Classic Cherry Cream Pie

Serves: 8 | Prep Time: 35 minutes | Chill Time: 4 hours | Bake Time: 35–40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Buttery Pie Crust

• 1¼ cups (160 g) all-purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• 1 tbsp granulated sugar

• ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 3–4 tbsp ice water

For the Vanilla Cream Layer

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened

• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

For the Cherry Filling

• 4 cups (600 g) fresh or frozen pitted cherries

• ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar

• 2 tbsp cornstarch

• 2 tbsp water

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ¼ tsp almond extract (optional)

• Pinch of salt

For the Whipped Cream Topping

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Fresh whole cherries with stems

• Powdered sugar

• White chocolate shavings (optional)

• Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt.

3. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Add the ice water one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together.

5. Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30 minutes.

6. Roll the dough into a 12-inch (30 cm) circle and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish.

7. Trim and crimp the edges.

8. Prick the base with a fork, line with parchment paper, and fill with pie weights.

9. Blind bake for 20 minutes.

10. Remove the weights and bake for another 12–15 minutes, until golden brown.

11. Cool completely.

Step 2 – Make the Cherry Filling

1. In a saucepan, combine:

   • Cherries

   • Sugar

   • Lemon juice

   • Salt

2. Cook over medium heat until the cherries begin to release their juices.

3. Mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.

4. Stir the slurry into the cherries and cook for 2–3 minutes, until thickened.

5. Remove from the heat.

6. Stir in the vanilla and almond extract.

7. Allow the filling to cool completely.

Step 3 – Prepare the Vanilla Cream Layer

1. Beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.

2. Add the granulated sugar and vanilla extract.

3. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.

4. Fold the whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture until light and fluffy.

Step 4 – Assemble the Pie

1. Spread the vanilla cream evenly over the cooled pie crust.

2. Spoon the cooled cherry filling over the cream layer.

3. Refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the layers to set.

Step 5 – Make the Whipped Cream

1. Beat the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

2. Pipe decorative swirls around the edge of the pie using a star tip.

3. Top each swirl with a fresh whole cherry.

Step 6 – Finish and Serve

1. Dust lightly with powdered sugar if desired.

2. Chill for another 1–2 hours before slicing.

3. Slice with a sharp knife, wiping the blade clean between cuts for neat servings.

Chef's Tips

• Use sweet Bing cherries for a rich, naturally sweet filling, or tart cherries for a brighter flavor.

• Cool the cherry filling completely before assembling to keep the cream layer firm.

• Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping cream for the best volume.

• A touch of almond extract enhances the cherry flavor beautifully but can be omitted if preferred.

• For extra shine, brush the fresh cherries with a little warmed apricot jam before garnishing.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~465 kcal

• Protein: 6 g

• Fat: 28 g

• Carbohydrates: 48 g

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 28 g

• Sodium: 180 mg

Serving Suggestion

This Classic Cherry Cream Pie features a crisp, buttery pastry crust layered with silky vanilla cream and a luscious homemade cherry filling bursting with juicy fruit. Finished with elegant whipped cream rosettes and fresh cherries, it's an eye-catching dessert perfect for holidays, summer celebrations, or dinner parties. Serve chilled with freshly brewed coffee, espresso, black tea, or a glass of sparkling rosé for a sophisticated and refreshing finale.