Description
This Berry Cream Cheese Pie is a delightful no-water-bath dessert featuring a crunchy vanilla wafer crust, a smooth and fluffy cream cheese filling, and a luscious homemade berry topping. Perfectly balanced with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, this easy-to-make pie is baked to perfection and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cup Vanilla Wafers, crushed (about 3 cups whole)
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
Berry Topping
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Filling
- 2 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), room temperature
- ½ cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat the oven to 400ºF and spray a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray. Crush the vanilla wafers until fine crumbs form, mix them with the melted butter using a fork until well combined. Press this mixture evenly into the bottom and up the sides of the pie dish. Tap the crust firmly with the bottom of a measuring cup or a flat surface to compact it. Set aside.
- Cook the berry topping: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Cook over high heat for 3-5 minutes if using fresh berries, or 5-6 minutes if frozen, stirring occasionally until the berries have softened, broken apart, and the mixture starts to thicken.
- Thicken the berry sauce: Mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then add this mixture to the berries. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes over medium heat while stirring constantly until the topping thickens to a jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Make the cream cheese filling: In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add ½ cup sugar, eggs, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on medium speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and well combined.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the cream cheese filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top evenly. Carefully spoon or pour the cooled berry topping over the filling, spreading it gently to cover the entire surface.
- Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center of the pie is set and no longer jiggly. Remove from oven and allow to cool before serving.
Notes
- Using room-temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy filling without lumps.
- If using frozen berries, increase cooking time slightly to achieve proper softening.
- The crust can be pressed firmly to avoid crumbling during baking and serving.
- Allow the pie to fully cool to room temperature or chill before slicing for best texture.
- This pie does not require a water bath, making it easier and faster to bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
