Cherry Cheese Pie Recipe
Yield: 8 to 10 slices
Nutrition per serving (based on 10 servings): Calories: 378; Total Fat: 17 g; Saturated Fat: 9 g; Carbohydrates: 52 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 23 g; Protein: 5 g; Cholesterol: 38 mg; Sodium: 238 mg.
Prep Time: About 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust or baked pie shell (8- or 9-inch)
- 1 can (21 oz.) cherry pie filling, well chilled
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and airy.
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and blend until smooth; stir in the lemon juice and vanilla until evenly combined.
- Pour the filling into the pie shell and smooth the top with a spatula. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Just before serving, spoon the chilled cherry pie filling over the pie.
Topping Alternatives
Blueberry Topping:
- In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir in 1/2 cup water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice, then add 2 cups thawed fresh or frozen blueberries.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer about 3 minutes until thick and clear. Let cool 10 minutes, stirring; then cool another 15 minutes. Spread on pie and chill thoroughly.
Cranberry Topping:
- In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Stir in 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons cold water and 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer 10 minutes. Spread over pie and refrigerate until set.
Fresh Fruit Variation:
- Omit the pie filling. Just before serving, arrange well-drained fresh strawberries, banana slices (dip in lemon juice first), and blueberries on top of the pie.
- Optional: lightly brush fruit with corn syrup for shine.
Ambrosia Topping:
- In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup peach or apricot preserves, 1/4 cup flaked coconut, 2 tablespoons orange juice, and 2 teaspoons cornstarch. Cook, stirring, until thickened; remove from heat.
- Arrange fresh orange slices over the pie, spoon the coconut-preserve mixture on top, and chill well before serving.
