Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

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When rich chocolate meets tart cherries and a fluffy layer of sweet cream, something truly magical happens. This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of bold flavors and textures in every bite. With its crunchy cookie crust, silky chocolate filling, and a luscious cherry topping swirled with whipped cream, this pie is a showstopper at any gathering.

Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a summer picnic, or a cozy night in, this pie fits the bill perfectly. It keeps well in the fridge, which means you can make it ahead of time and wow your guests with minimal effort. The combination of chocolate and cherries always feels nostalgic yet fresh—a timeless pairing that never disappoints.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

This pie delivers indulgence with ease. It starts with a no-bake chocolate crust that sets the stage for a smooth chocolate cream filling made with real melted chocolate, not pudding. The crowning glory? A generous cherry pie topping and swirls of whipped cream for that perfect contrast.

You’ll also love that it’s easy to adapt. Want a richer filling? Use dark chocolate. Prefer a homemade cherry compote instead of canned? Go for it. It’s a dessert that invites creativity while staying effortlessly delicious.

What Kind of Chocolate Works Best for the Filling?

Go for semi-sweet or dark chocolate bars—not chips. Chocolate chips contain stabilizers that don’t melt as smoothly. Chop the bars finely so they melt quickly and evenly when stirred into the warm cream. If you’re aiming for a lighter taste, milk chocolate works, but you’ll lose some of the bold richness that defines this pie.

Ingredients for the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

The magic of this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie lies in the harmony of each layer. Every ingredient adds something essential, from texture to flavor.

• Chocolate cookie crust
• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Semi-sweet chocolate bar
• Cream cheese
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Whipped cream
• Cherry pie filling

The chocolate cookie crust offers a crisp, cocoa-rich base that complements the creamy filling. Butter binds the crumbs together and adds richness. Heavy cream is crucial for both the chocolate layer and for whipping. Using a semi-sweet chocolate bar creates a velvety, not-too-sweet chocolate flavor. The cream cheese adds tang and stability to the cream layer. Powdered sugar sweetens gently without adding graininess. A touch of vanilla extract lifts the flavor. Whipped cream brings airiness and a soft texture, and the cherry pie filling provides that final burst of sweet-tart fruitiness on top.

How To Make the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

Combine crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand. Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish and refrigerate for 20 minutes to set.

Step 2: Prepare the Chocolate Layer

Warm heavy cream in a saucepan until it starts to steam (don’t boil). Remove from heat and add finely chopped chocolate. Let sit for a minute, then stir until smooth and glossy. Allow to cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip the Cream Cheese Base

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until creamy. Fold in half of the whipped cream until fully incorporated.

Step 4: Assemble the Layers

Spread the cream cheese mixture over the chilled crust. Top with the cooled chocolate ganache. Chill for at least an hour.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Once the pie is firm, spoon cherry pie filling on top and finish with the remaining whipped cream piped or dolloped across the surface.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

The beauty of this pie lies in its simplicity, but a few common slip-ups can make a big difference in the final result. One is rushing the crust setting time—if it doesn’t chill long enough, it won’t hold together well when sliced. Another is overheating the cream when making the ganache; if it boils, it can split or seize the chocolate, making it grainy instead of smooth.

Also, let the ganache cool properly before adding it over the cream cheese layer. If it’s too warm, it may melt the layer underneath and cause mixing rather than clean layers. And don’t skip the final chill before topping with cherries—this helps everything stay neatly in place.

How to Serve and Store This Pie

This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie serves 8 to 10 generous slices, making it a perfect dessert for parties or potlucks. For clean slices, use a warm knife and wipe it clean between cuts.

Store any leftovers in the fridge, lightly covered with plastic wrap or foil. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, though the crust may soften slightly over time. For make-ahead purposes, you can prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance and add the cherry topping just before serving to keep it extra vibrant.

What to Serve With Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie?

Coffee or Espresso

The bitterness of strong coffee balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavors.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A scoop of ice cream adds creamy contrast and takes this dessert over the top.

Fresh Berries

Serve a small bowl of raspberries or blackberries alongside for a bright, tart note.

Chocolate Shavings or Curls

A sprinkle of curls adds flair and reinforces the rich chocolate profile.

Sparkling Wine

The bubbles cleanse the palate and make each bite feel lighter.

Toasted Almonds

A sprinkle of chopped almonds brings a welcome crunch and nutty depth.

Whipped Mascarpone

Swap whipped cream for mascarpone for a slightly tangy, more indulgent topping.

Want More Pie Ideas?

If you love this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie, here are more creative takes on indulgent desserts you’ll want to explore:

• Try the Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for a baked version of this fruity-chocolatey combo.
• The Nutella French Toast Casserole gives you breakfast-meets-dessert richness.
• Dive into Irresistible Pecan Pie Bites for a nutty mini dessert with a gooey center.
• Sopapilla Cheesecake Bars deliver cinnamon-sugar magic with minimal effort.
• Don’t miss the Chocolate Peanut Butter Dream Bars if you love layered no-bake treats.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a homemade cherry topping or stick with the classic canned version? Maybe you swapped in mascarpone for whipped cream?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that looks elegant but requires no baking and very little effort. It layers together beautifully, tastes rich and refreshing, and always hits the mark for any occasion. With the contrast of tangy cherries, creamy layers, and a snappy chocolate crust, it earns a spot in your favorite recipes folder—no doubt about it.

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