overall success. The crust is not only a base that holds the creamy filling and cherry topping, but it also adds another layer of texture and flavor. Many recipes for Cherry Cream Pie call for a traditional graham cracker crust, which provides a subtle sweetness and a crunchy contrast to the smooth filling. Alternatively, you could use a shortcrust or traditional pie crust, depending on your preference.

When preparing the crust, it’s important to bake it properly. A golden, crisp crust will provide the perfect foundation for the rich filling. Whether you make your crust from scratch or buy a pre-made one, the crust should be baked until golden brown, giving it a satisfying crunch that holds up against the creamy filling.

Nutritional Benefits of Cherry Cream Pie

While Cherry Cream Pie is certainly a decadent dessert, it does have some nutritional benefits, particularly due to the cherries. Cherries are packed with antioxidants, which are known to help fight inflammation and reduce oxidative stress in the body. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps keep your skin healthy. Additionally, cherries are low in calories, making them a great addition to your diet in moderation.

The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, rich texture but also provides some protein, calcium, and healthy fats. While the sweetened condensed milk used in the filling adds some sugar, it’s important to note that the pie should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than an everyday indulgence. The balance of flavors in the pie allows for a small portion to satisfy your sweet cravings without overwhelming your palate.

Customizing Your Cherry Cream Pie

One of the best aspects of making Cherry Cream Pie is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. If you prefer a different fruit topping, you can substitute the cherries for other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. The filling itself can also be adapted. Some variations of the recipe include the addition of whipped cream or even a layer of chocolate ganache for a richer flavor.

For those with dietary restrictions, it’s possible to make the Cherry Cream Pie gluten-free by using gluten-free pie crust options. If you’re looking for a lower-fat version, you can substitute the cream cheese for a lighter version or use a non-dairy alternative. The pie is also adaptable for those following a vegetarian or even a vegan lifestyle. You can substitute the cream cheese and condensed milk with plant-based alternatives, and the result will still be a delicious, creamy dessert.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cherry Cream Pie is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Its combination of creamy filling, tart cherry topping, and crisp pie crust creates a balanced and delicious treat that will please a wide range of palates. Not only is it simple to make and visually appealing, but it also offers versatility in flavor and texture, allowing you to customize it to suit your personal preferences.

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