I was introduced to an amazing Cream Cheese Pie recipe by my best friend, and now it’s a must-have at every family gathering when it comes to dessert. It has all the rich creaminess of cheesecake but without the complicated baking process. It all sits on a delicious buttery graham cracker crust.
This pie has become a beloved family favorite, and I’m excited to share the recipe with you. It’s a breeze to make (what’s better than dessert without an oven?) and incredibly satisfying to eat, making it a definite crowd-pleaser.
What You’ll Need for this Cream Cheese Pie Recipe
Graham cracker crumbs. The graham cracker crumbs form the base of the pie, giving it a slightly sweet and crumbly foundation. This component balances the creamy richness of the filling, providing a contrasting texture that’s essential to the overall pie experience.
Sour cream. Sour cream lends a tangy undertone to the pie, cutting through the richness of the cream cheese. This ingredient helps to balance the sweetness, making the pie feel lighter and more nuanced on the palate.
Unsalted butter. Unsalted butter acts as the binding agent for the graham cracker crust, melding the crumbs together into a cohesive base. The butter also adds a bit of savory richness, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the pie.
Vanilla extract. Vanilla extract adds a bit of earthiness and warmth to an otherwise straightforward combination of creamy and sweet. It’s a subtle touch, but worth it!
Fresh lemon juice. The lemon juice provides a hint of citrusy brightness that lifts the pie’s flavors, making each bite feel fresh and exciting. It also adds a zesty note.
Sweetened condensed milk. This is your all-in-one sweetener and textural enhancer. Sweetened condensed milk gives the pie its velvety texture, while also sweetening the entire dish. It’s essential for achieving that indulgent, spoonable quality we love in cream cheese pie.
Philadelphia cream cheese. Philadelphia cream cheese delivers that classic, creamy richness that makes this pie so yummy.
Granulated sugar. This obviously brings the sweetness, complementing the tanginess of the sour cream and lemon juice. Without it, you’d have a pretty savory filling, and who wants that?
How to Make An Easy Cream Cheese Pie
Prep Time: 20 mins
Chill Time: 3-4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes
Number of Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 cups Graham cracker crumbs (9-10 graham crackers)
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese (1 package cream cheese)
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup melted butter
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk (1 can)
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Form the Pie Crust: Press the graham cracker and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure to press it firmly so that it forms a compact layer.
- Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cream the Cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the Philadelphia cream cheese until it’s smooth and fluffy.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: To the creamed cheese, add the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until well incorporated.
- Add Lemon Juice: Slowly add in the lemon juice while beating the mixture on a low setting. Continue to mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until it’s firm to the touch.
- Serve: Once chilled, the pie is ready to be served. Optionally, you can garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Cream Cheese Pie
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cups Graham cracker crumbs 9-10 crackers
- 8 oz Philadelphia cream cheese one block
- ¼ cup Sour cream
- â…“ cup Melted butter
- 14 oz Sweetened condensed milk one can
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 ½ tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ cup Lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Graham Cracker Crust: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs with the melted butter. Stir until well mixed.
- Form the Pie Crust: Press the graham cracker and butter mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan. Make sure to press it firmly so that it forms a compact layer.
- Chill the Crust: Place the crust in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes to firm up.
- Cream the Cheese: In a separate mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the Philadelphia cream cheese until it's smooth and fluffy.
- Make the Cream Cheese Filling: To the creamed cheese, add the sour cream, sweetened condensed milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Continue to beat until well incorporated.
- Add Lemon Juice: Slowly add in the lemon juice while beating the mixture on a low setting. Continue to mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Fill the Crust: Pour the cream cheese mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust, using a spatula to smooth the top.
- Chill the Pie: Place the pie in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least 3-4 hours, or until it's firm to the touch.
- Serve: Once chilled, the pie is ready to be served. Optionally, you can garnish with whipped cream or fresh fruit.
Nutrition
My Favorite Cream Cheese Pie Toppings
There are so many options when it comes to what to top your pie with. Below are just a few of the many options. At the end of the day, I recommend strawberry or cherry. The fruitiness goes perfectly with the cheese-based pie.
Drizzle Caramel or Chocolate
If you want to take your cream cheese pie to the next level, try adding a luxurious drizzle of either caramel or chocolate sauce. Not only does it enhance the creamy texture, but it also adds an extra layer of flavor that will leave you wanting more. To achieve this, gently heat up your sauce of choice until it’s easy to work with. You can either use a spoon or a squeeze bottle for precision to add an elegant drizzle of sauce on top of the pie just before serving, giving it an added visual appeal.
Cherry Pie Filling
I have a suggestion to enhance the flavor of your cream cheese pie. Why not try adding a layer of cherry pie filling on top? The sweet and tangy taste of the cherries perfectly complements the creamy texture of the pie, giving it a well-rounded fruity flavor. Be sure to spread the filling evenly to ensure each slice has a generous amount.
Blueberries or Other Fresh Berries
Looking to add some zesty flavor to your food? Blueberries are a great choice! Not only do they provide a burst of vibrant color, but they’re also packed with natural antioxidants. You can add fresh blueberries for a burst of tartness, or whip up a simple blueberry compote by simmering blueberries with sugar and lemon juice. Top your pie with the compote or fresh blueberries once it’s cooled down for a delicious finish. And don’t worry about having to use fresh berries – frozen blueberries also work well.
Cream Cheese Pie FAQs
What is cream cheese pie made of?
Cream cheese pie is mostly made from cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Additional flavors and toppings, such as fruit fillings or chocolate drizzle, can be added for extra pizzazz!
Is cream Cheese pie the same as cheesecake?
Cream cheese pie and cheesecake have cheese in common, but they are slightly different. Cheesecake is usually baked and made with eggs, which makes it more dense and gives it almost a cake-like texture. Cream cheese pie, on the other hand, isn’t baked and typically doesn’t use eggs. This gives it a creamier and custard-like consistency. They are both delicious. It really depends on how much time you have and what you prefer.
Why is my cheese pie runny?
If your cream cheese pie turns out to be runny, you probably didn’t chill it long enough. Throw it back in the fridge for another hour and see if it sets.
More Dessert Recipes
Jolly Rancher Crack Candy Grapes
Keebler Cheesecake
Philadelphia Cheesecake
Easy Chocolate Pound Cake
Have questions or suggestions about cream cheese pie? Leave them in the comments below.
