Handwritten recipe for Cheese Pie
by: salvagedrecipes

Southern Cheese Pie with Meringue Topping

Cheese Pie
Cheese Pie is a classic baked custard-style dessert that blends creamy richness with warm spice. Popular in mid-20th-century American kitchens, this pie combines butter, sugar, eggs, and cream with a touch of cornstarch for structure and cinnamon and nutmeg for depth. Unlike modern cream cheese pies, this version has a light, almost soufflé-like texture, topped with a delicate meringue made from whipped egg whites and sugar. Baked until lightly browned, it offers a silky interior and golden crown. Its simple pantry ingredients and comforting flavor make it a timeless dessert for gatherings and holidays alike.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 365 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup butter ( or margarine, melted or softened)
  • 1 ½ cups sugar (divided)
  • 4 eggs (separated)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 ½ tsp cornstarch
  • ¼ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat Oven

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

  • In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and 1 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add Egg Yolks

  • Beat in egg yolks until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Add Cream and Spices

  • Mix in heavy cream.
  • Add cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Blend until smooth.

Step 5: Fill Pie Shell

  • Pour mixture into the unbaked 9-inch pie shell.

Step 6: First Bake

  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes or until top is browned and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
  • Remove and set aside.

Step 7: Prepare Meringue

  • In a clean bowl with clean beaters, beat egg whites until foamy.
  • Gradually add remaining ½ cup sugar.
  • Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Step 8: Top Pie

  • Pile meringue lightly onto pie, spreading to the edges to seal.

Step 9: Final Bake

  • Return pie to oven.
  • Bake 10–15 minutes or until meringue is lightly browned.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

  • Cool before slicing and serving.

Tips

  • Substitute cream cheese for part of the butter for a tangier filling.
  • Add a splash of vanilla extract for added depth.
  • Use freshly grated nutmeg for stronger aroma.
  • Try a graham cracker crust for a different texture.
  • Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
  • Chill before serving for a firmer slice.
  • Top with fresh berries for contrast.
  • Use a stand mixer for best meringue volume.

Nutrition

Calories: 365kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 180mgPotassium: 110mgFiber: 1gSugar: 30gVitamin A: 820IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword baked dessert, classic recipes, comfort food, custard pie, holiday dessert, meringue topping, vintage, warm spices
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