Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie

Imagine biting into a dessert that brings together the creamy richness of cheesecake and the buttery crispness of pastry, all topped with ruby-red cherries that glisten like jewels. That’s exactly what you get with this Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie. It’s flaky, creamy, fruity, and indulgent in the best way — a treat that feels like a celebration with every bite.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was inspired by a lazy Sunday morning when I was torn between baking a cheesecake or a fruit tart. I wanted something with tangy cream cheese, a flaky crust, and sweet fruit. So, I combined the best of both worlds. The result was so divine, it quickly became my go-to for gatherings, brunches, and those moments when only a homemade dessert will do.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

This pie is a nod to two beloved classics — the New York-style cheesecake and the traditional European fruit tart. Cream cheese desserts have been popular in American baking since the early 1900s, thanks to the rise of packaged cream cheese. Pair that with cherries, which have been celebrated in everything from French clafoutis to Midwestern pies, and you’ve got a dessert with deliciously deep roots.

Why You’ll Love Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie

Whether you’re making it for a holiday table or just because it’s Tuesday, here’s why this pie is a keeper:

Versatile: Serve chilled, warm, or at room temp — it’s always dreamy.

Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples and frozen or canned cherries.

Quick and Easy: No water bath, no fancy steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy.

Customizable: Swap the fruit, tweak the crust, or use flavored cream cheese.

Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a pie and a cheesecake in one — who could resist?

Make-Ahead Friendly: Make a day in advance and let it chill.

Great for Leftovers: Even better the next day, if there are any left.

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To help you bake this pie like a pro, here are some insider secrets:

1. Use Cold Butter for the Pastry: It gives the crust that irresistible flake.
2. Don’t Overmix the Filling: Blend until smooth but avoid excess air for a silky texture.
3. Cool Before Chilling: Let the pie come to room temperature before refrigerating to avoid condensation.
4. Line the Edges: A pie shield or foil will prevent the crust from overbaking.
5. Chill for Flavor: Give it a few hours in the fridge so the flavors can settle and shine.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Gather these simple tools before you start:

Mixing Bowls: For the crust, filling, and topping.

Rolling Pin: To roll out your pastry dough evenly.

Pie Dish (9-inch): Glass or ceramic works best for even baking.

Electric Mixer or Whisk: To get that filling ultra-creamy.

Spatula: For folding and spreading.

Cooling Rack: Helps the pie cool evenly.

Ingredients in Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie

Each ingredient plays a role in making this pie the ultimate dessert hybrid. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. All-Purpose Flour: 1 ½ cups – forms the base of the pastry dough.
2. Cold Unsalted Butter: ½ cup (1 stick), cubed – gives the crust its flaky texture.
3. Salt: ¼ teaspoon – enhances the dough’s flavor.
4. Ice Water: 4 to 6 tablespoons – binds the dough without melting the butter.
5. Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened – the creamy base of the filling.
6. Granulated Sugar: ½ cup – sweetens the filling without overpowering it.
7. Egg: 1 – adds richness and structure to the cheese filling.
8. Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon – adds warmth and aroma.
9. Cherry Pie Filling: 1 can (21 ounces) – the glossy, fruity topping.
10. Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon – adds a hint of brightness to the cherries.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with these swaps:

All-Purpose Flour: Use gluten-free blend if needed.

Unsalted Butter: Substitute with margarine or vegan butter.

Cream Cheese: Try mascarpone or a dairy-free alternative.

Cherry Pie Filling: Swap with blueberry, raspberry, or peach.

Egg: Use a flax egg for a vegan version.

Ingredient Spotlight

Cream Cheese: This gives the pie its rich, cheesecake-like texture. Make sure it’s softened for smooth mixing.

Cherry Pie Filling: Bright, sweet, and a little tart — it adds color, flavor, and that glossy finish everyone loves.

Instructions for Making Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie

Let’s bring this luscious pie to life. Here’s how to do it step by step:

1. Preheat Your Equipment:
   Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a rack in the middle and prep your pie dish.
2. Combine Ingredients:
   In a bowl, cut butter into flour and salt until crumbly. Add ice water a tablespoon at a time until dough holds together. Wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel:
   Roll out dough on a floured surface and line your pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges.
4. Assemble the Dish:
   In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, egg, and vanilla until smooth. Pour into crust and spread evenly. Top with cherry filling and a drizzle of lemon juice.
5. Cook to Perfection:
   Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the edges are golden and the center is set. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly.
6. Finishing Touches:
   Cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours to set.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
   Slice and serve chilled or at room temp. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’d like!

Texture & Flavor Secrets

This pie is a layered symphony. The crust is buttery and crisp, the cream cheese filling is tangy and smooth, and the cherry topping bursts with juicy sweetness. A little lemon brightens everything up, tying each bite together with zing and balance.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make your baking smoother with these quick tips:

• Use parchment under the crust to avoid sticking.
• Warm the cherry filling slightly before topping for easier spreading.
• Add a splash of almond extract to the filling for a flavor twist.

What to Avoid

Let’s steer clear of these common slip-ups:

• Overbaking the filling — it should be just set in the center.
• Not chilling the dough — warm dough leads to tough crust.
• Skipping the chill time post-bake — the pie needs to set before slicing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This pie is ideal for making ahead. Prepare the day before and refrigerate overnight. Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. For freezing, wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and serve cold or room temperature.

How to Serve Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie

Serve this beauty chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. It pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a glass of chilled milk. For a party, slice into mini squares and top with a cherry on each!

Creative Leftover Transformations

Leftovers? Lucky you. Here’s what you can do:

• Cube and layer in a parfait with yogurt and granola.
• Crumble over vanilla ice cream.
• Toast lightly and serve with berry compote.

Additional Tips

• Chill your mixing bowl for extra fluffy whipped cream.
• Use a fluted cutter for decorative pastry edges.
• A dash of cinnamon in the crust adds warmth and depth.

Make It a Showstopper

Brush the crust with egg wash for a glossy finish. Add pastry cut-outs or lattice on top before baking for a bakery-style look. Garnish with fresh mint or shaved white chocolate for flair.

Variations to Try

• Berry Blend Pie: Use mixed berry filling instead of cherry.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Add a drizzle of melted dark chocolate before serving.
• Mini Tarts: Bake in muffin tins for single-serve versions.
• Lattice Topping: Create a woven crust for texture and beauty.
• Almond Cherry Pie: Stir almond extract into the filling and sprinkle sliced almonds on top.

FAQ’s

Q1: Can I use store-bought crust?

A1: Yes, just blind bake it slightly before adding the filling.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely, it’s best when chilled overnight.

Q3: Can I freeze this pie?

A3: Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Q4: Is it better served warm or cold?

A4: Both work, but chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully.

Q5: Can I make this without eggs?

A5: Try a flax egg or egg replacer for a vegan version.

Q6: Can I add a crust topping?

A6: Yes, a lattice or pastry cut-outs work great.

Q7: What kind of cherries should I use?

A7: Canned pie filling is easiest, but you can make your own with fresh or frozen cherries.

Q8: Can I add lemon zest?

A8: Yes! It adds bright, citrusy depth to the filling.

Q9: How do I know it’s done?

A9: The center should jiggle slightly but not be runny.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?

A10: For a 9×13 pan, double the filling and use two crusts.

Conclusion

This Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie is proof that great desserts don’t need to be complicated. With a flaky crust, creamy filling, and fruity topping, it’s a slice of joy that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether it’s for a family gathering or just a sweet treat for yourself, it’s bound to become a favorite. So grab your pie dish and let the baking begin!

Watch How to Make Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie