A cloud-like, no-bake lemony cream cheese filling is studded with chunks of dark cherries and pecans.

Thegraham crackercrust also has bits of pecans chopped inside, tying the nutty flavors together.

What makes this pie special in the South?

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie whole and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

What Is Cherry Nut Pie?

This pie is primarily associated with the Midwest and other regions where cherry trees have flourished.

Chill until set, and you’re ready to serve.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Fill as directed the night before serving for the freshest texture.

Store leftovers of this cherry nut pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie coating the pie plate with cooking spray

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

5Tbsp.unsalted butter, melted

1/4tsp.kosher salt

1 1/4cupsgranulated sugar, divided

2(8-oz.)pkg.

cream cheese

2Tbsp.fresh lemon juice

1(8-oz.

Coat a 9-inch deep-dish pie dish with cooking spray; set aside.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie stirring together the crust ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Firmly press into bottom and up sides of prepared pie dish.

Let cool to room temperature on a wire rack, about 20 minutes.

Add lemon juice, and beat until just combined.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie pressing the crust into the pie plate

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Gently fold in cherries and toasted pecans until evenly dispersed.

Add filling to crust:

Spoon filling into prepared crust, spreading evenly.

Garnish with additional cherries and toasted pecans.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie crust after baking

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Store pie, covered, in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This pie should be served chilled, straight out of the refrigerator for the best texture.

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie beating the cream cheese and sugar together

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie filling after folding in the whipped topping, cherries, and nuts

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie spreading the filling in the crust

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern living Cherry Nut Pie garnished with cherries and nuts

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Cherry Nut Pie sliced and ready to serve

Credit:Caitlin Bensel, Food Stylist: Torie Cox