Cream cheese pie has a special place in many hearts—and it’s not hard to see why. The smooth, creamy filling pairs beautifully with a crunchy crust, creating a traditional dessert that feels both comforting and indulgent. Making an Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is a bit like a time capsule for your taste buds; each bite takes you back to simpler days, perhaps spent at grandma’s house or around the kitchen table with family. With just a few ingredients and some time, you can make a pie that’s rich in flavor and nostalgia.
This dessert is perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a summer barbecue, Thanksgiving dinner, or just a Tuesday afternoon, this pie fits right in. The mixture of cream cheese and sugar creates a sweet layer that sits atop a delicious crust, and the beauty is in its simplicity. Plus, the best part of this Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie recipe is that it’s easy enough for even novice bakers to tackle. So, grab your apron and let’s get started making a delicious pie that will wow your friends and family!
Ingredients for the Crust
Creating the perfect crust is the first step to a delightful Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie. Here are the ingredients you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
This combination gives you a nice, sweet base that complements the creamy filling. Now, let’s move on to the crust preparation!
Preparing the Crust
Making the crust is quite simple, and the first thing you want to do is preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures your crust will bake evenly.
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the crushed graham crackers, granulated sugar, and melted butter. Then, add in the vanilla extract for a hint of extra flavor. Stir until everything is combined well. It should resemble wet sand.
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Form the Crust: Next, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan. Take your time here to make sure it’s evenly distributed, creating a solid base for your pie.
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Bake: Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until it turns a lovely golden brown. Keep an eye on it—nobody likes a burnt crust!
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Cool: Once it’s done, take it out and let it cool completely before adding the filling. This step is important as a hot crust might lead to a runny filling.
Now that you have a lovely, golden crust, it’s time to whip up the filling!
Ingredients for the Filling
The filling is the star of the show. For the Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 packages)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
These simple ingredients combine to create a rich and creamy delight that’s hard to resist. Let’s move on to the next steps for preparing the filling!
Making the Filling
Now, the fun part begins! Making the filling for your Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is straightforward and takes less than 15 minutes.
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Beat the Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. This makes it easier to mix in the other ingredients.
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Add Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add in the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Beat again until the mixture is well combined. You want it to be fluffy and smooth.
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Whip the Cream: In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form. This step adds lightness to your filling, making it even creamier.
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Fold Together: Carefully fold the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture. Be gentle! You don’t want to deflate the whipped cream. This process gives your pie that lovely light and airy texture.
With the filling ready, it’s time to assemble your pie!
Assembling the Pie
This part is where all your hard work pays off. Assembling the pie is a straightforward process, bringing together the crust and the filling beautifully.
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Fill the Crust: Spoon the cream cheese filling into your cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, making sure it reaches all the edges for the perfect look.
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Chill: Cover the pie (or you can use a pie keeper) and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 4 hours, but preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the pie set properly.
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Garnish: If you’re feeling a little fancy, you can top your pie with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Berries like strawberries or blueberries add a pop of color and fun.
Once it’s chilled and garnished, your Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is ready to be served!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this delicious pie, there are plenty of options to consider. Here are a few ideas that can elevate your dessert experience:
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Pair with Fresh Fruit: Serving slices of the pie with fresh berries or a fruit sauce can bring a wonderful freshness that balances the creaminess.
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Coffee or Tea: This pie goes wonderfully with a warm cup of coffee or tea. The flavors complement each other nicely.
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Make it Personal: Consider presenting your pie in a fun way—like cutting it into small squares instead of traditional slices. This allows guests to sample a little piece without feeling too indulgent.
Don’t forget to save some for yourself!
Tips for the Perfect Pie
Want to make your Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie even better? Here are some handy tips to keep in mind:
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Soften the Cream Cheese: Always ensure that your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures a smoother filling.
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Avoid Overmixing: When folding the whipped cream, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to a dense filling instead of the airy texture we want.
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Experiment with Flavors: For a fun twist, try adding additional flavors like lemon or chocolate to the cream cheese filling. Just a small amount can change the game entirely.
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Store Properly: Cover any leftovers and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This pie tends to taste even better the second day!
Conclusion
Making an Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful experience that brings back memories and creates new ones. This recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress seasoned bakers. So gather your ingredients, invite loved ones over, and enjoy a slice of creamy goodness together. Whether it’s the first slice or the last, this pie always hits the sweet spot!
Get ready to dig in and savor every bite of your delightful creation!
Print
Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie
This Old Fashioned Cream Cheese Pie combines a luscious filling of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and whipped cream, all nestled in a delightful graham cracker crust. It’s an easy dessert that guarantees satisfaction for gatherings or quiet moments at home.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (about 10 full sheets)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened (2 packages)
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix graham crackers, sugar, melted butter, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
- Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie pan and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden.
- Cool the crust completely.
- Beat cream cheese until smooth.
- Add powdered sugar and vanilla; blend until fluffy.
- Whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, then fold it into the cream cheese mixture.
- Fill the cooled crust with the cream cheese mixture, spread evenly.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Garnish with fruit or whipped cream before serving.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature to avoid lumps.
Avoid overmixing the whipped cream to maintain fluffiness.
Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days for best taste.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 16
- Sodium: 250
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 29
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 65
