Tart Cherry Cream Cheese Delight
Indulge in the delightful layers of our Tart Cherry Cream Cheese Delight! This delectable pie features a smooth and creamy filling made from rich cream cheese, luscious sweetened condensed milk, and a zesty hint of lemon, all held together in a crisp graham cracker crust. The tartness of the cherry pie filling on top creates a beautiful balance of flavors that make this dessert a showstopper at any gathering. Loved by family and friends alike, this pie promises to be a favorite at dessert tables, barbecues, and potlucks. Chill it to perfection and get ready to impress your guests with each tantalizing slice!
6-8
Servings
275
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
graham cracker pie crust
1 (Ready-made crust)
cream cheese
2 packages (8 ounces each) (Softened to room temperature)
sweetened condensed milk
1 can (10 ounces) (Borden's or equivalent)
lemon juice
1/3 cup (Freshly squeezed or bottled)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (Pure vanilla extract)
cherry pie filling
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (Prepared for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract using an electric mixer until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
2
Pour the creamy filling into the prepared graham cracker pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
3
Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for 1 to 2 hours, or until it is set and firm to the touch.
4
Once the pie is chilled, carefully spread the cherry pie filling over the top just before serving to maintain its beautiful presentation.
5
Slice, serve, and enjoy the delightful balance of flavors!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
34g
Carbs
3.75g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tart Cherry Cream Cheese Delight?
It is a layered dessert featuring a graham cracker crust, a creamy cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk filling, topped with tart cherry pie filling.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
Do I need to bake this pie?
No, this is a no-bake dessert that sets in the refrigerator.
What are the main ingredients?
The main ingredients include a graham cracker crust, cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and cherry pie filling.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
The pie should be refrigerated for at least 1 to 2 hours, or until it is set and firm.
Can I use a homemade graham cracker crust?
Yes, while the recipe suggests a ready-made crust for convenience, a homemade version works perfectly.
What type of cream cheese is best?
Full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature is recommended for the smoothest and richest texture.
Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese, though the consistency may be slightly less firm.
Why is lemon juice used in the filling?
Lemon juice reacts with the sweetened condensed milk to help thicken and set the filling without baking.
When should I add the cherry pie filling?
It is best to spread the cherry filling over the top just before serving to maintain a beautiful presentation.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Yes, either freshly squeezed or bottled lemon juice can be used in this recipe.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleasing showstopper that is very easy to transport and serve at gatherings.
What size can of sweetened condensed milk is required?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk.
Can I substitute sweetened condensed milk with evaporated milk?
No, evaporated milk will not thicken correctly; sweetened condensed milk is essential for the texture.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
You can leave it at room temperature for 30-60 minutes or microwave it for 15-20 seconds on low power.
What equipment do I need?
A large mixing bowl, an electric mixer, and a spatula are the primary tools needed.
Can I use different fruit toppings?
Absolutely, you can substitute the cherry filling with blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry pie filling.
How much fat is in one serving?
There is approximately 15g of fat per serving.
Is the vanilla extract necessary?
While optional, pure vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the cream cheese filling.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be covered with plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month, though the texture of the cherry topping may change slightly upon thawing.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are approximately 34g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does this dessert have?
Each serving contains about 3.75g of protein.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The filling is gluten-free, but you would need to use a gluten-free graham cracker crust to make the entire dish gluten-free.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Yes, making it a day ahead allows it to set fully, just wait to add the topping until serving.
What size can of cherry filling is needed?
The recipe uses one 14.5-ounce can of cherry pie filling.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients to make two pies if you are serving a larger group.
What makes this a 'summer recipe'?
Because it is a chilled, no-bake dessert, it is perfect for hot weather when you want to avoid using the oven.
How do I get a smooth filling?
Ensure the cream cheese is fully softened and use an electric mixer until no lumps remain.