If you’re craving a dessert that hits all the right notes—decadent, creamy, fruity, and totally irresistible—then this Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe is absolutely calling your name. This pie blends the rich depth of chocolate with the bright, juicy burst of cherries, wrapped up in a perfectly flaky crust and finished with a cloud of luscious whipped cream. It’s a showstopper that not only looks stunning but guarantees a slice of pure joy in every bite. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, this recipe is a must-try for any chocolate and cherry lover.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the list—each ingredient here plays a simple but vital role in turning this pie into a masterpiece. From the buttery crust to the silky chocolate filling and the fresh cherries on top, every element brings unique flavor, texture, and color that together create a dessert you won’t forget.
- All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of a tender, flaky crust; gluten-free flour works perfectly for alternative options.
- Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed, this ensures a buttery, flaky crust that’s full of richness.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the cocoa and cherries.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the chocolate.
- Ice Water: Helps bring the dough together while keeping it cool for flakiness.
- Whole Milk: Provides creaminess and richness in the chocolate filling.
- Heavy Cream: Used in both the filling and whipped topping for luscious texture.
- Cocoa Powder: The star ingredient for deep chocolate flavor in the filling.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the filling to the perfect creamy consistency; all-purpose flour can substitute if needed.
- Egg Yolks: Add richness and help set the chocolate filling firmly.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate: Melted into the filling, it combines with cocoa for a perfect chocolate balance; use dark chocolate for a bolder twist.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate’s natural flavor with a warm aroma.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped sweetened cream crowns the pie with decadent softness.
- Powdered Sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without any graininess.
- Fresh Cherries: Their vibrant color and juicy bite add freshness and contrast.
- Chocolate Shavings: Optional garnish to elevate the pie’s elegance and chocolate appeal.
How to Make Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start with mixing your all-purpose flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl, creating a perfect base. Cut in the cold cubed butter until it looks like coarse crumbs — this is the secret to that flaky crust everyone loves. Add ice water slowly, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough just comes together into a moist but not sticky ball. Shape it into a disk and wrap it so it can chill in the fridge; this rest time allows the butter to firm up again, resulting in a tender, flaky crust.
Step 2: Bake the Crust
Roll out your chilled dough on a lightly floured surface to fit your pie pan. Ease it in gently and trim the edges for a neat finish—pricking the bottom with a fork prevents air bubbles. Lining it with parchment and weights means your crust gets perfectly baked without shrinking. After that initial 15 minutes, remove the weights so the edges can crisp up their golden perfection. Allow cooling completely before filling.
Step 3: Make Chocolate Filling
In a saucepan, whisk whole milk, heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture thickens and gently bubbles—this is your luscious chocolate base taking shape. Be patient here; the stirring will reward you with a silky, rich custard that’s the heart of your pie.
Step 4: Temper Egg Yolks
Whisk your egg yolks separately before slowly incorporating some of the hot chocolate mixture into them—this crucial step prevents scrambling and ensures smooth texture. Once tempered, return the yolk mixture to the pan and cook a little longer while stirring continuously until it thickens even further.
Step 5: Combine Filling Ingredients
Remove from heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, additional butter, and vanilla extract. This step melds everything into a gorgeously glossy, rich chocolate filling. Pour this into your cooled crust and smooth the top. Pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours. This chilling time lets the filling firm up beautifully, so every slice holds together perfectly.
Step 6: Prepare Whipped Cream
Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form. This whipped cream is the light, fluffy finish that contrasts the dense chocolate filling, adding an airy sweetness that feels like a cloud on top of your pie.
Step 7: Assemble the Pie
Spread the freshly whipped cream gently over your set chocolate filling. Pile on fresh cherries for a bright, juicy burst and finish with optional chocolate shavings for that extra touch of elegance and texture. Your Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe is now ready to wow everyone at your table!
How to Serve Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh cherries and chocolate shavings aren’t just pretty—they add contrasting textures and flavors. Juicy cherries brighten the decadent richness, and chocolate curls bring a little crunch and visual drama. A sprinkle of powdered sugar can add a festive, snowy touch if you like.
