Cherry Nut Pie

For fans of light and airy icebox pies, a cherry nut pie will be a welcome addition to the recipe files. A cloud-like, no-bake lemony cream cheese filling is studded with chunks of dark cherries and pecans. The graham cracker crust also has bits of pecans chopped inside, tying the nutty flavors together.

What makes this pie special in the South? It's a regional favorite in Arkansas, where the original version was served at Roy Fisher's Steak House in Little Rock. The restaurant closed almost two decades ago, taking the recipe with it, but others have made their own versions, including this one.

What Is Cherry Nut Pie?

Cherry nut pie is a delightful dessert that combines sweet cherries with nutty pecans, nestled in a cream cheese-based filling, all set inside a crisp graham cracker crust. This pie is primarily associated with the Midwest and other regions where cherry trees have flourished. The combination of fruits and nuts in pies became popular in Southern and Midwestern baking traditions, making cherry nut pie a flavorful reflection of these regional influences. With tangy cherries balanced with the crunch of toasted pecans and a creamy filling, it's a deliciously satisfying treat.

Ingredients for Cherry Nut Pie

A crisp graham cracker crust is the perfect shell for a luscious cream cheese filling studded with rich, dark cherries and toasted pecans. To make cherry nut pie, you'll need:

• Cooking spray: Prevents the pie from sticking to the pie dish.
• Graham cracker crumbs: The base of the crust, for a classic flavor and crisp texture.
• Finely chopped pecans: Adds a nutty flavor to the crust.
• Unsalted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of the crust.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the crust and filling.
• Cream cheese: The creamy, tangy base of the pie filling.
• Fresh lemon juice: Acidity to balance the sweetness of the whipped topping and enhance the flavor of the fresh cherries.
• Frozen whipped topping: Adds lightness and sweetness to the filling for an airy result.
• Jarred pitted sweet dark cherries: For a sweet, rich cherry flavor throughout the pie.
• Chopped toasted pecans: Sprinkled into the filling and over the top of the pie for a nutty flavor and crunch.

How To Make Cherry Nut Pie

This pie couldn't be easier to prepare. A quick graham cracker crust is baked until fragrant, then cooled and filled with a combination of cream cheese, sugar, lemon, and whipped topping, with cherries and toasted pecans folded in. Chill until set, and you're ready to serve. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

• Step 1. Prepare pie dish: Preheat oven, and spray to coat a deep-dish pie dish.
• Step 2. Make crust: Stir together graham cracker crumbs, finely chopped pecans, melted butter, salt, and some sugar. Press into pie dish.
• Step 3. Bake crust: Bake until fragrant. Cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
• Step 4. Whip cream cheese: Beat cream cheese and remaining sugar until smooth. Add lemon juice and beat until combined.
• Step 5. Add CoolWhip to cream cheese: Gently fold in whipped topping. Fold in cherries and toasted pecans.
• Step 6. Add filling to crust: Spoon filling into crust. Garnish with additional cherries and toasted pecans.
• Step 7. Chill pie: Chill until fully set before serving.

Cherry Nut Pie Variations

To add your own unique twist to this pie, consider these additions and substitutions:

• Crust: Swap the graham cracker crumbs for ground vanilla wafer cookies, chocolate sandwich cookies, gingersnaps, lemon shortbread, Biscoff cookies, and more as desired.
• Pecans: You can use walnuts, almonds, pistachios, or hazelnuts in the place of pecans if preferred.
• Cherries: Feel free to swap the jarred dark cherries for pitted fresh cherries or frozen thawed cherries, if needed.
• Spices: Add a hint of cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg to the mix for additional warmth.
• Extracts: Add vanilla, almond, or lemon extract for additional flavor, or a splash of rum or bourbon to the filling for depth.
• Add-ins: Fold in chocolate chips or lemon or orange zest for additional interest.
• Toppings: Top the pie with a drizzle of caramel or chocolate sauce for extra decadence.

Can I Make Cherry Nut Pie Ahead?

While the graham cracker crust for this pie can be prepared in advance, the filling should be prepared no further than the night before serving. Bake the crust, cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze for up to two months. Fill as directed the night before serving for the freshest texture.

How To Store Leftover Cherry Nut Pie

This pie is creamy and delicious, but should be enjoyed relatively quickly for the best texture. Store leftovers of this cherry nut pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. While freezing may cause the texture to change slightly after thawing, you can also freeze leftover slices of this pie in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

More Refreshing Icebox Pie Recipes You'll Love

These icebox pie recipes are a classic for warm weather, offering cool, creamy flavors that are easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy:

• Strawberry-Pretzel Icebox Pie
• Lemon Icebox Pie
• Pina Colada Icebox Pies
• Lemon-Buttermilk Icebox Pie
• Chocolate-Peanut Butter Icebox Pie
• Peanut Butter-Banana Icebox Pie