Cherry Millionaire Pie Recipe

Cherry Millionaire Pie Recipe

Cherry Millionaire Pie is a delightful blend of rich flavors and contrasting textures, making it the perfect dessert for any occasion. This pie features a creamy filling combined with the tartness of fresh cherries, all set on a buttery crumb crust. With every bite, you’ll experience a symphony of sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of tang that captivates the senses. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a special treat at home, our Cherry Millionaire Pie will surely impress and satisfy.

Prep Time, Cook Time, and Servings

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (plus cooling time)
• Servings: 8 slices

Ingredients

For the Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Creamy Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   • In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the sugar.
   • Pour the melted butter into the crumb mixture, stirring until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
   • Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to create an even layer. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the Filling:

   • In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
   • Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract as you mix.
   • In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy. Be careful not to deflate the whipped cream.

3. Assemble the Pie:

   • Pour the creamy filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

4. Prepare the Cherry Topping:

   • In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
   • Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it thickens (about 5 minutes), remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Top the Pie:

   • Once the filling is set, carefully spoon the cooled cherry topping over the cream cheese layer. Spread it evenly across the surface.
   • Cover the pie again and return it to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill before serving.

6. Serve:

   • Slice the pie into equal pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the decadent Cherry Millionaire Pie!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Fresh Cherries: If possible, use fresh cherries for a more vibrant flavor. If using frozen, ensure they are completely thawed and drained.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Allow the cream cheese to soften fully at room temperature for a smooth filling. This will prevent lumps in your mixture.
3. Whip Cream to Stiff Peaks: Be sure to whip the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks; this will ensure a light and airy texture in the filling.
4. Chill Time is Essential: Allow enough time for the pie to chill. This not only helps it set properly but also enhances the flavors.
5. Garnish Wisely: For an extra touch, consider garnishing your pie with shaved chocolate or fresh mint leaves before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit Variations: If cherries are out of season, you can substitute with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor profile.
• Nut Crust: For a gluten-free treat, replace the graham cracker crust with a nut crust made from almonds or pecans mixed with butter and sugar.
• Reduced Sugar: For a lower sugar content, consider using sugar substitutes like stevia or monk fruit in both the filling and the topping.
• Vegan Option: Substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative, coconut cream for the whipped cream, and use a vegan gelatin instead of cornstarch.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Storing Leftovers: Leftover Cherry Millionaire Pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. This pie is best enjoyed cold!
• Freezing: While this pie is best fresh, you can freeze it. Slice the pie and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before enjoying.
• Reheating: Reheat the topping in a pan over low heat if serving at room temperature; however, this pie is designed to be served cold and may lose its texture when heated.

FAQ

1. Can I use canned cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Be sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess syrup before cooking them for the topping.

2. How can I tell if the cream is whipped properly?
Whipped cream is ready when it forms stiff, defined peaks that hold their shape. Avoid over-whipping, which can cause it to turn into butter.

3. How long should I allow the pie to chill before serving?
It’s recommended to chill the pie for at least 3 hours to allow the filling to set properly, or overnight for optimum results.

4. Can I make this pie in advance?
Absolutely! The pie can be prepared a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

5. What can I serve with Cherry Millionaire Pie?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence.

6. How many calories are in a slice of Cherry Millionaire Pie?
On average, each slice (1/8th of the pie) contains about 350 calories, along with approximately 5 grams of protein, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat.

Nutrition Estimate

Each serving of Cherry Millionaire Pie has approximately 350 calories, providing about 5 grams of protein, 48 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat. This makes for a deliciously rich dessert that is best enjoyed in moderation.

Now that you have this delicious recipe for Cherry Millionaire Pie, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a show-stopping dessert that everyone will love! Enjoy every luxurious bite of this delightful pie.

Cherry Millionaire Pie

Cherry Millionaire Pie is a delightful blend of rich flavors and contrasting textures, featuring a creamy filling combined with tart cherries on a buttery crumb crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 slices

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the Creamy Filling

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Cherry Topping

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

 

Prepare the Crust

• In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs and granulated sugar. Mix well to evenly distribute the sugar.
• Pour the melted butter into the crumb mixture, stirring until the crumbs are fully coated and resemble wet sand.
• Press the crumb mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan to create an even layer.
• Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. Allow it to cool completely.

Make the Filling

• In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
• Gradually add powdered sugar, continuing to beat until well incorporated. Add the vanilla extract as you mix.
• In another bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture until well combined and fluffy.

Assemble the Pie

• Pour the creamy filling into the cooled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.

Prepare the Cherry Topping

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Once it thickens (about 5 minutes), remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

Top the Pie

• Once the filling is set, carefully spoon the cooled cherry topping over the cream cheese layer.
• Spread it evenly across the surface. Cover the pie again and return it to the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to chill before serving.

Serve

• Slice the pie into equal pieces and serve chilled. Enjoy the decadent Cherry Millionaire Pie!

Notes

Use fresh cherries for a more vibrant flavor. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for a smooth filling. Whip cream until stiff peaks form, and allow enough time for the pie to chill before serving.

Keyword Cherry Millionaire Pie, Cherry Pie, Dessert Recipe, Pie Recipe, Summer Dessert