Cream Cheese Pie – Hey, fellow food enthusiasts! Today I’m thrilled to share a recipe that holds a place, in my heart; Cream Cheese Pie. This dessert isn’t a treat; it’s a journey of flavors that brings immense joy to any dining table. With its buttery graham cracker crust, luscious cream cheese filling, and velvety smooth sour cream topping this pie truly embodies the essence of comfort. Whether it’s for family get-togethers or cozy nights at home this recipe is bound to become your favorite.
I still remember the first time I baked this Cream Cheese Pie. It was a chilly evening filled with air and warmth in my heart as I aimed to surprise my loved ones with something. The tantalizing aroma of the cinnamon-infused crust wafted through the kitchen building up excitement that was almost as delicious as the pie itself. When I finally presented it on the table seeing the priceless smiles on my husband’s and child’s faces made all the effort worthwhile. It became a hit. Has since become a beloved staple in our household.
What makes this Cream Cheese Pie truly stand out?
What truly makes this Cream Cheese Pie stand out is its balance of simplicity and versatility. It’s a recipe that warmly welcomes both inexperienced and seasoned bakers alike offering a hassle-free experience, in creating something. This pie effortlessly fits into any occasion you can think of. Whether it be a celebration or simply enjoying a family dinner together. Moreover, you have the freedom to personalize it to your liking – feel at ease to incorporate your touch, such, as a hint of lemon zest for a citrus flavor, or venture into exploring various crust options. This Cream Cheese Pie is more, than a treat; it serves as an opportunity for you to unleash your culinary imagination.
What You Need To Make This Cream Cheese Pie Recipe?
Graham Cracker Crumbs: These are the soul of our crust. When you mix them with butter, imagine you’re creating a foundation of memories. Each crumb combines to form the perfect base that holds our pie together.
Unsalted Butter: This is the glue that binds our crust. Its melted, golden richness adds a depth of flavor. Consider it as a warm hug that enfolds the crumbs, carrying out their natural sweetness.
Sugar: Just a sprinkle, not too much. It’s like adding a touch of love and a hint of sweetness to balance the butter’s richness and the tartness of the cream cheese.
Ground Cinnamon: This is our secret whisper in the crust. It’s optional, but it adds a whiff of spice, an echo of warmth that wavers with every morsel, reminiscent of cozy evenings and communicated stories.
Cream Cheese: The heart of our pie. Ensure it’s at room temperature to blend smoothly, symbolizing how warmth can turn something simple into something extraordinary.
Eggs: They’re the binders of our filling, subtly working in the background. Room-temperature eggs blend seamlessly, much like how the best moments in life are often the ones that go unnoticed but are essential.
Sour Cream: Ah, the addition, to our recipe. Make sure it’s, at room temperature ready to mingle with the ingredients. It brings a tanginess that boosts our filling adding a touch of complexness and depth to each nibble. It delivers a tangy addition, on the surface akin, to a blanket. It’s the feature that carries the pie from tasty to truly remarkable.
Steps To Make Cream Cheese Pie:
Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. That temperature will give everything warmth.
Step 2: To make the crust gently combine the graham cracker crumbs, with butter, sugar, and that optional but delightful touch of cinnamon. Press this mixture into a 9-inch pie pan that has been lightly greased. Think of it as wrapping a blanket around your pie.
Step 3: Bake the crust for 7 minutes then allow it to cool for 15 minutes – patience is key here!
Step 4: Now comes the heart of the pie – the filling. Whip together the cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla until you achieve a smooth consistency feeling the transformation happening as you mix. Gradually add in the eggs blending enough to incorporate them.
Step 5: Pour this dream into your crust and bake for 25 to 30 minutes – keep an eye out for that gentle “jiggle” in the center. It’s like the pie is giving its nod of approval.
Step 6: While it cools for 5 minutes whisk together cream, sugar, and vanilla to create a topping. Spread it lovingly over the pie. Bake again for another 10 minutes.
Step 7: The challenging part is allowing it to cool down to room temperature before chilling it in the refrigerator, for at least 4 hours. Trust me when I say that waiting will be worth every moment.
Tip:
To achieve a creamy and velvety filling for your Cream Cheese Pie it’s essential to pay attention to the temperature and mixing technique of the cream cheese. Begin by using cream cheese that’s, at room temperature. This ensures a blend without any lumps. When combining the cream cheese with sugar and vanilla beat it on speed until it reaches a smooth consistency. Be careful not to overmix once you add the eggs as this can introduce air and cause cracks in your pie. Instead, think of it as incorporating the richness and flavor creating a texture that’s luxurious and velvety. Each spoonful becomes a testament, to the art of crafting pies. The attention given to achieving the texture is what sets apart a good cream cheese pie from a great one.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Sure you can definitely use a store-bought crust if you’d like. It’s an option especially when you’re pressed for time.
How do I know when the pie is perfectly baked?
To determine if the pie is perfectly baked keep an eye out for a center that has a jiggle. That’s an indication that the pie has set nicely.
Can I freeze this pie?
If you want to freeze the pie for later go ahead! Just make sure to wrap it and thaw it, in the refrigerator, before serving.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Cream Cheese Pie
Ingredients
GRAHAM CRACKER CRUST:
- 1 1/2 c graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted
- 1/4 c sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon optional
CREAM CHEESE FILLING:
- 12 oz cream cheese at room temperature
- 3/4 c granulated sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs at room temperature
SOUR CREAM TOPPING:
- 1 c sour cream
- 3 1/2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To make the crust combine graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, sugar and optionally add a pinch of cinnamon. Press this mixture into a 9-inch pie pan. Bake it for 7 minutes. Allow it to cool for around 15 minutes.
- For the filling beat together cream cheese at room temperature, granulated sugar and vanilla until you achieve a smooth consistency. Then add the eggs. Mix everything until just combined.
- Next pour the prepared filling, into the crust. Bake for approximately 25 to 30 minutes until it sets but still has a slight jiggle, in the center. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
- To add a topping blend cream with sugar and vanilla until smooth. Spread this mixture over the pie. Continue baking for 10 minutes.
- Afterward allow the pie to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to refrigeration for 4 hours. Finally serve your scrumptious treat chilled.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
