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!

Nutriscore Rating: 40/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:40 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 8

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

Step 2

In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Mix until the texture resembles wet sand.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

Pour the filling into the cooled crust and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle.

Step 9

Turn off the oven and crack the oven door slightly. Let the pie cool in the oven for 1 hour to prevent cracking.

Step 10

Remove the pie from the oven and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to set fully.

Step 11

Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a drizzle of fruit syrup, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1117.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4057.5

Total Fat 278.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 162.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 1117.7mg	0%
Sodium 2778.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 351.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 4.7g	0%
Total Sugars 244.2g
Protein 57.5g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 777.5mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 900.9mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 60.5%

Protein: 5.5%

Carbs: 33.9%