Side Dishes
This pie is a star on its own, but pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a fresh berry compote can turn dessert into an extraordinary experience. A cup of strong coffee or a glass of dessert wine also complements the rich flavors perfectly for an indulgent finish.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual slices with a dollop of whipped cream piped on top, garnished with a single cherry for elegance. Or arrange mini versions of this Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe in tartlet tins for a festive party platter that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any uneaten pie covered loosely in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully for 3 to 4 days while maintaining its texture and flavor. The pie filling can firm up a bit more in the fridge, making slices easier to serve.
Freezing
You can freeze the pie after it’s fully set but before adding whipped cream and cherries. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and add your toppings just before serving for the best freshness.
Reheating
This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is not recommended. The flavors shine brightest cold, and warming it could alter the texture of the creamy filling and whipped cream.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh for the topping?
While fresh cherries provide the best texture and juiciness, frozen cherries can work if you thaw them thoroughly and drain any excess moisture to avoid a soggy pie.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes! Substitute plant-based milk and cream alternatives, such as coconut or almond cream, and use dairy-free butter to make the crust and filling. Just choose a dairy-free chocolate for the filling to keep the rich taste.
How long does it take for the pie to set in the refrigerator?
The pie needs at least 4 hours of chilling to set properly, but overnight chilling ensures the best texture and ease when slicing.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for the crust, and everything else in the recipe stays the same for a delicious gluten-free dessert.
Why is tempering the egg yolks important?
Tempering prevents the egg yolks from curdling when added to the hot chocolate mixture, which keeps your filling smooth and silky rather than scrambled or grainy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the combination of rich chocolate, fresh cherries, and fluffy whipped cream in this Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious yet comforting, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on your own. If you’re ready to create a masterpiece that will delight every chocolate and fruit lover in your life, this recipe is well worth the effort. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a go-to favorite you’ll return to again and again.
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Indulgent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie to Satisfy Your Cravings Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (crust baking) + 10 minutes (filling cooking)
- Total Time: 4 hours 55 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this luscious Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie featuring a flaky homemade crust, rich chocolate filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping adorned with fresh cherries and optional chocolate shavings. Perfect for satisfying your chocolate and fruit cravings with a harmonious blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Use alternative gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter (cold, cubed)
- 2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 4–6 tablespoons Ice Water
For the Chocolate Filling
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch (Use all-purpose flour if cornstarch is unavailable)
- 3 large Egg Yolks
- 8 ounces Semi-Sweet Chocolate (chopped) (Dark chocolate can be used for a more intense flavor)
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (for filling)
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
For the Topping
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 cup Fresh Cherries (Use fresh cherries for the best texture)
- 0 Chocolate Shavings or Curls (Optional garnish for elegance)
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Cut in the cold, cubed unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Slowly add ice water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just forms a cohesive ball. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to develop a flaky crust.
- Bake the Crust: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Carefully transfer and fit the dough into the pan, trimming any excess dough along the edges. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork to prevent bubbles. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment paper and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow it to cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together whole milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble gently, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually pour a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture into the egg yolks while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling. Slowly add the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining hot chocolate mixture.
- Cook the Filling: Return the saucepan to medium heat and cook the combined mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly until it thickens further and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine Filling Ingredients: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Mix until everything is fully melted and smooth. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set completely.
- Prepare the Whipped Cream: In a mixing bowl, combine heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using an electric mixer, whip on medium speed until soft peaks form, creating a luscious whipped cream topping.
- Assemble the Pie: Once the pie is fully chilled and set, gently spread the freshly whipped cream over the chocolate filling. Arrange fresh cherries on top for a burst of color and sweetness. Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or curls for an elegant finish. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour if you prefer a gluten-free crust.
- Dark chocolate can replace semi-sweet chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Ensure the pie crust is completely cooled before adding the filling to prevent melting.
- Tempering the egg yolks prevents them from scrambling when combined with the hot mixture.
- The pie needs at least 4 hours of chilling to properly set the filling.
- Fresh cherries enhance texture and flavor; canned or frozen cherries are not recommended.
- Optional chocolate shavings add a decorative touch but can be omitted.
