Cherry O'Cream Pie (Easy, No-Bake Cheesecake)

Meal Suggestions

• This is a classic dessert for holiday meals or other large gatherings such as summer barbeques.

 

Troubleshooting / Prevention

• Grainy cheesecake layer: This may be avoided by ensuring the cream cheese has had time to soften and resemble the temperature of the lemon juice and milk. If the mixture is grainy, you may be able to improve the texture by gently reheating the cream cheese mixture for a little time – but really, I wouldn’t bother unless you are trying to win a contest or something – the taste will be the same, the texture just won’t be super smooth when eating.

• Cheesecake layer won’t set well (is still too soft and/or somewhat liquidy):

  • Block cream cheese provides superior results (versus the tub or whipped versions).

  • If you are serving the pie in warm weather, the filling may benefit from gelatin to maintain the structure. 1) Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of gelatin over 2 tablespoons cold water in a small bowl. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it absorbs the water and becomes spongy. 2) Gently heat the bloomed gelatin until fully melted, either in a microwave (5–10 seconds) or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth and no granules remain. 3) Let the melted gelatin cool slightly (but not set), then whisk it into your cream cheese mixture alongside the lemon juice and milk. This ensures even distribution and proper setting.

 

Make Ahead

• The pie can be made 1 or 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to add the cherry topping until it is close to time to serve or transport.

 

Storage & Leftovers

• Don’t throw away the lid to the graham cracker crust! This is handy for storage and won’t smear the topping if reused upside down.

• The pie (with the cherries on top) will last 2 or 3 days in the refrigerator and maintain its quality. After a couple of days, the pie will still taste great, but the crust will get soggy. 

• Freezing is an option; however, the cream cheese may take on a grainier texture. At least partially thaw prior to serving.

 

Substitutions & Variations

• This is so important – sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk are NOT the same thing! Make sure that you are using sweetened condensed milk for this recipe. If you do not have any on hand – no worries – you can make a homemade version with evaporated milk (this also adds other opportunities to tinker with flavors).

• Add tang to your cheesecake: ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt added to the cream cheese mixture can create more complex flavors – just mix in with the lemon juice and milk. 

• This pie is very adaptable – the opportunities to create your own unique version are endless but here are a few ideas:

  • Nut crusts, cookie crusts, or other crusts can be used instead of the graham cracker crust.

  • Topping options are limited to your imagination – chocolate chips, caramel sauce, nuts, fresh fruits, other fruit toppings, coconut, and anything else can replace cherries.

  • The cheesecake mixture can be modified by adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, spices, crushed cookies, peanut butter, coconut, pudding mixes, vanilla, other extracts, more lemon juice, really anything that doesn’t impact the pie’s ability to set properly.

• Creative or individual presentation: Don’t feel limited to just the normal round pies – individual servings, loaf pans, mason jars, mini cocottes, or a tart pan can provide opportunities for a unique presentation. The crust may need to be crumbled, or you can make your own.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Shelf-Stable & Frozen Ingredients

• The cream cheese and lemons can be frozen, just make sure to give both the time to thaw properly (see the Troubleshooting section).

 

Substitutions & Variations – Keto-Friendly

• Using 1 cup of heavy cream with your favorite keto-friendly sweetener may be used to replace the sweetened condensed milk. Keto-friendly crusts such as nut pie crusts may be used and fresh berries or a sugar-free cherry topping may replace the canned cherries.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Gluten-Free

• A gluten-free version may be made by alternating the crust with your favorite gluten-fee version. Make sure that the fruit topping qualifies as gluten-free because some may use thickeners with gluten.

 

Substitutions & Variations – Lactose-Free, Dairy-Free, & Vegan

• Replace the cream cheese with your favorite brand of vegan cream cheese and the sweetened condensed milk with the thick part of full-fat coconut milk.