There’s something truly magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries. This Chocolate Cherry Pie brings together the rich, velvety decadence of chocolate with the sweet-tart pop of cherries in a dessert that’s sure to impress. The contrast between the smooth chocolate filling and juicy cherries creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate with every bite.
Perfect for special occasions or weekend family gatherings, this pie strikes the ideal balance between sophisticated flavor and homey comfort. And the best part? It only takes about 45 minutes to prepare, making it accessible even on busy days when you need a special treat.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick preparation time – only 45 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect balance of rich chocolate and tart cherries
- Impressive presentation with minimal effort
- Versatile dessert suitable for both casual and special occasions
- Can be made ahead and tastes even better the next day
Ingredients
- 1 (9-inch) chocolate pie crust
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 (21 oz) can cherry pie filling
- 8 oz Cool Whip
- 1½ cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips, divided
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
- Extra Cool Whip
- Remaining mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and powdered sugar until light and creamy.
- Gently mix in cherry pie filling.
- Fold in Cool Whip to create a smooth filling.
- Stir in 1 cup mini chocolate chips evenly.
- Spread the mixture into the chocolate pie crust, smoothing the top.
- Refrigerate for 3–4 hours until set.
- Before serving, top with extra Cool Whip, remaining chocolate chips, and optional maraschino cherries.
Tips & Variations
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon to the cherry mixture for a warm, spiced note.
- If fresh cherries aren’t available, thawed frozen cherries work perfectly – just drain excess liquid.
- For a boozy twist, add 1 tablespoon of kirsch (cherry liqueur) to the cherry mixture.
- Make mini pies using a muffin tin and circle-cut pie crust for individual servings.
- For a quicker version, use high-quality cherry pie filling instead of making your own.
Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Cherry Pie is delicious on its own, but becomes truly extraordinary when served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts slightly into the rich filling. For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle with warm chocolate sauce or sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
For a more sophisticated presentation, serve with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream and a few fresh cherries on top. A light dusting of cocoa powder adds both flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The pie can be frozen for up to 1 month – thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- The filling will continue to set as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems slightly loose when first removed from the oven.
- For the best slice, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped clean between cuts.
FAQs
Can I use a graham cracker crust instead?
Absolutely! A graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust works wonderfully with this recipe and adds another layer of flavor.
How do I know when the pie is done baking?
The crust should be golden brown, and the center should be set but still have a slight jiggle, similar to a cheesecake.
Can I make this pie without cherries?
Yes, you can substitute other berries like raspberries or strawberries, though you may need to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit.
Is this pie gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free pie crust. The filling ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
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