Cherry Torte is a classic mid-century American dessert that reflects the era’s love of simple, elegant entertaining using convenient ingredients. Often prepared in a Corning Ware skillet, this dessert combines a buttery graham cracker crust with a rich, baked cream cheese filling, then finishes with a glossy fruit topping. Popular during the 1950s–1970s, recipes like this were frequently shared in community cookbooks and on typed cards, highlighting practical yet impressive desserts. The balance of creamy filling and bright cherry topping makes it both visually appealing and satisfying, ideal for gatherings where ease and presentation mattered just as much as flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (½ cup for crust, ½ cup for filling)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 2 large eggs
- 21 oz cherry pie filling (or blueberry pie filling)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 325°F (slow oven).
Step 2: Prepare Crust
- Crush graham crackers using a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.
Step 3: Melt Butter
- Melt butter in a 10-inch oven-safe skillet (such as Corning Ware) over low heat.
- Remove from heat.
Step 4: Mix Crust Ingredients
- Stir graham cracker crumbs and ½ cup sugar into the melted butter until well combined.
Step 5: Form Crust
- Press mixture firmly into the bottom of the skillet to create an even crust.
Step 6: Prepare Filling
- Bring cream cheese to room temperature.
- Beat until smooth using a rotary or electric mixer.
Step 7: Add Sugar
- Gradually beat in remaining ½ cup sugar until fully incorporated.
Step 8: Add Eggs
- Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.
Step 9: Smooth Filling
- Continue beating until mixture is very smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Assemble
- Pour cream cheese mixture over the prepared crust.
Step 11: Bake
- Bake for 25 minutes until set.
Step 12: Cool
- Remove from oven and allow to cool completely.
- For faster cooling, place skillet directly in refrigerator.
Step 13: Add Topping
- Spoon cherry pie filling evenly over the top.
Step 14: Chill
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight before serving.
Tips
- Substitute blueberry pie filling for a different flavor
- Use a springform pan instead of a skillet for cleaner slices
- Add a tespoon of vanilla to the filling for extra flavor
- Mix crushed nuts into the crust for added texture
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter version
- Add a thin layer of whipped cream before serving
- Chill overnight for best texture and flavor
- Use fresh fruit topping when in season
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 5gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!