Well this is my last “pie” recipe…(be sure to check out my Reese’s Peanut Butter Pie, Chocolate Pecan Pie, and Blackberry Pie) Technically it is called a cake, but since I usually make it in a pie pan… I am counting it as a pie!

I have to start by saying that marketers are getting really savvy selling us these little microwave cakes.  One nice hot cake with no baking in just 45 seconds!  For only $2.00 bucks a pop, which is cheaper than take out… although a regular cake mix that feeds 10 is $1.25.  But I am happy to tell you that you can make one for about .20 cents or less at home in about the exact same time… (check a good recipe out for a Microwave Pudding Cake here).

But another one of those funny items to me is the no bake cheesecake mixes in a box.   It is so easy to make your own, and generally homemade is better… and this is no exception!  This one is good! (the exception, in case you are wondering – those triple chocolate bund cakes at Sam’s club or Costco… YUMMY!)

No Bake Cherry Cheesecake

1 9″ graham cracker crust (premade or recipe below)

1 8oz cream cheese, softened

1 1/3 c sweetened condensed milk

1 lemon rind, finely grated

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 can cherry pie filling

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature or soften in microwave for approximately 30 seconds.  Whip cream cheese with beaters till fluffy.  Gradually add condensed milk while beating, then lemon juice, rind and vanilla.  Pour into prepared crust.  Top with pie filling.  (My mom likes to add a capful of rum and butter flavorings to the cherries)

*Crust Recipe:

1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers,

1/3 c melted butter

3 T sugar

To make your own crust simply combine ingredients in a bowl, and press evenly into pie pan.  Bake at 375 for about 8 minutes.  Image source 1 and image source2

Please be sure to check out these mood boards here:

Design Dump

Under the Table and Dreaming

DIY Showoff

So what have you all been baking lately?

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Thanks!