Description
This Cherry Cheese Pastry Pie is a delightful blend of creamy sweetened cream cheese and luscious cherries encased in a flaky puff pastry crust. Perfect for a quick dessert or an elegant brunch treat, it balances tart cherry flavor with smooth vanilla-scented filling and golden, crisp edges.
Ingredients
Scale
Pastry
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
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 (use only if using fresh cherries)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Puff Pastry: Unfold the puff pastry sheet on the lined baking sheet and lightly score a 1-inch border along the edges without cutting through to help form the rustic pie edge.
- Make Cheese Filling: In a bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, sugar, egg yolk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and creamy, creating a rich filling base.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly within the scored border of the pastry. If using fresh cherries, toss them with cornstarch to prevent excess moisture; then arrange the cherries on top of the filling.
- Form Edges and Apply Egg Wash: Fold and crimp the edges of the puff pastry over to create a rustic border. Brush the pastry edges with the beaten egg wash to help them brown beautifully during baking.
- Bake the Pie: Place the assembled pie in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and the filling is set and slightly puffed.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool slightly to set the filling before slicing and serving warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Use jarred cherries if fresh are not in season, just rinse and drain well.
- Cornstarch is used only with fresh cherries to avoid a watery filling.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and smoother texture.
- For a dairy-free variation, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- This pie is best served the same day but can be refrigerated and gently reheated.
