Chocolate Cherry Pie

This decadent chocolate cherry pie transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that requires zero baking. The combination of creamy, tart, and chocolatey flavors creates a perfect balance that will have everyone asking for seconds.

I first made this pie for my sister's birthday when the oven broke unexpectedly. What started as a kitchen emergency has become our most requested family dessert, especially during cherry season when we substitute fresh cherries for the canned filling.

Ingredients

• Chocolate pie crust: provides the perfect chocolatey base and saves you time with no mixing or baking
• Cream cheese: creates a rich, tangy foundation that balances the sweetness
• Powdered sugar: dissolves completely for a smooth texture unlike granulated sugar
• Cherry pie filling: adds fruity tartness and beautiful color throughout the dessert
• Cool Whip: creates the light, mousse-like texture that makes this pie irresistible
• Mini chocolate chips: distribute better than regular chips, ensuring chocolate in every bite
• Maraschino cherries: optional but add a beautiful finishing touch for presentation

Step-by-Step Instructions

Beat the Base:

Allow cream cheese to fully soften at room temperature for at least 1 hour before beginning. Using an electric mixer at medium speed, beat cream cheese until completely smooth with no lumps about 2 minutes. Add powdered sugar gradually while continuing to mix until the mixture becomes light and fluffy approximately 3 minutes. The texture should be similar to a thick frosting.

Incorporate Cherries:

Drain any excess liquid from the cherry pie filling if it seems too runny. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the cherry pie filling into the cream cheese mixture with a light hand. Aim for ribbons of cherry throughout rather than completely incorporating for beautiful swirls of color.

Create the Light Texture:

Ensure Cool Whip is fully thawed but still cold. Fold it into the cherry cream cheese mixture using a large spatula with a gentle down across up and over motion. Continue folding until just combined with no white streaks remaining but be careful not to deflate the mixture with overmixing.

Add Chocolate Dimension:

Reserve 1/2 cup of mini chocolate chips for topping. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of chips evenly over the mixture and fold in with just 3-4 gentle strokes to distribute throughout without sinking to the bottom. The chips should be suspended throughout the filling for texture in every bite.

Perfect Assembly:

Spoon the filling into the chocolate crust starting from the center and working outward. Use an offset spatula to create a smooth slightly domed surface. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface if not decorating immediately to prevent a skin from forming.

Proper Setting:

Refrigerate uncovered for at least 4 hours though overnight is even better. The pie needs this time to properly set and allow flavors to meld. Position away from strong-smelling foods in the refrigerator as the pie can absorb odors.

Decorative Finishing:

Just before serving add dollops of additional Cool Whip around the perimeter using a piping bag with a star tip for an elegant presentation. Sprinkle the reserved mini chocolate chips in the center and arrange maraschino cherries strategically on the whipped cream dollops.

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The mini chocolate chips are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their magic after making this pie with regular chips and finding they sank to the bottom. The mini version distributes perfectly throughout the filling, creating that wonderful textural contrast in every bite that makes this dessert so addictive.

Make It Your Own

This pie welcomes customization based on what you have on hand. Try strawberry or blueberry pie filling for a different fruit experience. During peak summer, I often cook down 4 cups of fresh pitted cherries with 1/3 cup sugar and 2 tablespoons cornstarch for a fresher take on the filling. White chocolate chips create a beautiful contrast with dark cherries, while dark chocolate intensifies the chocolate experience.

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Serving Suggestions

This pie benefits from sitting at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for the perfect texture. Serve with additional fresh cherries on the side during summer. For an adult version, drizzle each slice with a teaspoon of cherry liqueur or amaretto just before serving. The pie pairs wonderfully with a shot of espresso or a glass of port wine to complement the chocolate cherry combination.

Storage Notes

Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days tightly covered with plastic wrap. For freezing, place the undecorated pie in the freezer until solid, then wrap in a double layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh toppings. The texture may become slightly denser after freezing but remains delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this dessert need to chill?

The pie should be refrigerated for 3–4 hours to set properly before serving.

→ Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned filling?

Yes, you can substitute fresh cherries, but you'll need to cook them with sugar to create a similar consistency to the canned filling.

→ Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dessert can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you're ready to serve.

→ What type of chocolate chips work best?

Semi-sweet mini chocolate chips are recommended as they balance well with the tartness of the cherries, but you can also use milk or dark chocolate chips.

→ Can I use homemade pie crust instead of store-bought?

Yes, a homemade chocolate pie crust would work wonderfully for this dessert and add a personal touch.