When it comes to easy yet indulgent desserts, the No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie stands out as a true winner. This delightful treat combines the rich flavor of dark chocolate with the sweetness of cherries, offering a perfect balance that tantalizes the taste buds. Even better, it doesn’t require baking—meaning you can whip it up quickly and spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying dessert with your family and friends.
This no-bake dessert is not only visually stunning but is also incredibly easy to make. Its layers of creamy chocolate, luscious cherry pie filling, and silky smooth cream cheese make every bite a heavenly experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for a quick and satisfying treat, this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is an irresistible choice that will impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
- Simple and Quick: With no baking required, you can have this dessert ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday feast, a birthday celebration, or just an afternoon treat, this pie fits the bill.
- Decadently Delicious: The combination of chocolate and cherries provides a rich and satisfying flavor.
- Visually Impressive: The layers of color and texture make for a stunning presentation.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your taste preferences by adding different fruits or toppings.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on making your No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie, it’s important to prepare your kitchen and gather all necessary tools. Start by cleaning your workspace and ensuring you have a smooth and organized setup. The following tools will come in handy:
- Microwave-Safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate mixture.
- Mixing Bowl: Preferably a medium-sized bowl for mixing the cream cheese filling.
- Whisk or Electric Mixer: To ensure a smooth and creamy consistency for the cream cheese mixture.
- Spatula: For spreading the different layers evenly in the pie crust.
- Refrigerator: A necessary step for chilling the pie to achieve the perfect texture.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup whole cherries (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Melt the Chocolate
Start by placing the dark chocolate chips and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each interval. The goal is to melt the chocolate slowly to prevent burning, until you have a smooth and glossy chocolate mixture that is perfectly combined. Once melted, allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into the pie crust.
Step 2: Create the Chocolate Layer
After the chocolate has cooled for a few moments, pour it into your pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly within the crust. Ensure that the layer is smooth and uniform, which will provide a great base for the cream cheese filling. Place the crust in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to firm up before proceeding.
Step 3: Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture
While the chocolate layer is chilling, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using either a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until you achieve a creamy and lump-free consistency. This mixture should be smooth and fluffy, and it will serve as a sumptuous layer in your pie.
Step 4: Layer the Cream Cheese Filling
After the chocolate layer has firmed up in the refrigerator, carefully spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it makes contact with the edges of the pie crust. Next, take the cherry pie filling and spoon it over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. This will add a delightful burst of flavor and color to your pie.
Step 5: Final Layer and Garnish
Now it’s time to spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling, ensuring that it is even and smooth. For the finishing touch, garnish the pie with whole cherries and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds to the deliciousness of every bite. Finally, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing and serving.
Variations
- Protein: You can add whipped cream or even mascarpone cheese for an extra creamy texture.
- Vegetables: While this dessert does not typically include vegetables, you could experiment by adding finely grated carrots or beets to the filling for color.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor with a pinch of cinnamon or a splash of almond extract for a unique twist.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature for easy mixing.
- If you can’t find cherry pie filling, you can use fresh cherries cooked down with sugar and cornstarch until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this pie with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of decadence.
- Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
Tips
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider substituting semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips.
- If the chocolate layer hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before layering.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (including chilling time)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 350 per slice
- Protein: 5 grams
- Sodium: 120 milligrams
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?
Yes, fresh cherries can be used but ensure they are sweet enough or cooked with a bit of sugar.
How long does this pie last in the fridge?
It can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
Can I freeze this pie?
Yes, this pie can be frozen, though the texture may change upon thawing.
What can I substitute for the cream cheese?
You can use Greek yogurt or silken tofu for a lighter alternative.
Conclusion
This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s incredibly simple to prepare yet offers a gourmet experience that makes it suitable for any occasion. The rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and creamy filling create a harmonious balance that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Don’t hesitate to share your own variations or experiences in the comments below. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this decadent dessert as much as we do!
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No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie combines rich dark chocolate and sweet cherries for a decadent dessert without the hassle of baking.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
- 1 cup whole cherries (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup extra chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Start by placing the dark chocolate chips and heavy cream into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the mixture in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring between each interval. The goal is to melt the chocolate slowly to prevent burning, until you have a smooth and glossy chocolate mixture that is perfectly combined. Once melted, allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into the pie crust.
- After the chocolate has cooled for a few moments, pour it into your pre-made graham cracker pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the chocolate evenly within the crust. Ensure that the layer is smooth and uniform, which will provide a great base for the cream cheese filling. Place the crust in the refrigerator for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the chocolate to firm up before proceeding.
- While the chocolate layer is chilling, it’s time to prepare the cream cheese mixture. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Using either a whisk or an electric mixer, beat the ingredients together until you achieve a creamy and lump-free consistency. This mixture should be smooth and fluffy, and it will serve as a sumptuous layer in your pie.
- After the chocolate layer has firmed up in the refrigerator, carefully spread half of the cream cheese mixture over the chocolate layer. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring it makes contact with the edges of the pie crust. Next, take the cherry pie filling and spoon it over the cream cheese layer, spreading it evenly. This will add a delightful burst of flavor and color to your pie.
- Now it’s time to spread the remaining cream cheese mixture over the cherry filling, ensuring that it is even and smooth. For the finishing touch, garnish the pie with whole cherries and sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but adds to the deliciousness of every bite. Finally, cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set before slicing and serving.
Notes
This pie can be customized with different fruits or toppings to cater to your personal taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Protein: 5 g