When it comes to pie fillings or the topping on my cheesecake, cherry is my favorite followed very closely by blueberry. This recipe for cherry cream cheese pie is easier to make than either of those and just as delicious. Just the way I like my recipes!

It looks pretty and is a creamy, flavorful treat in the pie crust, but I think it adds such a special touch to place it in a small fancy canning jar or a pretty dessert dish!

Cherry Cream Cheese Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 cream cheese (softened) (8 oz)
• 1 Cool Whip (9 oz)
• 8 tablespoons sugar
• 1 graham cracker pie crust or 1 box of graham cracker crumbs
• 1 can cherry pie filling (24 oz)

Quick and Easy Instructions:

• Prepare your pie crust, if making your own follow the directions on the box of graham cracker crumbs and place in dishes of your choice
• Beat cream cheese, Cool Whip, and sugar, mixing well
• Pour into pie crusts
• Top with cherry pie filling
• Cover and store in the refrigerator

Make your family or friends feel extra special by assembling their cherry cream cheese pie in a pretty dessert dish or small canning jar.

We all know cherries are delicious, but they have many health benefits you may not be aware of:

• Tart cherries are a natural source of melatonin, which is a naturally occurring hormone that helps to regulate the body’s circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. For a better night sleep, try sipping cherry juice concentrate as an alternative to melatonin supplements.
• Tart cherries contain chemicals that are very effective pain relievers; possibly better than aspirin and ibuprofen.
• Sweet cherries are rich in beta-carotene, vitamin C, anthocyanins and quercetin, which may work together synergistically to fight cancer.
• The cyanidin in cherries has anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in the treatment of gout as it helps to reduce the swelling and pain
• Sweet cherries are loaded with potassium, a natural blood-pressure reducer.  One cup of these ruby gems pack roughly the same amount of potassium as a small banana and also boasts some quercetin, an antioxidant that may help keep blood vessels relaxed and supple.
• The anthocyanins in tart cherries activate a molecule that helps rev up fat burning and decrease fat storage.
• Cherries have the highest antioxidant level of any fruit. Antioxidants help the body fight the free radicals that make us look old. Drinking one glass of tart cherry juice daily slows down the aging process.
• The flavonoids and carotenoids found in cherries are very effective in improving the efficiency of the brain and improving memory. Those who are afraid of having a dull brain and a low memory capacity in their old age, start eating cherries!
• The flavonoids in cherries are not only responsible for the deep red color of cherries, but also its cancer-fighting abilities. Antioxidants like Cyanidin may help the body rid itself of free radicals and prevent cancerous cells from growing out of control. Choose sweet cherries with a purple tone for the most anthocyanins.

Not that we need a reason to eat cherries, but it’s good to know about their health benefits.  Of course, nice natural, fresh organic cherries are the most healthy.

Check out another easy and delicious cherry recipe; “Cherry Delight“!

What is your favorite recipe that includes cherries?

This post will be shared on parties found on my “Where I Party” page.