Cheese Surprise Pie - Master Cookbook Recipe # 438

Name: Cheese Surprise Pie - Master Cookbook Recipe # 438
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 80 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened; 3 large eggs; 2/3 cup sugar; 1/2 tsp. almond extract; 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust; 1 cup sour cream; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 3 tbsp. sugar

This recipe is a vintage Southern treasure, often found in classic community cookbooks. It features a rich, velvety cream cheese filling with a hint of almond, topped with a tangy-sweet sour cream layer that balances the flavors perfectly. It's essentially a fluffy, crust-based cheesecake that has been a favorite in hometown kitchens for decades.

This is recipe #438 in Tammy’s Master Cookbook.

Prep time: 15 minCook time: 1 hr 5 min Total time: 1 hr 20 min

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Ingredients

Filling:
2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
3 large eggs
2/3 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust
Topping:
1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. vanilla extract
3 tbsp. sugar

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F.
In a large bowl, cream together the softened cream cheese and 2/3 cup sugar until smooth.
Blend in the eggs and add the almond extract.
Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture for 5 minutes to ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Pour the filling into a 9-inch pie plate lined with the unbaked pie crust.
Bake at 325 degrees F for 50 minutes.
While the pie is baking, combine the sour cream, 1 tsp. vanilla, and 3 tbsp. sugar in a small bowl.
Remove the pie from the oven and spread the sour cream mixture evenly over the top.
Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Allow the pie to cool completely to room temperature before slicing and serving.

Notes

Tammy's Tips: For the smoothest filling, make sure your cream cheese is truly at room temperature before you start mixing, otherwise you might end up with small lumps. Be sure to give it the full 5 minutes of beating with the mixer to get that signature "surprise" fluffiness. This pie is even better if you let it chill in the refrigerator after it reaches room temperature, and it's delicious served with a little dollop of whipped cream on top.