When you crave a dessert that’s luscious, silky, fruity, and rich, the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie delivers on every front. This layered beauty begins with a buttery, flaky pie crust filled with a thick, sweet-tart cherry compote. It’s then topped with a luscious layer of chocolate cream made from a blend of chocolate pudding and whipped topping, followed by a generous cloud of whipped cream, garnished with glistening cherries and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Each bite gives you a little bit of everything—crunch, creaminess, fruitiness, and deep chocolate indulgence.
Perfect for special occasions or a weekend treat, this no-bake pie (aside from the crust) feels like a gourmet dessert but comes together with surprisingly little effort. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or simply want to enjoy a dessert that feels like a chocolate-dipped cherry in pie form, this recipe is bound to win hearts.
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie
- No-Fuss Layers: Uses a ready-made pie crust and pudding mix, saving time without sacrificing taste.
- Perfectly Balanced: The tart cherries cut through the richness of the chocolate for a well-rounded flavor.
- Eye-Catching: Visually stunning with vibrant red cherries, fluffy cream, and chocolate swirls—ideal for parties and holidays.
- Customizable: Easily swap toppings or adjust sweetness to suit your taste.
- No Bake Option: Use a pre-baked crust or graham cracker base for a full no-bake version.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Their Importance)
Before diving into the layering magic of the Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie, gathering the right tools makes a huge difference in both efficiency and presentation. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters:
Pie Dish (9-inch): This is your foundation. A good-quality pie dish ensures even setting and gives the pie its signature shape.
Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): For prepping the cherry filling and mixing the chocolate cream layers. Having separate bowls prevents flavor crossover and speeds up prep time.
Electric Mixer or Whisk: To whip the chocolate pudding and whipped topping into a fluffy, smooth texture. An electric mixer saves time and guarantees better volume.
Spatula: Essential for evenly spreading each layer without disturbing the one below it.
Saucepan: Needed if you’re making your cherry filling from scratch, to simmer the cherries and thicken the sauce.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key for consistency, especially when working with pudding mix or making homemade fillings.
Refrigerator Space: Don’t underestimate this! You’ll need ample space to let the pie chill and set properly.
Preparation Tips
- Chill Your Bowl & Beaters: When whipping the cream or pudding, using a chilled bowl and beaters helps achieve maximum fluffiness.
- Let Each Layer Cool or Set: Don’t rush the process. Make sure the cherry layer is cool before adding the chocolate cream to prevent it from melting or blending.
- Blind Bake the Crust (if needed): If you’re not using a pre-baked crust, bake it until golden and let it cool fully before filling. This keeps the base crisp and prevents sogginess.
- Use Quality Chocolate: Even if using pudding mix, a high-quality chocolate or cocoa powder can elevate the flavor.
- Taste Before Final Assembly: Adjust sweetness or tartness in your cherry layer if you’re making it from scratch—balance is everything in this dessert.
Ingredients for This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie
Here’s a complete list of what you’ll need to make this irresistible layered dessert. You can opt for homemade or store-bought options depending on your time and preference:
For the Crust:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
For the Cherry Layer:
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
or - 2 cups pitted cherries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Chocolate Cream Layer:
- 1 package (3.9 oz) instant chocolate pudding mix
- 1 1/2 cups cold milk
