Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie

🥧🍒 Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie 🥧🍒

What is it?
Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie is a delectable dessert that combines the rich flavors of cherries, the creaminess of a custard-like filling, and the delightful crunch of an almond crust. It’s a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that make it a perfect treat for any occasion.

History:
The precise origins of Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie are not well-documented, but pies themselves have a long history dating back centuries. The combination of cherries and almonds in pies has been enjoyed in various forms in many cultures. Cherries have been a popular pie filling in the United States, especially during the summer when they are in season. Almonds, on the other hand, have been used in various forms in desserts worldwide due to their rich, nutty flavor.

Components:

• Almond Crust: The pie’s base is a crispy almond crust made from ground almonds, butter, sugar, and sometimes a touch of flour for binding.

• Cherry Filling: The heart of the pie consists of sweet cherries, often pitted and mixed with sugar, a thickener like cornstarch, and sometimes a hint of almond extract for extra flavor.

• Creamy Filling: The creamy layer typically involves a mixture of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, and sometimes whipped cream to give it a luscious texture.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Almond Crust:

   • Combine finely ground almonds, melted butter, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
   • Press this mixture into a pie dish, ensuring it covers the bottom and sides evenly.
   • Bake the crust in a preheated oven until it’s lightly golden and fragrant. Allow it to cool completely.

2. Prepare the Cherry Filling:

   • In a saucepan, combine pitted cherries, sugar, and cornstarch.
   • Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and the cherries release their juices.
   • Remove from heat and add almond extract if desired. Let it cool.

3. Prepare the Creamy Filling:

   • In a separate bowl, blend cream cheese or mascarpone cheese with sugar and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Pie:

   • Spread the creamy filling evenly over the cooled almond crust.
   • Carefully spoon the cherry filling on top of the creamy layer, ensuring an even distribution.

5. Chill and Serve:

   • Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or until it’s set.
   • Before serving, you can garnish with sliced almonds or whipped cream if desired.

Time Needed:
The preparation time for Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie can vary, but it typically takes around 30 minutes to prepare the components and assemble the pie. The chilling time in the refrigerator is at least 2-3 hours to allow it to set properly. So, in total, you should allow about 3-4 hours from start to finish.

Enjoy your delightful Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie! 🥧🍒😋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: Around 300-400 calories per slice (varies depending on slice size)
• Total Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams
  • Saturated Fat: About 8-10 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30 milligrams
• Sodium: Around 150-200 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: About 2-3 grams
  • Sugars: Around 15-20 grams
• Protein: Approximately 5-6 grams

Health Information:

1. Calorie Content: Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie is a dessert that can be high in calories, primarily due to the almond crust, cream cheese, and sugar content. It’s best enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat.

2. Fats: The pie contains a significant amount of fats, including saturated fats from the cream cheese and butter in the crust. While fats are an essential part of our diet, it’s important to consume them in moderation for heart health.

3. Sugar: The sugar content in this pie is relatively high due to the cherry filling and sugar in the creamy layer. Excessive sugar consumption can lead to health issues, including weight gain and dental problems. Consider reducing the sugar or using alternatives for a healthier option.

4. Protein: There is a small amount of protein in the pie, primarily from the almonds and cream cheese. Protein is essential for muscle and tissue repair, but this dessert is not a significant source.

5. Portion Control: To make this dessert a bit healthier, you can practice portion control by enjoying a smaller slice or sharing it with others. Pairing it with fresh fruit or a small scoop of low-fat yogurt can also enhance its nutritional value.

6. Nutrients: Almonds in the crust add a dose of healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins, but their high-calorie density should be kept in mind.

Remember that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific recipe and portion size. Enjoy Almond Crusted Cherry Cream Pie as an occasional indulgence, and balance it with a well-rounded, nutritious diet for overall health.