Name: Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup roasted almonds (lightly salted); 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 5 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 4 tablespoons cold butter; 1 box vanilla instant pudding mix (5-ounce); 2 cups heavy whipping cream; 1 cup cold milk; 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur (Disaronno or similar); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water; 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin; 1/3 cup sliced almonds; 10 maraschino cherries (with or without stems)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 68 reviews

If you adore desserts that feel like a warm hug from the inside, then you absolutely have to try the Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe. This luscious pie combines the delicate, nutty flavor of amaretto with creamy vanilla pudding and fluffy whipped cream. The lightly crunchy toasted almond crust adds just the right touch of texture, while maraschino cherries perched on pillowy cream swirls make every bite a celebration in your mouth. It’s a dessert that’s as impressive as it is comforting, perfect for sharing with friends or savoring during a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows various ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top right is a clear glass bottle with amber liquid labeled Disaronno. To its left are two small white bowls, one filled with white liquid and the other with a brown paper packet. Below them is a large white scalloped plate holding three small white bowls; the center bowl is filled with bright red cherries, the bowl on the left has white liquid, and the bowl on the right contains white powder. To the right of the plate, a small bowl holds white sugar with a sprinkle of brown spice. Below that are two metal measuring spoons side by side. Across the bottom, four metal measuring cups with wooden handles hold small cubes of yellow butter, whole almonds, sliced almonds, and white flour from left to right. The overall setup is clean and organized with a soft natural light. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe is wonderfully simple at its core — each ingredient plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the rich creaminess of the heavy whipping cream to the toasty crunch of sliced almonds, every component is key to creating that dreamy final result.

Vanilla instant pudding mix (1 box, 5-ounce): Provides the smooth, classic vanilla flavor and creamy base for the filling.
Heavy whipping cream (2 cups): Whipped to fluffy peaks, it lends lightness and a rich texture to the pie.
Cold milk (1 cup): Reactivates the pudding mix for a silky consistency.
Amaretto liqueur (1/3 cup): Adds that signature almond-flavored twist that makes this pie truly special.
Sliced almonds (1/3 cup): Sprinkled on top for a delicate crunch and vibrant texture contrast.
Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the whipped cream perfectly without graininess.
Cold water (1 ½ tablespoons): Used to bloom the gelatin, ensuring the filling sets beautifully.
Unflavored gelatin (1 teaspoon): Stabilizes the whipped cream for a smooth and firm finish.
Maraschino cherries (10, with or without stems): The cheerful finishing touch and burst of sweetness on top.
Roasted, lightly salted almonds (1 cup): Ground into the crust for a nutty flavor and delightful crunch.
All-purpose flour (½ cup): The base ingredient for the crust structure.
Granulated sugar (5 tablespoons): Adds a subtle sweetness to the crust.
Cold butter (4 tablespoons): Creates a tender, flaky texture for the crust.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the crust with a warm, comforting spice note.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is perfect for quickly baking the almond crust, ensuring it’s golden and crisp without drying out.

Step 2: Make the Almond Crust

Take one cup of roasted, lightly salted almonds and pulse them in a food processor until you reach a sandy texture—this is what gives the crust a wonderful nutty crunch. In a mixing bowl, combine these ground almonds with sugar, cinnamon, salt, and the flour. This blend creates a beautifully spiced base that elevates the next layer.

Step 3: Cut in Butter and Form Crust

Add the cold butter to the almond mixture. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial because it ensures the crust is tender and flaky after baking. Press this mixture firmly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of your pie pan. Keep the crust even to bake uniformly.

Step 4: Bake and Cool Crust

Bake your pie crust for 10 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit until it turns lightly golden and fragrant. Then, let it cool completely—this is important to keep the filling from melting and to maintain a crisp crust.

Step 5: Prepare the Gelatin Mixture

While the crust cools, mix the gelatin with cold water in a microwave-safe bowl and let it sit for about five minutes. Then microwave it briefly to liquefy the gelatin. This gelatin will stabilize the whipped cream in the pie, keeping it perfectly firm and luscious.

