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.
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