If you’re looking for a delightful combination of creamy, fruity, and flaky textures all wrapped into one irresistible dessert, then this Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together the tangy cream cheese filling and sweet cherries nestled in a buttery puff pastry crust, making every bite a perfect balance of richness and freshness. This recipe is not only straightforward to make but also impressive enough to wow friends and family at any gathering. Let me take you through every step so you can easily recreate this charming pastry pie right in your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious blend of flavor, texture, and color in your pastry pie. Each plays an essential role in making the final dish pop, from the crispy puff pastry to the luscious cherry topping and creamy cheese filling.
- Puff pastry sheet: This flaky, buttery base is key for that golden crust that beautifully holds the filling.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Adds a smooth, rich, and slightly tangy layer that pairs perfectly with cherries.
- Sugar (1/4 cup): Sweetens the cream cheese without overpowering the freshness of the fruit.
- Egg yolk: Adds richness to the filling and helps it set up nicely.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, sweet aroma.
- Pitted cherries (1 cup): Fresh or jarred cherries bring a vibrant burst of juiciness and color.
- Cornstarch (1 tbsp, for fresh cherries): Works as a thickening agent to keep the cherry filling from becoming too runny.
- Beaten egg (for egg wash): Gives the pastry crust a beautiful glossy golden finish when baked.
How to Make Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your oven and baking sheet
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Score the puff pastry
Carefully unfold your puff pastry sheet and use a knife to score a one-inch border around the edges. This border will help create a raised crust that elegantly frames your filling while allowing the center to puff up deliciously.
Step 3: Whip up the cream cheese mixture
In a bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until you achieve a velvety, smooth mixture. This creamy filling is the heart of your Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe and will balance perfectly with the tartness of the cherries.
Step 4: Assemble the filling
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored border on your pastry. If you’re using fresh cherries, toss them lightly with cornstarch first—this little trick helps absorb excess juices, so your pastry doesn’t get soggy. Then arrange your cherries on top of the cheese filling for a stunning, colorful presentation.
Step 5: Fold and brush the edges
Fold and gently crimp the edges of your pastry to form a rustic, handmade rim. This keeps the filling contained and adds a charming touch to the pie. Brush the crust generously with the beaten egg to encourage a shiny, golden finish.
Step 6: Bake to perfection
Place your pie in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the pastry is beautifully golden and the filling has set. Keep an eye on it near the end to avoid over-baking—your goal is a crisp crust and luscious filling.
Step 7: Cool and enjoy
Once baked, allow your Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe to cool slightly on a wire rack. This resting time helps the filling firm up just enough for neat slicing while keeping every bite tender and scrumptious.
How to Serve Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar after baking instantly adds elegance and a touch of sweetness to your Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe. Fresh mint leaves or a few extra pitted cherries on top can also wow your guests and elevate the dessert’s fresh appeal.
Side Dishes
This pastry pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to introduce contrasting coolness and richness. If you’re feeling adventurous, a drizzle of chocolate or cherry sauce amplifies the cherry flavor and adds a gourmet flair.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve slices right on rustic wooden boards or colorful dessert plates to highlight the pie’s vibrant hues. If you want a refined look, slice the pie and arrange pieces alongside edible flowers and fresh berries to create a feast for the eyes and palate alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe has cooled completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer slices into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep its freshness for up to three days, making for delicious indulgences even after the initial feast.
Freezing
You can freeze individual slices of this pie wrapped securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge. While freezing may slightly affect the pastry’s crispness, the flavor and texture of the filling remain delightfully intact.
Reheating
To bring leftover pie slices back to life, reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. This method restores the flakiness of the pastry while warming the creamy filling just right. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the pastry soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or jarred ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to reduce excess moisture, then toss with cornstarch before adding to the filling. This prevents your pie from becoming watery and keeps the flavors balanced.
Is it necessary to use puff pastry, or can I use another type of dough?
Puff pastry is preferred for its light, flaky layers that perfectly contrast the creamy cheese and juicy cherries. While you can experiment with pie crusts or phyllo dough, the texture and appearance will differ from the classic Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe experience.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If cream cheese isn’t available, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can work as alternatives. They have a slightly different texture and flavor, but still provide that creamy base that complements the cherries beautifully.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
With a few ingredient swaps, yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese and vegan puff pastry, then replace the eggs with flax eggs or commercial egg replacers. You may need to adjust baking time slightly due to moisture differences.
How do I ensure the pastry crust stays crisp and doesn’t get soggy?
Scoring a border and tossing cherries with cornstarch helps control liquid. Also, baking on parchment paper with enough heat ensures a crisp bottom. Letting the pie cool on a wire rack avoids condensation buildup that can soften the crust.
Final Thoughts
This Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe is such a joyous treat to bake and share, blending simple ingredients with effortless techniques to create something truly special. Whether for a cozy family dessert or a festive party centerpiece, it never fails to bring smiles. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite pastry pie to make again and again!
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Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in this Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie featuring a flaky puff pastry crust filled with a creamy sweetened cream cheese mixture and topped with juicy cherries. Perfect for a simple dessert or an elegant brunch treat, this recipe combines fresh or jarred cherries with a smooth vanilla-scented cream cheese filling baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
Filling
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup pitted cherries (fresh or jarred)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (if using fresh cherries)
Other
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Prepare Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet on the lined baking sheet and score a 1-inch border around the edges without cutting all the way through, creating a defined crust area.
- Make Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Assemble Filling: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored border on the pastry. If using fresh cherries, toss them with cornstarch to thicken their juices, then arrange the cherries on top of the cheese layer.
- Form Edges & Egg Wash: Fold and crimp the edges of the pastry over to form a rustic border. Brush the folded edges generously with the beaten egg to give the crust a shiny golden finish when baked.
- Bake: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes until the pastry is puffed, golden brown, and the filling is set but still slightly soft.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the pastry pie to cool slightly to help the filling firm up before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using fresh cherries? Toss them with cornstarch to prevent a runny filling.
- You can substitute frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid.
- For a richer flavor, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
