Dreaming of a delightful dessert that’s bound to impress your guests or simply satisfy your sweet tooth? Look no further than this scrumptious Cherry Cream Cheese Pie recipe. With a buttery graham cracker crust, a luscious cream cheese filling, and a topping of tart and juicy cherries, this pie is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
**Cherry Cream Cheese Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
– ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 cups cherry pie filling
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Crust:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.
2. **Make the Cream Cheese Filling:** In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract, and continue to beat until everything is well combined and smooth. The filling should be thick but spreadable.
3. **Assemble the Pie:** Pour the cream cheese filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, allowing the filling to set.
4. **Add the Cherry Topping:** Once the cream cheese filling has set, carefully spoon the cherry pie filling on top of the pie, spreading it out evenly to cover the entire surface. You can arrange the cherries in a decorative pattern if desired.
5. **Chill and Serve:** Return the pie to the refrigerator and let it chill for an additional 1-2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, slice the Cherry Cream Cheese Pie into wedges and enjoy each bite of the creamy, tangy, and sweet goodness.
6. **Storage:** If you have any leftovers (unlikely!), cover the pie with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may intensify over time, making it even more delicious for your next dessert indulgence.
This Cherry Cream Cheese Pie is a wonderful dessert for any occasion, from potluck dinners to family gatherings or simply a treat for yourself after a long day. With its smooth cream cheese filling and vibrant cherry topping, this pie is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the process of creating and indulging in this delicious pie that is both easy to make and guaranteed to impress!
