If you are on the hunt for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly marries rich flavors and creamy textures, the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine luscious layers of sweet cherry filling nestled under a velvety chocolate cream, all encased in a buttery crust topped with fluffy whipped cream and vibrant maraschino cherries. This pie not only delights your taste buds but also makes any occasion feel extra special. It’s simple enough for a home baker and impressive enough to serve to guests, making it an absolute must-try in your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe lies in a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in delivering its irresistible flavor and texture. Every component, from the creamy cheese to the tart cherries, works in harmony to create layers that are both delightful to look at and to eat.
- 9-inch pie crust: Choose a pre-baked pastry or graham cracker crust to provide a crisp, sturdy base for the filling.
- Cherry pie filling (21 oz): This sweet and slightly tart layer gives the pie its signature fruity punch and beautiful red color.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz): Adds a rich, smooth chocolate flavor that pairs perfectly with the cherries.
- Cold whole milk (1 ½ cups): Essential to properly thicken the pudding and achieve a creamy consistency.
- Cream cheese (8 oz, softened): Provides a silky, tangy depth that balances the sweetness and elevates the texture of the cream layer.
- Powdered sugar (½ cup): Sweetens the cream cheese perfectly without any grit, ensuring a smooth finish.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor, adding a warm, aromatic note.
- Whipped topping (8 oz, divided): Brings lightness and fluffiness to the cream layer and acts as a beautiful topping.
- Chocolate chips (½ cup): Adds bursts of chocolate crunch when sprinkled on top.
- Maraschino cherries (12 pieces): For garnish that brings charm and an extra fruity pop.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Begin by pre-baking your pie crust as per the package or your favorite recipe instructions. This ensures a crisp foundation that won’t get soggy once the wet fillings are added. If you prefer a graham cracker crust, press it firmly into your pie dish and chill for at least 30 minutes to let it set perfectly.
Step 2: Add the Cherry Filling
Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly over the cooled crust. This layer is the vibrant, juicy heart of the pie and creates a stunning red contrast against the chocolate topping.
Step 3: Make the Cream Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until it’s completely smooth and creamy. This mixture provides a luscious base for your chocolate pudding and adds a mild tang that brightens the overall flavor.
Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Pudding
In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with cold whole milk. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens to a pudding consistency. This step is crucial to achieving that silky chocolate layer that complements the cherries beautifully.
Step 5: Combine Cream Cheese and Pudding
Gently fold the prepared chocolate pudding into the cream cheese mixture, creating a rich, velvety cream. Then fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the texture, making it fluffy but still decadent.
Step 6: Layer the Chocolate Cream
Spread the luscious chocolate cream mixture evenly over the cherry layer in the pie crust. This smooth layer is where the creamy chocolate shines, creating a wonderful contrast with the juicy cherries underneath.
Step 7: Add the Whipped Topping
Top the pie with the remaining whipped topping, smoothing it evenly over the chocolate cream. This final layer adds a light, airy finish that’s simply irresistible to dig into.
Step 8: Garnish with Cherries and Chocolate Chips
Decorate the top with festive maraschino cherries and sprinkle chocolate chips generously. These garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add a fun texture and bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Step 9: Chill Before Serving
Refrigerate the pie for at least three hours or overnight. This chilling time allows the layers to set firm, melding the flavors into an unforgettable experience when sliced.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe
Garnishes
To make your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe truly shine on the table, consider adding extra swirls of whipped cream or a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Fresh cherries can also be halved and arranged beautifully around the pie’s edge for a fresh, elegant touch.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of milk for a classic touch or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for an indulgently creamy pairing that amplifies the chocolate and cherry flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices in clear glass dessert dishes layered with extra cherry filling or chocolate shavings for a personalized presentation. Or, add a drizzle of chocolate or cherry sauce on the plate alongside each slice to make every portion look gourmet.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe, store any leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it stays delicious and creamy for up to three days, letting you savor every last bite.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this pie because the texture of the cream and cherries can be affected, becoming watery or grainy when thawed. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This pie is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you prefer a slightly softer texture, allow slices to sit out for 10–15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a homemade pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A homemade pie crust adds a personal touch and can be customized to your flavor preference. Just make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the fillings.
What if I can’t find cherry pie filling?
You can substitute with fresh or frozen cherries cooked down with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to thicken. While it takes a little more time, fresh filling adds a lovely homemade flavor.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes, with some adjustments. Use dairy-free cream cheese, pudding mixes, and whipped topping alternatives. The texture and taste might vary slightly, but it can still be delicious.
How long does this pie need to chill before serving?
For the best results, chill the pie for at least three hours or overnight. This time allows the filling to set perfectly and flavors to meld for that perfect slice.
Can this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe be made ahead for a party?
Definitely! It’s a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Prepare it the day before your event to save time and enhance flavor blending. Just keep it refrigerated until serving.
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe is one of those desserts that instantly makes you feel cozy and celebrated all at once. With its luscious chocolate cream, bright cherry sweetness, and dreamy whipped topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser every time. I guarantee once you try this pie, it’ll become a beloved staple in your dessert lineup. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this shining star of a pie—you won’t regret it!
Print
Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This no-bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a luscious dessert combining a pre-baked or graham cracker crust with layers of sweet cherry pie filling, creamy chocolate pudding, and whipped topping. Perfectly garnished with chocolate chips and maraschino cherries, it’s a delightful treat that requires minimal preparation and is ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch pie crust, pre-baked or graham cracker
Filling
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 ½ cups cold whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 container (8 oz) whipped topping, divided
Topping
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 12 maraschino cherries, for garnish
Instructions
- Pre-bake and prepare crust: Pre-bake your 9-inch pie crust according to package or recipe directions and allow it to cool completely. If using a graham cracker crust, press it firmly into a pie dish and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to set.
- Layer cherry pie filling: Spread the entire can of cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the cooled pie crust, creating a flavorful base layer.
- Make cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Prepare chocolate pudding: In a separate bowl, whisk the instant chocolate pudding mix with the cold whole milk until the pudding thickens, usually about 2 minutes.
- Combine pudding and cream cheese: Gently fold the thickened chocolate pudding into the cream cheese mixture until well incorporated, then fold in half of the whipped topping to lighten the texture.
- Add chocolate cream layer: Spread this chocolate cream mixture evenly over the cherry pie filling layer in the crust.
- Top with whipped topping: Spread the remaining whipped topping smoothly over the chocolate cream layer, creating a clean, even surface.
- Garnish: Decorate the pie surface with chocolate chips and arrange maraschino cherries evenly across the top for a festive look.
- Chill: Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or preferably overnight to allow the filling to set perfectly before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use cold milk for the pudding to ensure it thickens properly.
- For a quicker option, use a pre-made graham cracker crust to skip the baking step.
- Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
- To reduce sweetness, you may use sugar-free cherry pie filling or sugar-free pudding mix.
- Decorations like extra chocolate shavings or nuts can be added for more texture.
