Amaretto Cream Pie is a dessert that isn’t just tasty; it’s a delightful journey for your taste buds! Imagine a creamy filling bursting with the sweet notes of amaretto, nestled in a crunchy almond crust. Oh yes, it feels indulgent, yet it maintains a lightness that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this pie serves up happiness on a plate.
How can you resist a dessert that combines smooth vanilla pudding with the rich flavor of amaretto liqueur? And let’s not forget about the toppings—imagine fluffy whipped cream, crunchy toasted almonds, and vibrant maraschino cherries. Each bite is a celebration of textures and flavors that’s sure to leave you and your loved ones reaching for seconds. So grab your apron, and let’s start creating something unforgettable together!
Why This Recipe Works
Creating an exquisite Amaretto Cream Pie revolves around understanding flavor balance and texture. The rich amaretto liqueur pairs perfectly with a smooth vanilla pudding filling. This pairing invites a fusion of sweetness and nuttiness, which creates a mouthwatering experience. The almond crust adds a delightful crunch that resonates with the creamy filling.
The folding technique used in the filling is essential; it keeps the texture light and airy. This means each bite melts in your mouth, providing a smooth and decadent experience. When these elements come together, they form a harmonious blend that captivates the palate with every forkful.
Why You’ll Love This Amaretto Cream Pie
This pie goes beyond being just a dessert; it’s truly an experience. The sumptuous whipped cream topping, combined with toasted almonds and maraschino cherries, elevates both the presentation and taste. It’s a dish that feels special, making it ideal for celebrations or cozy family gatherings alike.
What truly stands out is the balance it strikes between luxury and comfort. You’ll enjoy a delightful, light treat that doesn’t skimp on indulgence. Each slice of Amaretto Cream Pie is a delightful moment of joy—one that you’ll want to share with everyone at the table!

Ingredients for Amaretto Cream Pie
- For the Almond Crust:
- 1 cup roasted, lightly salted almonds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
-
4 tablespoons cold butter
-
For the Filling:
- 1 box (5-ounce) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur (Disaronno or similar)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
-
1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
-
For Toppings:
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 10 maraschino cherries (with or without stems)
Making the Almond Crust

Prepare the Almonds
Start by putting 1 cup of roasted almonds into a food processor. Pulse them until they reach a sandy texture, ensuring they’re finely chopped.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Next, grab a mixing bowl and combine the ground almonds with flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix them thoroughly.
Incorporate Butter
Now, add 4 tablespoons of cold butter to the mixture. Use your hands or a pastry cutter to blend until you get a crumbly texture.
Form the Crust
Once your mixture is ready, press it evenly into the bottom and halfway up the sides of a pie pan.
Bake the Crust
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the crust for about 10 minutes. After baking, let it cool completely to set the crust perfectly.
Crafting the Creamy Filling
Prepare Gelatin Mixture
Take a microwave-safe bowl and mix the unflavored gelatin with 1 1/2 tablespoons of cold water. Let it stand for 5 minutes to allow the gelatin to bloom.
Whip the Cream
In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine 2 cups of heavy whipping cream with 1/2 cup powdered sugar. Whip on medium-high until soft peaks start to form.
Liquefy Gelatin
Now, heat the gelatin mixture in the microwave for just 3-5 seconds, ensuring it turns liquid but is not hot. Gradually drizzle this liquefied gelatin into your whipped cream while mixing on high. You want to achieve stiff peaks—this adds stability to your filling.
Combine Pudding and Amaretto
In a large bowl, whisk together the vanilla pudding mix, 1 cup of cold milk, and 1/3 cup of amaretto liqueur until smooth and well combined.
Mix the Fillings
Now it’s time to gently fold about 3/4 of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture. Use a spatula to ensure everything is fully combined without deflating the cream.
Fill the Crust
Pour the creamy filling into the cooled crust. Smooth the top with a spatula for a polished finish. Chill the pie for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to let it set properly.
Finishing Touches
Top with Sliced Almonds
When you’re ready to serve the pie, sprinkle 1/3 cup of sliced almonds on top. Make sure to leave a 1-inch border for the whipped cream.
Pipe Whipped Cream
Using the remaining whipped cream, pipe small swirls around the edge of the pie. These will serve as a beautiful and tasty border.
Garnish with Cherries
Dry 10 maraschino cherries with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place one on each swirl of whipped cream for a lovely finishing touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Amaretto Cream Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. A warm cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine also complements this dessert beautifully.
Tips for Success
- Make sure all your ingredients, especially the cream, are cold before whipping. Cold ingredients whip better and hold their shape.
- Allow the pie to chill for at least 4 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up, you could substitute almond flour for regular flour to create a gluten-free crust. Additionally, experimenting with different liqueurs, such as hazelnut or chocolate, can lead to unique flavor profiles.
Storage Tips
To keep your pie fresh, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You might want to avoid freezing it, as the texture could be affected.

FAQs
1. Can I make this pie in advance?
Absolutely! This pie can be prepared 1-2 days ahead. Just keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
2. Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Yes! Swap the amaretto liqueur with almond extract and increase the milk slightly for moisture.
3. How can I make my crust more flavorful?
Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or mixing in some crushed cookies for a twist on the crust flavor.
4. Can I use whipped topping instead of making fresh whipped cream?
Yes, that’s possible! However, for the best flavor and texture, homemade whipped cream is recommended.
5. What can I do with leftover pie?
Store any leftover slices in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can slice and freeze individual pieces for later enjoyment.
The Amaretto Cream Pie stands out as a sweet indulgence you won’t want to miss. This dessert is perfect for any gathering or simply a comforting treat at home. Enjoy the creamy, nutty delight that pairs so wonderfully with good company and treasured moments.
Print
Amaretto Cream Pie
Amaretto Cream Pie offers a creamy and nutty experience with a smooth vanilla filling and a crunchy almond crust. It’s perfect for any occasion, striking a balance between indulgence and lightness.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup roasted, lightly salted almonds
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter
- 1 box (5-ounce) vanilla instant pudding mix
- 1 cup cold milk
- 1/3 cup amaretto liqueur (Disaronno or similar)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cold water
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 10 maraschino cherries (with or without stems)
Instructions
- Prepare the almonds in a food processor until sandy.
- Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl.
- Add cold butter and blend until crumbly.
- Press mixture into pie pan and bake at 425°F for 10 minutes.
- Cool the crust completely.
- Bloom gelatin with cold water for 5 minutes.
- Whip cream with powdered sugar until soft peaks form.
- Heat gelatin and mix into the whipped cream to achieve stiff peaks.
- Combine pudding mix, milk, and amaretto until smooth.
- Fold whipped cream into the pudding mixture gently.
- Pour filling into chilled crust and smooth the top.
- Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Top with sliced almonds and pipe remaining whipped cream.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Ensure all ingredients are cold before whipping for the best results.
Chill the pie for at least 4 hours for optimal flavor and texture.
Consider using almond extract for a non-alcoholic version.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 180
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 22
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
- Cholesterol: 80