Introduction
Oh, friend, do I have a treat for you today! This Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is one of those desserts that just screams “special occasion,” but here’s the best part: it’s ridiculously easy. Seriously, you can whip this up with minimal fuss, and everyone will think you spent hours in the kitchen. It brings back memories of summer picnics and holiday gatherings, a simple slice of pure joy. It’s creamy, chocolatey, bursting with sweet cherries, and requires absolutely no baking (well, aside from using a pre-baked crust, which counts as zero work in my book!). Get ready to make some happy memories, because this pie is unforgettable.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Seriously speedy assembly, perfect when you need a dessert in a pinch.
- Easy: No complicated steps or fancy techniques required. If you can stir, you can make this!
- Giftable: A beautiful and delicious pie makes a wonderful gift for friends, neighbors, or hosts.
- Crowd-Pleasing: The classic combo of chocolate and cherry is a guaranteed hit with just about everyone.
Ingredients
Gather ’round! Here’s what you’ll need for this little slice of heaven:
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: Use your favorite! A flaky pastry crust is classic, but a graham cracker or even an Oreo crust would be divine here too.
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling: This is the star of the show! You can absolutely use homemade if you’re feeling ambitious, but canned works perfectly and keeps things super simple.
- 1 box (3.9 oz) chocolate pudding mix (instant): Make sure it’s instant pudding mix! This is what sets up quickly to give us that lovely creamy layer.
- 2 cups cold milk (for pudding mix): Whole milk will give you the richest, creamiest pudding, but 2% works just fine too. Just make sure it’s cold!
- 1 ½ cups whipped cream (homemade or store-bought): The fluffy cloud on top! Homemade whipped cream is lovely, but quality store-bought is totally acceptable (and easier!).
- ½ cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark): For that extra chocolatey flourish on top. Use your favorite kind!
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional): A few fresh cherries perched on top make it extra pretty, especially when they’re in season.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get this pie assembled! It’s honestly so simple, you might blink and miss it.
First, make the chocolate pudding. In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken. Don’t worry if it seems a little loose at first, it will continue to set as it sits. I like to pop it in the fridge for 5-10 minutes while I get the next layer ready, just to give it a little head start on setting.
Next, grab your beautiful pre-baked pie crust. Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the crust, spreading it out into an even layer. Make sure to get all those lovely cherries distributed nicely.
Now, take your prepared chocolate pudding out of the fridge. Spoon or gently pour the pudding over the cherry layer in the pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Try to be gentle so you don’t mix the layers too much – we want those distinct stripes of cherry and chocolate!
This is the hardest part: waiting! Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator to chill and set completely. This usually takes at least 2-3 hours, but I often make it in the morning or the night before I plan to serve it to ensure it’s perfectly set. A well-chilled pie slices so much better!
Right before you’re ready to serve, it’s time for the finishing touches! Top the chilled pie with your whipped cream, spreading it generously over the chocolate layer. Then, sprinkle those chocolate chips all over the whipped cream. If you have fresh cherries, dot them around the top for a beautiful presentation.
Slice, serve, and watch those happy faces!
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is super flexible! Feel free to play around and make it your own:
- Different Pudding: Swap the chocolate pudding for dark chocolate, vanilla, or even white chocolate pudding mix for a different flavor profile.
- Other Fruit Fillings: No cherry? No problem! Raspberry, blueberry, or a mixed berry filling would also be fantastic with the chocolate layer.
- Crust Options: As mentioned, a graham cracker or chocolate cookie (Oreo) crust would be amazing alternatives to a traditional pastry crust.
- Add a Little Zing: Stir a teaspoon of almond extract into the cherry pie filling before spreading it in the crust. It really enhances the cherry flavor!
- Extra Chocolate Power: Melt a little extra chocolate and drizzle it over the whipped cream for an extra decadent look and taste.
- Nutty Crunch: A sprinkle of chopped toasted almonds or pecans on top could add a lovely texture contrast.
Tips for Success
- Use Instant Pudding: Make sure the pudding mix you buy is instant pudding, not cook-and-serve. The measurements and setting time are designed for instant.
- Chill Thoroughly: I know I said it before, but it’s worth repeating! Proper chilling is key to getting clean slices and a nicely set pie.
- Don’t Overmix Pudding: Whisk the pudding and milk until just combined and thickened, about 2 minutes. Overmixing can sometimes make instant pudding less firm.
- Chill Before Topping: Wait until the chocolate layer is fully set before adding the whipped cream and chocolate chips. This prevents everything from sinking or getting messy.
- Clean Slices: For perfect slices, dip your knife in hot water and wipe it clean between each slice.
- Prep Ahead: You can make the pudding and assemble the pie layers (cherry, then pudding) a day ahead of time. Add the whipped cream and chocolate chips just before serving.
How to Store It
This pie needs to stay cool! Keep it covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight pie carrier in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3-4 days. Because of the pudding and whipped cream, it doesn’t freeze well once assembled.
FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers!
Q: Can I use homemade cherry filling and pudding?
A: Absolutely! If you have a favorite homemade recipe for either, feel free to use it. Just make sure your pudding is thick and set before adding it to the pie.
Q: Can I make my own pie crust?
A: Yes! If you prefer to make your own pastry crust, just bake and cool it completely before adding the fillings.
Q: Can I use a non-dairy milk for the pudding?
A: Most instant pudding mixes work with common non-dairy milks like almond, soy, or oat milk, but results can vary in thickness. I recommend checking the pudding box or doing a small test batch first if you’re unsure.
Q: How far in advance can I make this pie?
A: You can assemble the pie (cherry and pudding layers) up to a day in advance and keep it chilled. Add the whipped cream and chocolate chips within a few hours of serving for the freshest topping.
Easy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Dream Pie
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Spatula
- Plastic wrap
- Knife for slicing
Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust your favorite; pastry, graham cracker, or Oreo crust
- 1 can cherry pie filling 21 oz; canned or homemade
- 1 box instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz
- 2 cup cold milk for pudding mix; whole or 2%
- 1.5 cup whipped cream homemade or store-bought
- 0.5 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
- Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and the cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes until it starts to thicken.1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- Pop the pudding in the fridge for 5-10 minutes to give it a head start on setting.
- Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling into the bottom of the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it out into an even layer.1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- Take the prepared chocolate pudding out of the fridge. Spoon or gently pour the pudding over the cherry layer in the pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and pop it into the refrigerator to chill and set completely. This usually takes at least 2-3 hours.
- Right before you're ready to serve, top the chilled pie with whipped cream, spreading it generously over the chocolate layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips all over the whipped cream. If you have fresh cherries, dot them around the top for a beautiful presentation.1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- Slice and serve.