Chocolate Cherry Pie

By Tyla | Last modified on Mar 2, 2026

Featured in: Desserts

Chocolate cherry pie is a decadent dessert that perfectly balances rich chocolate flavors with the tartness of cherry pie filling. This no-bake treat offers a creamy texture combined with delightful bursts of juicy cherries, making it an instant favorite for any occasion.

Simple to assemble yet impressive to serve, this pie is ideal for holidays, parties, or an indulgent weekend dessert. It’s a wonderful way to satisfy chocolate lovers while enjoying a fruity twist.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No baking required, making it quick and convenient.
Combines creamy, chocolate, and cherry flavors for a unique taste experience.
Perfectly balanced sweetness with contrasting textures from the crust, filling, and toppings.

Ingredients

9 inch chocolate pie crust: A rich and sturdy chocolate-flavored crust that serves as the perfect base for this creamy pie.
8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature): Adds a smooth, creamy richness and stabilizes the filling for a luscious texture.
1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetens the cream cheese layer while keeping it silky and smooth without graininess.
21 ounce can of cherry pie filling: Provides fruity tartness and vibrant color with whole cherries in a flavorful syrup.
8 ounces Cool Whip (plus more for topping the pie): Lightens the filling for an airy consistency and adds a creamy finish as a topping.
1½ cups semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (divided): Adds bursts of chocolate flavor and pleasant texture inside and on top of the pie.
Maraschino cherries (for optional decoration): Brightly colored cherries that enhance presentation and add extra sweetness.

Instructions

Beat Cream Cheese and Powdered Sugar: In a medium mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar together until the mixture is light and creamy. This step ensures a smooth base that blends well with the other ingredients without lumps.
Incorporate Cherry Pie Filling: Using a spatula, gently stir in the cherry pie filling into the cream cheese mixture. This carefully distributes the tart cherries throughout while maintaining the filling’s creamy texture.
Fold in Cool Whip and Chocolate Chips: Fold the completely thawed Cool Whip into the cherry and cream cheese base to lighten the filling. Next, add 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips, folding them evenly to incorporate bursts of sweet chocolate flavor.
Fill the Chocolate Pie Crust: Spread the prepared filling evenly into the chocolate pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. This creates a consistent layer that will set nicely in the fridge.
Refrigerate to Set: Refrigerate the pie for 3 to 4 hours to allow it to fully set and firm up. This chills the filling so it holds its shape neatly when sliced.
Add Final Decorative Touches: Once set, top the pie with dollops or piped swirls of additional Cool Whip and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of mini chocolate chips for extra chocolate texture. Garnish with maraschino cherries as desired for a festive look.

You Must Know

Use softened cream cheese and fully thawed Cool Whip to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth filling.
Placing the pie crust in a foil pan inside a glass pie plate helps with stability during refrigeration and transportation.
For decorating, purchasing a 16-ounce tub of Cool Whip ensures you have enough for both filling and topping.

Storage Tips

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. Keep it chilled until serving to preserve its creamy texture and prevent the crust from becoming soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve chilled slices with an extra dollop of whipped topping or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This pie pairs wonderfully with fresh coffee or dessert wine for special occasions.

Professional Tips

Softening the cream cheese to room temperature helps it blend effortlessly with the other ingredients.
Fully thaw the Cool Whip before mixing to achieve the lightest and smoothest pie filling.
Using mini chocolate chips distributes chocolate flavor evenly and adds an appealing bite without overwhelming the filling.

FAQs

Can I make this pie ahead of time?: Yes, make the pie a day in advance and refrigerate it to let the flavors meld and filling set properly.
Can I substitute fresh cherries for the pie filling?: It is best to use canned cherry pie filling for consistent sweetness and gel texture; fresh cherries might require additional thickening.
Is this pie suitable for freezing?: Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the Cool Whip and cream cheese filling.
Can I use a homemade chocolate crust?: Absolutely! A homemade chocolate pie crust works well if it has enough structure to hold the filling.
Can I replace Cool Whip with whipped cream?: Whipped cream can be used but may result in a softer filling that doesn’t hold as firmly once chilled.
How can I make this pie dairy-free?: Use dairy-free cream cheese, whipped topping alternatives, and a crust free of dairy ingredients for a dairy-free version.
What is the best way to serve this pie?: Serve chilled with additional whipped topping and optional maraschino cherries for a decorative and delicious presentation.