Introduction
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure that combines the rich, indulgent flavors of chocolate with the tart sweetness of fresh cherries. This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a blissful treat that will surprise and delight your family and friends. With a creamy chocolate filling, luscious cherries, and a crisp pie crust, it’s a show-stopping dessert that is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for gatherings, special occasions, or just a sweet moment at home, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave you craving more!
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked pie crust
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chocolate shavings for garnish
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, gently heat the pitted cherries over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Watch as they soften and release their vibrant juices. Once softened, remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Then, add in the powdered sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is well combined and velvety.
- In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks form, creating a light and fluffy texture.
- Carefully fold the whipped cream into the chocolate cream cheese mixture, ensuring you preserve that delightful airy quality. Mix until fully incorporated for a rich and creamy filling.
- Pour half of the luscious chocolate cream mixture into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Now it’s time to add a burst of flavor! Layer the cooled cherries on top of the chocolate cream filling, spreading them out for even coverage.
- Add the remaining chocolate cream mixture over the cherries, smoothing it out so every slice will have a perfect balance of chocolate and cherry.
- Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set, allowing the flavors to meld and the pie to firm up beautifully.
- Before serving, take a moment to sprinkle chocolate shavings on top for a touch of elegance and added decadence.
Notes or Tips
For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chocolate syrup to the cream cheese mixture. If fresh cherries aren’t available, frozen cherries work beautifully here as well—just make sure to thaw and drain them before use to avoid excess moisture. This pie can also be made a day in advance, making it perfect for parties!
Cooking Techniques
This recipe involves some essential cooking techniques that elevate the overall dish. When heating the cherries, you’re not cooking them but rather coaxing out their sweet juices, enhancing their natural flavor. Whipping cream to stiff peaks is crucial for achieving a light and airy texture in the filling. Lastly, folding ingredients gently helps maintain that delightful fluffiness, making each bite of your pie a soft, creamy dream!
FAQ
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A pre-baked store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver, and it gives you a perfectly crispy base for this indulgent filling.
How should I store any leftovers?
Keep any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to enjoy it cold for the best texture and flavor!
Conclusion
This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that come together in a rich, creamy delight. With its combination of tart cherries and decadent chocolate, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering. Treat yourself and your loved ones to a slice of heaven, and enjoy the sweet moments that come along with it!