Okay, Mom Tribe, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a dessert that’s ridiculously easy, totally decadent, and guaranteed to make you the star of dessert time: Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. We’re talking about a slice of heaven that doesn’t require you to spend hours in the kitchen, slaving over a hot stove. Nope, this is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort because, let’s be honest, who has time for complicated desserts when there are school projects, laundry mountains, and the never-ending quest to find matching socks?
I remember the first time I made this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. It was a sweltering summer afternoon, the kids were bouncing off the walls from boredom, and I needed a serious win in the dessert department. I stumbled upon a recipe that seemed simple enough, but I was skeptical. Could something this easy really taste good? The answer, my friends, was a resounding YES! The look on my kids’ faces when they took their first bite was pure joy. And the best part? It took me less than 30 minutes to whip up, leaving me more time to referee sibling squabbles and sip my iced coffee.
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie has been a family favorite ever since, requested for birthdays, holidays, and those random “I need chocolate!” moments. This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie fits perfectly into our family life because it’s quick, satisfying, and requires ingredients I usually have on hand. As a busy mom, my relationship with this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is one of gratitude – a sweet treat that delivers big flavor without a big fuss. Kitchen warriors, let’s get baking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to whip up this easy dessert!
- 1 (9-inch) pre-made graham cracker pie crust: Trust me, mama doesn’t have time to make a crust from scratch! You can grab this at Target while doing your regular grocery run.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened: This is the base of our creamy dream!
- 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps create that smooth, velvety texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A must for that classic dessert flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich, chocolatey goodness!
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling: The star of the show! Don’t worry if you only have the 20-ounce can of cherry pie filling, that will work as well.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Whipped to perfection for the topping.
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar: To sweeten the whipped cream just a touch.
- Chocolate shavings (optional): For a fancy touch (or just because you love chocolate!).
Here’s a Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie trick that saved my sanity: I always keep a can of cherry pie filling in my pantry for dessert emergencies. This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie doesn’t have to break the bank. You can often find store-brand cream cheese and graham cracker crusts that taste just as good as the name-brand versions. My family loves when I add a few drops of almond extract to the cream cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Feel free to get creative with your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie!
For ingredient prep shortcuts, I usually soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds. Just be careful not to melt it! Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. Trust me, it won’t last that long!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. We want no lumps here, friends!
- Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined. This is where the magic starts to happen.
- Add the cocoa powder and mix until everything is smooth and chocolatey. Don’t worry if your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie filling looks a little thick at this point – it will all come together beautifully.
- Pour the chocolate cream cheese mixture into the graham cracker pie crust and spread it evenly.
- Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading it evenly over the chocolate layer. Now, it’s starting to look like a real Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie!
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form. Add the powdered sugar and mix until just combined.
- Spread the whipped cream over the cherry pie filling. You can get fancy with swirls or just keep it simple – no judgment here! This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie should smell amazing by now!
- If desired, sprinkle chocolate shavings over the whipped cream. Because why not?
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. This is the hardest part, I know!
Here’s where I used to mess up my Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: I wouldn’t let it chill long enough. Patience is key, my friends! In my chaotic kitchen, this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie usually takes about 20 minutes to assemble (not including chilling time, of course). Perfect time to fold that laundry pile! While your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! Don’t panic if your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie looks a little uneven – it will still taste amazing. Remember, we’re going for “good enough,” not perfection! This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie reminds me of another family favorite!
How We Love to Eat This!
The kids devour this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm and cold, creamy and fruity. I also love to add a dollop of whipped cream on top for extra decadence. This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need a quick and easy dessert to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth. I’ve even been known to serve it for breakfast (don’t judge!).
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a crowd-pleaser at potlucks and holiday gatherings. I always get rave reviews and requests for the recipe. For presentation tips, I like to sprinkle a little cocoa powder on top of the whipped cream for a more elegant look. But honestly, it looks just as good (and tastes just as delicious) without it! If you have leftover Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie (which is rare!), you can crumble it up and use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt. Talk about a delicious way to use up leftovers!
For seasonal variations, I’ve tried using different types of pie filling, like blueberry or apple. But the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is still our favorite! My husband loves when I add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for a little extra crunch. If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for our Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
- Can my picky eater handle this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie? Absolutely! The chocolate and cherry combination is usually a winner with even the pickiest eaters. If they’re not a fan of cherries, you can try using a different type of pie filling.
- What if I burn my Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) Since this is a no-bake pie, burning isn’t really an issue! But if your graham cracker crust gets a little too dark around the edges, you can just trim it off with a knife.
- Can I make this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie ahead for meal prep? Yes! In fact, it’s even better when it’s made ahead, as it gives the flavors time to meld together. You can make it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
- Can I use a different type of crust? Of course! If you’re not a fan of graham cracker crusts, you can use a chocolate cookie crust or even a regular pie crust.
- What if I don’t have sweetened condensed milk? Unfortunately, there’s really no good substitute for sweetened condensed milk in this recipe. It’s what gives the filling its creamy texture and sweetness.
- Can I freeze this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie? I wouldn’t recommend freezing it, as the whipped cream topping may not hold up well.
- Is this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie healthy? Well, it’s definitely a treat! But it’s also a great way to satisfy your chocolate cravings without going overboard. Everything in moderation, my friends!
For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Favorite no bake dessert y’all, this cherry chocolate no bake pie …. If you like easy chocolate cherry dessert options, take a look at No Bake Chocolate Cherry Dessert | SweetOrdeal.com and Chocolate Covered Cherry Dream Pie – No Bake Dessert! – I Heart ….
Final Thoughts
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is special to my family because it’s a reminder that delicious desserts don’t have to be complicated. It’s a treat that we can all enjoy together, without me spending hours in the kitchen. It is also a simple cherry chocolate pie recipe that will be sure to become a family favorite.
Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Mom Hacks:
- Use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.
- Soften the cream cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- Let the pie chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
Family-Tested Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Variations:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for a little extra crunch.
- Use a different type of pie filling, like blueberry or apple.
- Drizzle with melted chocolate for an extra decadent treat.
My daughter loves the classic Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie, while my son prefers it with a drizzle of melted chocolate. My husband is happy with any version! I hope you try this recipe and make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings. Most of all, have fun and enjoy the process! You got this, momma. Give this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie a try, you won’t regret it!
Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie
Indulge in the decadent combination of chocolate and cherry with this luscious cream pie. A buttery crust filled with rich chocolate pastry cream and sweet cherry topping – a perfect dessert for any occasion!
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- ¼ cup cold vegetable shortening
- 5-7 tablespoons ice water
- For the Chocolate Cream Filling:
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cherry Topping:
- 1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling
- Optional: Fresh cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Make the Crust: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until dough just comes together. Form into a disc, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 12-inch circle. Transfer to a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp edges.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Prick bottom of crust with a fork. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Let cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Cream Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks lightly. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour chocolate cream filling into cooled pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap, pressing directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread cherry pie filling evenly over the chocolate cream filling.
- Garnish with fresh cherries, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
For an extra touch, add a dollop of whipped cream before serving. You can also use a store-bought graham cracker crust to save time.