Step 6: Whip the Cream

In a stand mixer bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. Pause here and drizzle in the liquefied gelatin, then whip at high speed until stiff peaks appear. This whipped cream is the divine cloud that makes the filling so dreamy.

Step 7: Mix Pudding, Milk, and Amaretto

In a large bowl, combine the vanilla pudding mix, cold milk, and amaretto liqueur. The amaretto infuses the filling with that signature almond sweetness, complementing the crunchy crust and whipped cream beautifully.

Step 8: Fold Whipped Cream into Pudding

Gently fold about three-quarters of your whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Folding preserves the airy texture while integrating the rich almond flavors, resulting in a creamy filling that is neither too dense nor too airy.

Step 9: Assemble and Chill

Pour the filling into your cooled almond crust, smoothing the surface with a spatula. Refrigerate the assembled pie for at least 4 hours so everything sets perfectly and the flavors meld into a harmonious treat.

Step 10: Add Toppings

Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining sliced almonds over the pie, leaving a small border around the edges for visual appeal. Use the remaining whipped cream to pipe pretty swirls along the edge. Top each swirl with a maraschino cherry, adding a pop of color and sweetness that invites eager bites.

How to Serve Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe

A slice of pie sits on a white plate with a textured rim, showing three main layers: a crumbly light brown crust as the bottom layer, a thick creamy pale yellow filling in the middle, and a topping of white whipped cream decorated with a bright red cherry and scattered light brown almond slices on top. The pie slice is on a metal pie server, with the full pie in a scalloped white ceramic pie dish in the background sitting on a woven brown coaster on a white marbled surface. The pie topping is decorated evenly with swirls of whipped cream and cherries on each swirl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly toasted almonds sprinkled on top create a delicious nutty crunch, but you can also add a dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of melted chocolate for an elegant twist. The bright red cherries perched on whipped cream swirls add an irresistible pop of color and a juicy surprise in each bite.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or black tea, which cut through the richness perfectly. For a more decadent spread, serve alongside some fresh berry salad or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this pie in individual parfait glasses layered with the crust crumbs, filling, and toppings for a modern twist on the classic pie. Or, arrange cherries and almonds artistically around the plate for a festive presentation that will wow your guests and make any occasion feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe covered in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Stored properly, the pie is best enjoyed within 3 days to savor the full flavor and texture experience.

Freezing

This pie isn’t ideal for freezing because of its delicate whipped cream texture; freezing can cause the cream to separate or become grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

Since this is a chilled cream pie, reheating isn’t recommended. Instead, allow refrigerated leftovers to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different liqueur instead of amaretto?

Absolutely! While amaretto offers a lovely almond flavor, you can experiment with other nutty or sweet liqueurs like Frangelico or Kahlua. Just keep in mind it will slightly change the flavor profile.

Do I have to use instant pudding mix?

The instant pudding mix works perfectly for convenience and consistency, but homemade vanilla pudding can be used if you want to avoid processed mixes. Homemade versions may require adjusting the milk quantity for desired thickness.

Can I make this pie dairy-free?

With some substitutions like coconut cream for heavy cream and a dairy-free pudding mix, you can create a dairy-free version. However, keep the gelatin to help the filling set well.

How long should the pie chill before serving?

For the best texture and flavor, chilling for at least 4 hours is essential. If you can refrigerate overnight, even better.

Can I prepare the crust a day ahead?

Yes! Baking the crust a day ahead and storing it in an airtight container keeps it fresh and saves time on the day of serving. Just let it come to room temperature before filling.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about the Amaretto Cream Pie with Almonds and Cherries Recipe that makes every celebration feel a little more special. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and boozy flavors all in one elegant dessert. I promise if you make this pie, it will become a treasured favorite in your recipe collection too. So, gather those simple ingredients, bring out your mixer, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this delightful slice of joy!