philadelphia cream cheese cherry pie

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie: A Sweet and Tangy Delight

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sweet-tart flavor of cherries. This pie typically features a buttery crust, a smooth cream cheese filling, and a generous topping of juicy cherries, making it a crowd-pleasing treat. Many recipes use either fresh, frozen, or canned cherry filling for convenience and year-round availability.

The Allure of Cream Cheese Cherry Pie

The appeal of this pie lies in its balanced flavors and textures. The tanginess of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the cherries perfectly, while the buttery crust provides a satisfying crunch. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and refreshing, making it suitable for various occasions.

Key Ingredients and Preparation

The core components of a Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie are:

• Crust: Can be homemade or store-bought (graham cracker or traditional pie crust).
• Cream Cheese Filling: Typically made with Philadelphia cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract.
• Cherry Filling: Canned cherry pie filling is the most common choice for convenience, but fresh or frozen cherries can be used for a more homemade flavor. If using fresh or frozen cherries, you’ll need to create your own cherry filling with sugar, cornstarch or tapioca starch (as a thickener), and lemon juice.

The preparation involves first preparing or purchasing the crust. Next, the cream cheese filling is made by beating the cream cheese until smooth, then adding sugar, eggs, and vanilla. This filling is poured into the crust. Then, the cherry pie filling is spread evenly over the cream cheese layer. The pie is then baked until the crust is golden brown and the filling is set.

Variations and Customizations

While the classic recipe is delicious, there are many ways to customize a Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie:

• Crust: Experiment with different crusts, such as a chocolate crust or a pecan crust.
• Flavor Enhancements: Add almond extract to the cream cheese filling for a subtle nutty flavor, or sprinkle chopped almonds on top of the cherry filling.
• Cherry Filling: Use a combination of different types of cherries (sweet and tart) for a more complex flavor profile. Consider adding a splash of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the filling.
• Topping: Create a streusel topping for added texture and sweetness.

Serving and Storage

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie is best served chilled. Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect accompaniment.

Philadelphia Cream Cheese and its History

The key ingredient to this delicious pie is Philadelphia Cream Cheese. It’s an American brand of cream cheese first introduced in 1880, and owned by Kraft Heinz. It is one of the best selling cream cheeses worldwide. To learn more, check out the Philadelphia Cream Cheese entry on Wikipedia.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen cherries instead of canned cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can! You’ll need to create a cherry filling using the frozen cherries, sugar, and a thickener like cornstarch or tapioca starch.

How do I prevent the crust from burning?

You can use a pie shield or aluminum foil to cover the edges of the crust during baking. Remove the shield or foil during the last part of baking to allow the crust to brown.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. In fact, it’s recommended! Make it a day ahead and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld together.

What is the best way to store leftover pie?

Store the pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze baked cream cheese cherry pie for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Summary

Philadelphia Cream Cheese Cherry Pie is a delicious and versatile dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy filling, sweet and tart cherries, and buttery crust, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite combination!