Description
This rich and decadent Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie features a smooth chocolate filling layered with a sweet cherry topping, all nestled in a crisp graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust. Perfect for celebrations or a special dessert, this pie combines creamy chocolate, tart cherries, and a buttery crust for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or chocolate cookie crust)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (if making a homemade crust)
Chocolate Filling
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup milk
Cherry Topping
- 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
- Fresh cherries (for garnish, optional)
- Whipped cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: If using a homemade crust, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the graham cracker crumbs with melted butter and press into a pie dish. Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool thoroughly. If using a pre-made crust, simply ensure it is ready for filling.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and stir in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until fully melted and smooth. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and milk until completely smooth. Gradually add the warm chocolate cream mixture into the egg yolk mixture while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Return this combined mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously for about 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the filling to cool slightly.
- Assemble the Pie: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top evenly with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firmly set.
- Add Cherry Topping: Once the chocolate layer has set, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top. Garnish with fresh cherries and dollops of whipped cream if desired before serving.
Notes
- For a homemade crust, use crushed graham crackers or chocolate cookies mixed with melted butter for the base.
- Ensure the cream is simmering and not boiling to avoid burning when melting chocolate.
- Constant stirring is essential when cooking the filling to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- Chilling the pie for at least 2 hours ensures the filling sets properly for clean slices.
- Fresh cherries and whipped cream add a decorative and flavorful touch but are optional.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chocolate cherry pie, chocolate cream pie, cherry topping dessert, no-bake pie, easy chocolate pie
