Recipe: Cafe au Lait Pie (freeze ahead)

CAFE AU LAIT PIE

"Ashlee King's simple dessert takes only a few minutes to assemble, and it's bound to disappear just as quickly."

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons instant mocha-flavored coffee granules, such as General Foods International Suisse Mocha
1 (8 ounce) tub frozen whipped topping, such as Cool Whip, thawed
1 graham cracker pie shell or chocolate cookie crust
Cocoa powder or chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish)

In a mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar until creamy. Beat in the instant coffee, then fold in the whipped topping.

Pour the mixture into the pie shell and smooth the top (or spread half the filling into the pie shell, then decoratively pipe the remaining half of the filling on top, using a large star tip).

Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving. Thaw a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.

TO FREEZE AHEAD:
Assemble and freeze ahead of time. Allow to thaw slightly before serving.

Makes 8 servings
Source: Deborah Geering for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 28, 2007