No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
If you’ve been dreaming of a dessert that’s decadent yet effortless, then this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie is exactly what you need. Combining rich chocolate goodness with tart cherry flavors, this pie comes together in just minutes without turning on the oven. It’s perfect for satisfying those sudden sweet cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether you’re a dessert novice or a seasoned baker, this recipe offers a crowd-pleasing finish that’s creamy, fruity, and oh-so-chocolatey.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-fast preparation: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect last-minute treat.
- No oven needed: Ideal for hot days or when you want to avoid heating up the kitchen.
- Deliciously rich flavor: Combines smooth chocolate with bright cherry for a balanced taste.
- Impress without stress: Looks and tastes like an indulgent dessert but requires minimal effort.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak based on your favorite chocolate or cherry preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie recipe shines because of its simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that create a beautiful balance of creaminess, sweetness, and texture.
- Chocolate: Use high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate for deep flavor and smooth texture.
- Whipping cream: Essential for a light, airy filling that melts perfectly in your mouth.
- Cherry pie filling: Provides the sweet and tangy burst that complements the chocolate.
- Graham cracker crust: Adds a buttery, crunchy base that holds the pie together.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds warmth without overpowering.
- Powdered sugar: Sweetens the filling gently for a smooth finish.
Variations for No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
Feel free to get creative and adapt this pie to suit your taste buds or dietary needs—it’s surprisingly easy to make substitutions or add-ons without losing any magic.
- Use dark chocolate: Swap semi-sweet for rich dark chocolate to add an intense cocoa flavor.
- Fresh cherries: Instead of canned pie filling, fresh cherries with a little sugar can bring freshness and texture.
- Nutty crust: Replace graham crackers with crushed pecans or almonds for a crunchier twist.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free chocolate for a vegan-friendly dessert.
- Added liqueur: A splash of cherry or almond liqueur can elevate flavors for an adult treat.
How to Make No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Crust
Start by pressing your graham cracker crust evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. The crust serves as the solid yet crumbly foundation for the filling, so make sure it’s tightly packed to hold the pie together without crumbling.
Step 2: Whip the Cream
In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create the light and fluffy texture essential to the pie’s smooth richness.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
Gently melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Smooth melted chocolate is key to mixing evenly with the whipped cream without clumps.
Step 4: Mix Chocolate and Whipped Cream
Fold the melted chocolate carefully into the whipped cream, maintaining the airy texture. This step combines the luscious chocolate with the creamy filling that defines this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie.
Step 5: Add the Cherry Layer
Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the chocolate cream layer. The cherries bring tart bursts that contrast beautifully with the richness of the chocolate, balancing the flavors for every bite.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. This chilling step is what lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a slice that holds its shape perfectly when served.
Pro Tips for Making No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
- Chill everything: Keep your bowl and beaters cold to help the cream whip faster and fluffier.
- Use quality chocolate: It makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the pie.
- Fold gently: Mixing chocolate and whipped cream too vigorously can deflate the creamy texture.
- Press crust firmly: Prevents crumbs from falling apart when slicing the pie.
- Refrigerate fully: Patience is key—proper chilling ensures clean slices and a creamy filling.
How to Serve No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chocolate shavings, a few fresh cherries on top, or a dollop of whipped cream can enhance both the look and taste of your pie, making it feel extra special and inviting.
Side Dishes
Pair this dessert with a cup of rich coffee, a glass of chilled milk, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the pie’s creamy chocolate and fruity cherry flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices with decorative plates or in small jars layered with extra cherries and chocolate drizzle for a fun, casual dessert option at parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie covered tightly in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness, moisture, and maximum flavor.
Freezing
Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving to keep its creamy texture intact.
Reheating
This dessert is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary—just let it sit out for 10 minutes if coming straight from the fridge for softer slices.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned pie filling?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries add a natural tartness and texture, but you may want to sweeten and cook them slightly to mimic the consistency of canned pie filling for best results.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
By substituting dairy-free whipped cream and vegan chocolate, you can make this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie completely vegan-friendly without losing flavor or texture.
How long does the pie need to chill?
At least two hours is ideal to let the filling set and flavors blend, but chilling overnight will provide even better texture and taste.
Can I make the crust from scratch?
Yes, simply crush your favorite cookies or crackers and mix with melted butter for a homemade crust that adds a personal touch to the pie.
What’s the best way to slice the pie?
Use a sharp knife warmed in hot water and wiped dry between cuts for clean, beautiful slices free from cracking or crumbling.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of a dessert that’s both stunningly delicious and incredibly easy to make—that’s exactly what this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie delivers. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you get a luscious chocolate and cherry masterpiece in no time. So go ahead, treat yourself and your loved ones to this irresistible pie that’s sure to become a fast favorite!
Related Posts
PrintNo-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie is a decadent and effortless dessert that combines rich, smooth chocolate with tart cherry flavors. Ready in under 20 minutes and requiring no oven, this creamy, fruity, and chocolatey pie is perfect for quick sweet cravings or impressing guests with minimal effort. Whether you prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate, canned cherry pie filling or fresh cherries, this versatile recipe adapts to your taste and dietary needs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Crust
- 1 9-inch graham cracker crust (store-bought or homemade)
Filling
- 8 oz high-quality semi-sweet or dark chocolate
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Cherry Layer
- 1 cup cherry pie filling (canned) or fresh cherries sweetened and cooked slightly
Instructions
- Prepare the Crust: Start by pressing your graham cracker crust evenly into a 9-inch pie dish. The crust serves as the solid yet crumbly foundation for the filling, so make sure it’s tightly packed to hold the pie together without crumbling.
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This will create the light and fluffy texture essential to the pie’s smooth richness.
- Melt the Chocolate: Gently melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring frequently. Smooth melted chocolate is key to mixing evenly with the whipped cream without clumps.
- Mix Chocolate and Whipped Cream: Fold the melted chocolate carefully into the whipped cream, maintaining the airy texture. This step combines the luscious chocolate with the creamy filling that defines this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie.
- Add the Cherry Layer: Spread the cherry pie filling evenly over the chocolate cream layer. The cherries bring tart bursts that contrast beautifully with the richness of the chocolate, balancing the flavors for every bite.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours to allow the filling to set properly. This chilling step is what lets the flavors meld together, resulting in a slice that holds its shape perfectly when served.
Notes
- Chill everything: Keep your bowl and beaters cold to help the cream whip faster and fluffier.
- Use quality chocolate: It makes a noticeable difference in the flavor and texture of the pie.
- Fold gently: Mixing chocolate and whipped cream too vigorously can deflate the creamy texture.
- Press crust firmly: Prevents crumbs from falling apart when slicing the pie.
- Refrigerate fully: Patience is key—proper chilling ensures clean slices and a creamy filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: no-bake, chocolate cherry pie, easy dessert, quick dessert, semi-sweet chocolate, cherry pie filling, graham cracker crust
