With only five ingredients and five minutes of prep time, this cherry cream cheese pie is what dessert dreams are made of.
Cream Cheese Pie
This delicious no-bake pie has been passed down in my family for generations and has been a constant favorite. It takes only five ingredients and five minutes to prepare, plus chill time.
Table of contents
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese
- Sweetened Condensed Milk
- Lemon Juice
- Vanilla Extract
- Graham Cracker Crust
How to Make No-Bake Cream Cheese Pie
- Beat cream cheese with beaters until smooth and fluffy.
- Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth.
- Add lemon juice and vanilla into bowl, stir in with a rubber spatula until combined.
- Pour filling into the graham cracker pie crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Top with cherry pie filling just before serving.
Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
We have always topped our pie with cherry pie filling as shown in these images. However, you can top your pie with whatever you like best.
Variations
Raspberry puree, chocolate and caramel drizzle, fresh mixed berries, and fresh peaches are a few of our other favorite toppings.
Tips for Best Results
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese This makes it easier to beat and achieve a smooth consistency.
- To soften the cream cheese, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of hours or use a microwave at low power.
- Using good lemon juice matters. My favorite brand is Italian volcano, but no matter what brand you use make sure it is not expired. Fresh really is best.
- To make homemade graham cracker crust here is a great recipe.
- Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Gradually add other ingredients using a rubber spatula. Fold ingredients in until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ: Why is my Cream Cheese Pie runny?
- Incomplete Mixing: Make sure to mix the cream cheese thoroughly, removing any lumps. Carefully stir in the ingredients with the rubber spatularIncomplete mixing can lead to uneven distribution of ingredients, affecting the pie's texture.
- Temperature Issues: If the pie is not chilled for a sufficient amount of time, it may not set properly. Make sure you allow enough time for the pie to set in the refrigerator before serving.
FAQ: How is Cream Cheese Pie different from Cheesecake?
Cream cheese pie is a chilled pie consisting of a filling made of cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla. It is not baked.
Cheesecake requires more ingredients, including eggs and flour, and takes more time to make. It is often baked in a water bath.
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Cherry Cream Cheese Pie
Video
Ingredients
- 8 Ounces Cream Cheese
- 14 Ounce Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- ⅓ Cup Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
- 1 9" Graham Cracker Pie Crust
- 1 Cup Cherry Pie Filling
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese with beaters until fluffy. Add sweetened condensed milk and beat until smooth.
- Stir lemon juice and vanilla into bowl.
- Pour into the graham cracker pie crust and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Top with cherry pie filling just before serving.
Sha
This is a delightful and flavorful treat or dessert that everyone in our family loves! It's vibrant and savory! Such a keeper!
jess
This was everything that I wanted it to be and more! thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe!
Kristyn
Incredible!!! It's so smooth & creamy & the cherries on top add a nice flavor! I want to try other berries now with it.
TONY
Will try but will DITCH the lemon juice. That doesnt even belong in these types of recipes, just something people decided to add on their own.
Jessica
You are definitely welcome to try that, but there are several reasons the lemon juice is included and I can't vouch for the recipe if you omit it.
Flavor Enhancement: Lemon juice adds a tangy flavor to the pie that balances the richness of the cream cheese and sweetness of the other ingredients. It provides a refreshing contrast and helps prevent the pie from being overly sweet.
Acidity: The acidity of lemon juice can enhance the overall flavor profile of the pie. It can cut through the richness of the cream cheese and give the filling a more complex and balanced taste.
Texture: Lemon juice can also contribute to the texture of the pie filling. It can help prevent the filling from becoming overly dense or heavy, giving it a lighter and smoother consistency.
Setting Agent: In this cream cheese pie recipe lemon juice acts as a setting agent. It combines with other ingredients, (like the sweetened condensed milk) to help the pie filling firm up during refrigeration, making it easier to slice and serve.
Doug Blake
My wife dislikes lemon, so we substitute lime. Wonderful!