Easy, Basic Cream Cheese Pie with Variations

 Basic Cheese Pie           ReaLemon Recipe Collection

1 (9”) graham cracker crumb crust
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese @ room temperature
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 c. lemon juice
1 t. vanilla extract

In large bowl, beat cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk. Beat until smooth. Stir in lemon and vanilla. Pour into crust. Chill 3 hours or until set. Refrigerate leftovers.

Make It Yours

* Top Basic Cheese Pie with store bought fruit pie filling such as cherry, blueberry etc.
* Top Basic Cheese Pie with Glazed Strawberry: In a small saucepan combine 3 T. apple jelly and 1 T. lemon juice. Cook and stir until jelly melts. Combine 1/2 t. cornstarch and 1 T. water; add to jelly mixture. Cook and stir until thickened and clear. Cool 10 minutes. Arrange sliced strawberries over top of pie; spoon glaze over strawberries.
* Top Basic Cheese Pie with Ambrosia: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 c. peach or apricot preserves, 1/4 c. flaked coconut, 2 T. orange-flavored liqueur and 2 t. cornstarch. Cook and stir until thickened. Remove from heat. Chill thoroughly. Arrange fresh orange sections (1 or 2 oranges) on top of cheese pie. Drizzle with sauce.
* Top Basic Cheese Pie with Cranberry Nut: In a small bowl, combine 1 c. chilled cranberry-orange relish; 1/2 c. chopped walnuts and 1 t. grated orange rind. Spread over pie. Garnish with orange twists if desired.