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.
Notes
Pro Tips
Using good lemon juice matters! My favorite brand is Italian volcano, but no matter what brand you use make sure it is not expired.Nutrition
Cheryl
Can you freeze the leftovers?
Jessica
You can, but because of the cream cheese in the recipe the process of freezing and rethawing changes the texture of the pie and I don't prefer it.
Sonia
I just Made this and it came out runny like soup. It taste just like cheesecake but it's not getting firm and it's been in the fridge for 4.5 hrs now.. Im so disappointed it didn't come out firm 😔
Jessica
That is very strange that it is still a soup like consistency after sitting in the fridge that long. Did you sub out any of the ingredients for less fat versions or try to use less of anything etc.?
Sharina
Can't get enough of this cream cheese pie! The filling was rich in flavor and so delicious!
Jessica
I'm so glad! Thanks Sharina
Colleen G
So easy to make and absolutely delicious! One of my favorites!
Jessica
So glad you loved it! Thanks Colleen
Jessica
This is a delicious dessert. Couldn't believe how easy it was to put it together too. Thank you so much!
Jessica
Soooo easy! That's my favorite part :)
Kim
Love this recipe! Definitely a family favorite! 😋
Jessica
Thank you!
Terry
This pie is second to none! The cream cheese filling is just right and the topping is next level! Definitely a holiday favorite!
Jessica
So glad you loved it!
Mike
Where have you been my whole life! This recipe was just as easy as it was reading. I think j like this better thsn cheesecake. Fun to make especially shen i "lost," mixer my 9 yr old ever do graciously volunteer her services and even cleaned the bowl and spoon hmmmm i think thus was planed!!! One more for the book!
Sarah
Thank you for letting us know you loved it!
Mac D
Like the no electric beater after whipping the cream cheese.
You want to guarantee a pie set sprinkle and mix 2 or 3T instant potato. Just not too much or you'll taste them. Can use powdered tapioca too.
Christine
It was like soup did not get hard . I even took the recipe out of the Graham shell added more cream cheese it did not work ..
Mary V
Well I have had my problems with some recipes on different web sites. This pie recipe sucks. Waste of money buying all ingredients and it will not set. I followed recipe as written. It was for company and had to go back to the store and buy a cheese cake.
DB
my pie turns into a soup. why does it not set up firmly. its runny, why????
Jessica
You probably aren't beating the cream cheese for long enough. Also, are you making sure the cream cheese you use is softened to room temperature?
Elizabeth Hall
I used to have this problem too, DB. Did you use an electric mixer for all the ingredients? Because that is guaranteed to make it into soup. If so, the next time you make it, ONLY use the electric mixer for the cream cheese. THEN, switch to a large spoon or spatula to mix in the condensed milk. Add the lemon juice and vanilla extract LAST, and, again, blend together with a spoon or spatula. For years, I thought I just sucked at making this, even though it was always my favorite dessert my now-deceased grandmother made. I tried many times to replicate it in her honor, but since she wasn't around anymore for me to ask her what I was doing wrong, I had to do some research online. When I came across this tip, it immediately changed me from a cream cheese pie-making soup nazi to a cream cheese pie-making goddess! Lol. Hope this helps. :)
Renee in Florida
Helps tremendpusly. My little sister was lamenting about it going turning to soup. She is hoing to try this advice asap. Thank you
Jessica
You are welcome!
Gwen
Thank you for tip about not using mixer it worked no soupy pie
Charlotte M Kia
Quick easy delish pie
Jessica
Yay! So glad you liked it, thanks Charlotte!
Bryce Bailey
Delicious!
Jessica
Thank you!
Heidi@OneCreativeMommy.com
Hi, Jessica! I love your site. I'm following you on Pinterest and Facebook. This pie wouldn't last very long at my house--and I'd be the only one eating it!! (Sad.)
Michelle's Tasty Creations
Jessica,
I used to make this recipe all the time when I was first married and I forgot all about it. Thanks so much for the reminder because it was one of my favorites! Thanks so much for linking up to Creative Thursday. Can’t wait to see what you share this week! Have a wonderful week.
Michelle
rocketmom1985@gmail.com
This is my favorite dessert of all time! DH isn't a real fan so when I make it I get to eat most of it myself! I always have to diet after I make one(and devouring it!) just so I can zip my jeans!
Christine
Yum!!!! That looks like one mean delicious pie!
Thanks so much for sharing this at The DIY Dreamer.. From Dream To Reality!
Pam from Over the Big Moon
This looks so delish! Yum! Can't wait to try it!
Nicole
I didn't know anyone else who made this pie. My mom has been making this for years and it has become a Christmas favorite for our family. Now I must go buy some condensed milk so that I can make this now because I am craving it :)