If you are craving a truly indulgent treat, the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe is your ultimate answer. This pie brings together a lush chocolate wafer crust, a vibrant cherry filling bursting with flavor, and a silky chocolate cream layer crowned with fluffy whipped cream. Combining tart cherries with rich chocolate and creamy textures, this dessert feels special yet is surprisingly approachable. Whether it’s a holiday centerpiece or a weekend reward, this pie delivers that perfect balance of sweet and tangy with every heavenly bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this pie lies in a handful of simple, quality ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, enriching the texture, taste, and visual appeal of the final creation.
- Chocolate wafer crumbs: Provide a crisp, chocolatey base that adds crunch and depth to the crust.
- Unsalted butter: Binds the crust ingredients together and adds a creamy richness without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and cherry filling, balancing tartness beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate and cherries shine.
- Fresh sweet cherries (or canned): The star ingredient — they bring a bright, juicy tartness that’s simply irresistible.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the cherry filling to a luscious, jam-like consistency.
- Lemon juice: Adds just a touch of acidity to enhance the cherries’ natural flavors.
- Almond extract: Introduces a delicate nutty aroma that complements cherries perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Central in creating both the silky chocolate layer and the light whipped topping.
- Bittersweet chocolate: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor that pairs flawlessly with the bright cherries.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without graininess.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and complexity to both the chocolate cream and whipped topping.
- Chocolate shavings and fresh cherries: Optional but highly recommended garnishes that make your pie look as stunning as it tastes.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Crust
Start by mixing the chocolate wafer crumbs with sugar and salt in a medium bowl. Adding melted butter binds everything into a uniform, moistened mix. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate, coating the bottom and the sides evenly. Chill it well so the crust can set up with a satisfying crunch to hold all the luscious fillings.
Step 2: Make the Cherry Filling
If you’re using fresh cherries, be sure to pit them carefully. Combine the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture thickens into a shiny, jam-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and almond extract for a fragrant dimension. Allow the filling to cool down completely before assembling.
Step 3: Create the Chocolate Cream Layer
Lightly heat heavy cream until it just starts to simmer, then pour it over finely chopped bittersweet chocolate. Let this sit for a minute to melt the chocolate, then whisk until the chocolate cream is glossy and silky. Mix in softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt for added richness. Cool this filling slightly before pouring over the cherry layer.
Step 4: Assemble and Chill
Pour the cooled cherry filling into the chilled chocolate crust, spreading it out evenly. Next, gently pour the slightly cooled chocolate cream over the top, letting it cascade beautifully over the cherry layer. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours or better yet overnight, so the fillings set perfectly for slicing and serving.
Step 5: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping
Chill your mixing bowl and beaters before whipping heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until firm peaks form. Spread this luscious whipped cream gently over the set chocolate cream layer. Finish with a sprinkle of chocolate shavings and a few fresh cherries for a picture-perfect presentation.
How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your pie with delicate chocolate shavings and fresh cherries scattered on top. The shavings add texture and visual interest, while the cherries give that fresh pop of color and tartness that makes each slice stunningly irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a drizzle of homemade whipped vanilla sauce if you want an extra layer of indulgence. For those who like a little crunch contrast, some toasted nuts on the side complement the creamy texture beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an inviting display, slice the pie and serve it on elegant plates with chocolate curls and mint leaves for a pop of fresh green. Alternatively, individual mini pies or tartlets can be made with this recipe to serve guests at parties. Adding a dusting of cocoa powder or a light brush of cherry syrup along the edges of the plate can make your presentation truly memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this pie, cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will keep the crust crisp, the filling fresh, and the whipped cream from drying out for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This pie can be frozen for longer storage, but be mindful that whipped cream toppings may lose their texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze the pie without whipped cream for up to 1 month and add fresh whipped topping after thawing.
Reheating
This dessert is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If the crust softens slightly after refrigeration, letting the pie sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving can help revive its texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh or canned?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess liquid in your filling. Frozen cherries often work just as well, especially when they’re out of season.
Is the pie gluten-free?
The traditional chocolate wafer crumbs contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free chocolate cookies or wafers to make the crust suitable for gluten-free diets.
Can I make this pie without fresh cherries?
Yes, canned cherries work well as an alternative. Just drain them well and pat dry to keep the filling from becoming too watery.
What’s the best chocolate to use for the cream layer?
Bittersweet chocolate gives the perfect balance of sweetness and richness. Avoid very sweet chocolates as they can overpower the cherry flavor.
How long will the pie stay fresh in the fridge?
This pie stays delicious and fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly covered. After that, texture and flavor may start to decline.
Final Thoughts
There is something so wonderfully satisfying about making and sharing the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe. Every bite tells a story of rich chocolate, bright cherries, and creamy goodness, all coming together in a beautiful balance of textures and flavors. I encourage you to try this recipe the next time you want to impress guests or treat yourself—it’s truly a dessert to remember!
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Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie: A Decadent Dessert Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a luscious and decadent dessert combining a crisp chocolate wafer crumb crust with a rich cherry filling and a smooth bittersweet chocolate cream topping. Finished with fluffy whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and fresh cherries, it’s perfect for special occasions or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 ½ cups chocolate wafer crumbs (about 36 wafers)
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Cherry Filling
- 4 cups fresh sweet cherries, pitted (or 2 cans (14.5 oz each) pitted cherries in water, drained)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon almond extract
Chocolate Cream Filling
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 3 tablespoons powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings (for garnish)
- Fresh cherries (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chocolate wafer crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt until combined. Pour in the melted butter and mix until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie plate to form the crust. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or freeze for 15-20 minutes to set.
- Prepare the cherries: If using fresh cherries, pit them thoroughly. If using canned cherries, drain them well and pat dry to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
- Make the cherry filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and almond extract. Allow the filling to cool completely before using.
- Make the chocolate cream filling: Heat the heavy cream in a medium saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Pour the hot cream over the finely chopped bittersweet chocolate placed in a heatproof bowl. Let it sit for 1 minute to melt the chocolate, then whisk until smooth and glossy. Stir in the unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Let it cool at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the cooled cherry filling evenly into the chilled chocolate crust. Gently pour the slightly cooled chocolate cream filling over the cherry layer. Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to set properly.
- Prepare the whipped cream topping: Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 15-20 minutes. In the chilled bowl, combine heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat with an electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
- Finish the pie: Spread the whipped cream evenly over the set chocolate cream filling. Garnish with chocolate shavings and fresh cherries if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh sweet cherries during cherry season; canned cherries are a convenient alternative year-round.
- Chilling the pie overnight enhances the flavors and texture.
- Adjust sugar amounts in the cherry filling according to the sweetness of your cherries.
- Use bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cacao for a rich, balanced chocolate flavor.
- The crust can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen to save time.
