Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a decadent dessert that combines a rich chocolate filling with a luscious cherry topping, all in a buttery pie crust. This delightful pie is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat to enjoy any day!

Ingredients

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 pre-made graham cracker crust (or chocolate cookie crust)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (if making a homemade crust)

For the 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

For the Cherry Topping:

• 1 can (21 ounces) cherry pie filling
• Fresh cherries (for garnish, optional)
• Whipped cream (for serving, optional)

Timing

Making Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 2-3 hours for chilling.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Pre-bake 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. If using a pre-made crust, skip this step.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

1. Heat Cream: In a saucepan over medium heat, heat the heavy cream until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate chips, stirring until melted and smooth.
2. Mix Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and milk until smooth.
3. Combine: Gradually add the chocolate mixture to the egg yolk mixture, stirring constantly to prevent curdling. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes).
4. Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the filling cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Fill Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Chill: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.

Step 4: Add Cherry Topping

1. Top with Cherries: Once the chocolate filling is set, spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the top of the chocolate layer.
2. Garnish: If desired, garnish with fresh cherries and whipped cream before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie (per slice, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	4g
Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	36g
Sugar	15g

Tips for Customization

• Different Fruits: Substitute cherry pie filling with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for a different flavor.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts over the cherry topping for added crunch.
• Chocolate Variations: Use dark chocolate or white chocolate for a different taste profile.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a delightful dessert that balances rich chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. Perfect for any occasion, this pie is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Yes, this pie can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

To make a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free cookie crust or almond flour crust.