Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about chocolate and cherries. I still remember the first time I made this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie — it was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to surprise my family with something indulgent yet comforting. The scent of melting chocolate and simmering cherries filled the kitchen, and by the time the pie was ready, we were all gathered around, impatiently waiting for that first slice. It didn’t last long on the table.

This pie holds a special place in my recipe collection because it brings people together. It’s the kind of dessert that makes guests ask for seconds (and the recipe), and it’s one of the first things I reach for when I want to share a little joy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie because it’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures. The silky chocolate base melts in your mouth, while the tart cherries cut through with their brightness. The creamy topping adds a soft, luxurious finish, making every bite feel indulgent without being heavy.

This is not your average pie. It’s made with love, layered with flavor, and designed to impress without requiring hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re baking for a weekend treat, a dinner party, or just to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pie always delivers.

A Versatile Dessert for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can prepare it as a classic pie or adapt it into individual tartlets for a more elegant presentation. It’s perfect for year-round enjoyment. In summer, it’s refreshing chilled. During the holidays, it offers a rich contrast to spiced treats.

Need to make it ahead of time? You can! The pie sets beautifully in the fridge and holds up well for serving the next day. You can even tweak the filling — try swapping cherries for raspberries or a berry medley, depending on what’s in season.

Affordable Ingredients You Probably Already Have

You won’t need a trip to a specialty store for this one. The ingredients are simple and budget-friendly:

• Chocolate (semisweet or dark)

• Heavy cream

• Cherries (fresh or canned in juice)

• Cream cheese

• Sugar

• Cornstarch

• Vanilla extract

• A ready-made or homemade pie crust

Most of these are pantry staples or easy finds at any local grocery. The result? A bakery-quality pie at a fraction of the cost.

How to Prepare This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

This pie may look impressive, but I promise you — it’s surprisingly simple to make. With just a few basic techniques and some chilling time, you’ll have a bakery-worthy dessert without the stress.

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Step 1: Prepare the Crust

You can use a store-bought pie crust for convenience or make your own using crushed digestive biscuits or graham crackers mixed with melted butter.

1. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).

2. Press the crust mixture into the base and sides of a 23cm (9-inch) pie dish.

3. Bake for 8–10 minutes, until lightly golden.

4. Let it cool completely before filling.

Tip: To save time, you can also use a pre-baked crust — just skip the baking step above.

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Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling

This cherry layer adds a fruity tang that balances the richness of the chocolate cream.

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine:

   • 2 cups of pitted cherries (fresh or canned in juice)

   • 2 tablespoons of sugar

   • 1 tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in 2 tablespoons of water

2. Stir constantly until the mixture begins to thicken — about 5–7 minutes.

3. Once thickened and glossy, remove from heat and let it cool.

Note: If using canned cherries, drain them first and reserve a bit of the juice to enhance flavor.

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Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Cream Layer

This layer is velvety, smooth, and packed with chocolate flavor.

1. In a saucepan, heat 1 cup of heavy cream until it just starts to simmer.

2. Remove from heat and pour over 200g of chopped dark or semisweet chocolate in a bowl.

3. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.

4. In a separate bowl, beat 200g of cream cheese with 3 tablespoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth.

5. Once the chocolate mixture is slightly cooled, fold it into the cream cheese mixture until well combined.

This is the heart of the pie — rich but not overpowering, and smooth as silk.

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Step 4: Assemble the Pie

Now the magic happens.

1. Spread the cherry filling evenly into the cooled crust.

2. Spoon the chocolate cream over the cherry layer and smooth the top with a spatula.

3. Cover loosely with cling film and chill in the fridge for at least 4 hours — preferably overnight — until fully set.

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Step 5: Add the Cream Topping

Just before serving, top with a cloud of lightly whipped cream.

1. Whip 1 cup of cold heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of vanilla until soft peaks form.

2. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chocolate layer.

3. Optionally, garnish with shaved chocolate or a few whole cherries for a decorative finish.

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Quick and Easy

Don’t let the multiple layers fool you — this pie is quick to prepare. The steps are simple and don’t require any advanced equipment. From crust to topping, it’s a manageable recipe you can master even on a busy day.

Most of the effort is in waiting for it to chill — which means you can make it the night before and have a stunning dessert ready to go without stress.

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Customizable to Your Taste

What I love most about this recipe is how flexible it is. Prefer milk chocolate instead of dark? Go for it. Want to use mixed berries instead of just cherries? That works, too. You can even infuse the cream with instant coffee for a mocha twist.

This pie adapts easily to your preferences and to what you have on hand. It’s the kind of recipe you can personalize while still knowing it will turn out beautifully every time.

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Loved by Everyone

Whether you’re serving kids, adults, or guests with sophisticated palates, this Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie never disappoints. It’s rich without being too sweet, fruity without being too tart, and creamy without being too heavy.

From birthdays to holiday tables to casual gatherings, it always disappears fast. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or canned?

Yes, frozen cherries work perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before using them in the filling. This helps prevent the pie from becoming watery.

Can I make this pie in advance?

Absolutely. This pie is ideal for making ahead of time. Prepare it the day before, refrigerate it overnight, and add the whipped cream topping just before serving. The flavors develop even more with time.

What can I use instead of cream cheese?

If you don’t have cream cheese, mascarpone is a great alternative. It gives a slightly richer texture. Greek yogurt can also work for a lighter version, though the texture will be softer.

Can I make it without a crust?

You can serve the filling in cups or ramekins as a crustless dessert. Simply layer the cherry and chocolate cream in individual serving glasses and chill them. It’s a beautiful presentation and still delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The crust may soften slightly over time, but the flavor will remain rich and delicious.

Can I freeze this pie?

You can freeze the pie without the whipped topping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and add the whipped cream just before serving.