1-Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2-CRUST: CRUST: Thaw frozen pie crust at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Then dock (prick) the crust all over the bottom and sides with a fork. Place crust onto a sturdy baking sheet. Line parchment paper (or foil) inside the crust and fill it with pie weights. Alternately fill it to the top with dry beans or uncooked rice.
3-Bake at 350˚F for 20 minutes: Bake at 350˚F for 20 minutes. Carefully remove the parchment paper and weights and set on a wire rack to cool. Immediately return crust to oven and continue baking at 350˚F for an additional 10 minutes or until golden and baked through. Allow crust to cool completely.
4-FILLING: FILLING: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese for 10-15 seconds with an electric hand mixer, until creamy. Add the powdered sugar, salt, and vanilla. Beat until combined.
5-In a stand mixer with the whisk: In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whip the heavy cream to stiff peaks. (Be careful not to whip too long or it will turn to butter.) Add the whipped cream to the cream cheese mixture. Use the electric hand mixer to beat until combined. Set filling in fridge until ready to assemble the pie.
6-TOPPING: TOPPING: In a medium saucepan, whisk the sugar and cornstarch together. Add the water and SOME or ALL of the raspberries. (*You may reserve 1 CUP of fresh raspberries for topping the pie, if desired.) Bring to a boil, stirring frequently until very thick. (It will take longer to thicken if using frozen raspberries.) Remove from heat and stir in the almond extract, if desired. Refrigerate until chilled.
7-ASSEMBLE: ASSEMBLE: Spread the cream cheese filling evenly inside of the cooled pie crust. Dollop the chilled raspberry pie filling on top of the cream cheese layer. Smooth with a spatula. Top with extra raspberries if desired.
8-Cover the pie lightly with plastic wrap: Cover the pie lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours to overnight. (The texture is best when adequately chilled.)