In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
1½ cups Graham Crackers, 6 tbsp Sugar, 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter
Press onto the bottom and up the sides of a well greased 8-9 inch (20-23 cm) tart pan with removable bottom or spring form pan.
1½ cups Graham Crackers, 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter, 6 tbsp Sugar
Press the crumb mixture onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan.
1½ cups Graham Crackers, 6 tbsp Unsalted Butter, 6 tbsp Sugar
Cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill while you make the filling.
Combine lemon zest, if using, with the sugar, rub together until sugar is fragrant, set aside.
2 tbsp Granulated White Sugar
In the bowl of your electric mixer, or with a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
227 grams Cream Cheese
Add the lemon-sugar and beat until light and fluffy.
¼ tsp Lemon Zest
Scrape down the sides of the bowl and beat in the vanilla extract.
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
In a clean bowl, beat the whipping cream until soft peaks form.
1 cup Whipping Cream
Gradually fold or beat the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture.
227 grams Cream Cheese, 1 cup Whipping Cream
Pour the filling over the chilled graham cracker crust and smooth the top.
1½ cups Graham Crackers
Cover and place in the refrigerator for about an hour and then spread the cherry pie filling over the filling.
1 can Ruby Red Cherry Pie Filling
Return to the refrigerator to chill for several hours, or even overnight.