Celebration Cheese Pie
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Celebration Cheese Pie, the perfect dessert for any gathering or festive occasion. Featuring a buttery graham cracker crust and a luscious cream cheese filling, this pie is a delightful blend of rich flavors and velvety textures. Hints of vanilla and optional lemon zest add a touch of brightness to each bite, making it both indulgent and refreshing. With just 20 minutes of prep time followed by a low-and-slow bake, this pie is easy to make yet elegant enough to impress your guests. Serve it chilled, adorned with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit syrup for a showstopping finish. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or celebrating a special milestone, this Celebration Cheese Pie will undoubtedly steal the spotlight!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for crust)
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 0.75 cups granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 units large eggs
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.
Press the crust mixture evenly into the bottom and slightly up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Use the back of a spoon or the bottom of a glass to pack it down firmly.
Bake the crust in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove and let it cool completely while you prepare the filling.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and 3/4 cup of sugar together until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the vanilla extract, eggs (one at a time), and sour cream to the cheese mixture, beating after each addition until fully incorporated. If using, fold in the lemon zest for a hint of brightness.
Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.
Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the pie cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.
Remove the pie from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set fully.
Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit syrup, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4058 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 278.9 g | 358% | |
| Saturated Fat | 162.1 g | 810% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1118 mg | 373% | |
| Sodium | 2778 mg | 121% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 351.6 g | 128% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.7 g | 17% | |
| Total Sugars | 244.2 g | ||
| Protein | 57.5 g | 115% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.0 mcg | 10% | |
| Calcium | 778 mg | 60% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 901 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
