Looking for a dessert that’s both show-stopping and absolutely irresistible? Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is everything you want: silky chocolate, vibrant cherries, and clouds of whipped cream, all layered inside a flaky pie crust. This is one of those recipes that always gets a rush of compliments and empty plates at parties, yet it’s totally doable, even on a busy afternoon. If you love the timeless pairing of fruit and chocolate, prepare to fall head over heels for this pie!

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be fooled by how short this ingredient list is – each one is essential to making the layers sing with flavor, color, and texture. Here’s what brings the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie together:

Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: A sturdy and flaky base that holds all of those luscious layers perfectly (store-bought or homemade both work!).
Cherry pie filling (21 oz can or homemade): This brings gorgeous ruby color, juicy tartness, and a classic pie flavor to the first layer.
Chocolate pudding mix (3.9 oz box): The shortcut to instant creamy, rich chocolate decadence without breaking a sweat.
Cold milk (2 cups, for pudding): Ensures your chocolate pudding turns out ultra-smooth and silky every time.
Whipped cream (1 ½ cups): Adds a dreamy, fluffy finish and lovely contrast against the chocolate and cherries.
Chocolate chips (½ cup, semi-sweet or dark): Little bursts of chocolatey crunch on top—choose your favorite variety for maximum pleasure.
Fresh cherries for garnish (optional): The crowning jewel! They’re eye-catching and announce the pie’s fruit-forward flavor.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Step 1: Prep Your Pie Crust

Whether you’re using a homemade or store-bought pie crust, make sure it’s fully baked and completely cooled before you start assembling your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. A crisp crust acts as the perfect contrast to all the soft, creamy layers that follow!

Step 2: Add the Cherry Layer

Pour your cherry pie filling into the cooled crust and spread it out evenly. This layer brings a punch of color and a sweet-tart kick that really sets the stage for the chocolate and cream to shine.

Step 3: Prepare and Layer the Chocolate Pudding

Whisk the chocolate pudding mix with your cold milk according to the package instructions. Let it thicken for a minute or two, then gently spread it on top of the cherry layer, sealing in all that juicy fruit beneath a rich, velvety blanket.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

Once your pudding layer is set, spread the whipped cream evenly over the top. Take your time to smooth and swirl the cream, making a cloud-like topping that always tempts a finger swipe!

Step 5: Finish with Chocolate Chips and Cherries

Sprinkle chocolate chips generously over the whipped cream, and top with fresh cherries if you have them. This simple touch takes your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie from cozy comfort food to dessert table stunner.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Pop the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the layers to set, making the pie easier to slice and intensifying the flavors throughout.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

When ready, slice generous pieces and serve chilled. Each forkful gives you an irresistible combination of flaky crust, rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and creamy topping. Pure magic!

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Garnishes

Dress up your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie with a cascade of extra chocolate chips, whole fresh cherries, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce. For an elegant touch, shave some dark chocolate over the top before serving – it’s a simple detail that never fails to wow guests.

Side Dishes

This pie loves to be the star, but it pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of strong coffee. If you want to keep things extra festive, serve it with bowls of fresh berries on the side for a pop of tartness against the sweet filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making mini Chocolate Cherry Cream Pies by assembling the layers in individual mason jars or dessert glasses for a playful twist at parties. You can also slice the pie into squares and arrange them on a beautiful platter for buffet-style gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cover any leftover Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie with plastic wrap or an airtight lid, and store it in the refrigerator. The pie will stay delicious for up to three days, although the crust may lose a little of its crispness over time – but the flavor just keeps getting better!

Freezing

Want to get a head start? You can freeze the pie (preferably without the whipped cream topping) for up to one month. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add a fresh layer of whipped cream and garnish just before serving.

Reheating

This is a pie best enjoyed chilled, straight from the fridge, so there’s no reheating necessary! Just slice and savor every creamy, chocolate-cherry-packed bite.

FAQs

Can I make Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance gives the layers time to set and lets the flavors meld. Just add the whipped cream and fresh cherries right before serving for peak freshness.

Can I use homemade cherry filling instead of canned?

Yes, homemade cherry filling works beautifully and can add an extra fresh-fruit punch to your Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before layering so it doesn’t melt your other ingredients.

What type of pie crust works best?

You can use a classic butter pastry crust, a graham cracker crust, or even chocolate cookie crust – all play well with the chocolate and cherry flavors. Just be sure it’s baked and cooled before you start assembling your pie.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can easily adapt Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie by using a non-dairy pudding mix, plant-based milk, and coconut or non-dairy whipped topping. Always check ingredient labels for hidden dairy!

Do I need to cook the pie after assembling?

No extra baking needed! Once you’ve layered everything, just chill the pie to let it set. It’s a no-bake showstopper from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you’ll give Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie a try – it’s one of those recipes that brings pure happiness with every bite. Whether you share it at a holiday gathering or treat yourself on a cozy night in, there’s always room for another slice of this dreamy dessert!

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 23 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 1 9-inch pie (8 servings) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the decadent delight of Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. This luscious dessert combines the richness of chocolate pudding with the sweetness of cherry filling, all nestled in a flaky pie crust and topped with billowy whipped cream.

Ingredients

Scale

Pie Crust:

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust

Cherry Layer:

1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling (or homemade)

Chocolate Pudding Layer:

1 box (3.9 oz) chocolate pudding mix
2 cups cold milk (for pudding mix)

Topping:

1 ½ cups whipped cream (homemade or store-bought)
½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Crust: Ensure the pie crust is pre-baked and fully cooled before assembling.
Add Cherry Layer: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly across the bottom of the crust.
Make Chocolate Pudding: Prepare the chocolate pudding according to the package instructions using cold milk. Let it thicken slightly, then spread it over the cherry layer.
Add Whipped Cream: Gently spread whipped cream over the chocolate layer, creating a smooth, even topping.
Top with Chocolate Chips: Sprinkle chocolate chips over the whipped cream, and add fresh cherries for extra flavor and presentation.
Chill the Pie: Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to allow the layers to set.
Serve: Slice and serve chilled for a rich and creamy chocolate-cherry treat!

Notes

For a shortcut, you can use a store-bought pie crust and whipped cream.
Experiment with different fruit fillings for a variety of flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 310mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie, Dessert, Pie Recipe, Chocolate Pudding, Cherry Filling