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
Scale
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
