Chocolate Cherry Pie is the kind of dessert that makes your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Picture this: a luscious, velvety chocolate filling hugging juicy cherries that sing sweet melodies with every bite. The aroma wafts through the air, teasing your senses and making you wonder if happiness really does come in pie form. You can almost hear the delighted gasps as friends and family take their first forkful, their eyes lighting up with bliss.
Now, let me take you back to a summer evening when I first attempted this delightful creation. It was a warm day, and my cherry tree decided to shower me with more fruit than I could handle. With a mix of excitement and slight panic, I decided to whip up a Chocolate Cherry Pie for our neighborhood potluck. Little did I know, it would turn into a culinary adventure filled with laughter, flour fights, and an epic showdown between me and my oven. Trust me; this pie is perfect for birthdays, holiday gatherings, or simply as a midweek treat because who doesn’t deserve a slice of joy?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chocolate Cherry Pie is simple to make but tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery.
- The rich chocolate combined with tart cherries creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- It looks stunning on any dessert table with its glossy finish and vibrant color.
- Perfect for celebrations or cozy nights at home; you can enjoy it warm or cold!
Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Pie
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Cherries: Use ripe, sweet cherries for the best flavor; they should be firm and glossy when selecting.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: Opt for high-quality dark chocolate chips; they melt beautifully into the filling.
- Granulated Sugar: This sweetener balances the tartness of the cherries perfectly.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for thickening the cherry filling; ensure it’s fresh for optimal results.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it adds richness to both the crust and filling.
- Pie Crust (store-bought or homemade): You can save time with store-bought crust or make your own for that extra love.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Pie
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing your fresh cherries thoroughly and pitting them if necessary (no one wants an accidental pit surprise). Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you’re at it.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine pitted cherries with granulated sugar and flour. Stir gently until all the cherries are coated evenly—this will help create that luscious filling we all crave.
Step 3: Melt That Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt dark chocolate chips in short bursts of about 30 seconds until smooth. Stir well after each interval to avoid burning them.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add the melted chocolate into your cherry mixture and stir until everything is beautifully blended together—this is where magic happens!
Step 5: Assemble Your Pie
Roll out your pie crust into a pie dish if using homemade dough. Pour in the chocolate-cherry mixture and top it off with another layer of dough if you’d like; cut slits for vents.
Step 6: Bake
Place your pie in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown. Keep an eye on it toward the end so you don’t end up with pie soup!
Once baked, let it cool slightly before slicing into this decadent creation. Transfer slices onto plates and watch faces light up as they indulge in every rich bite. Enjoy with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling fancy!
You Must Know
- This delightful Chocolate Cherry Pie marries the rich, velvety taste of chocolate with the tartness of cherries.
- It brings joy to any gathering and is surprisingly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros alike.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust, then whip up your chocolate filling while it bakes. Once cooled, layer in the cherries before returning it for a final bake. This sequence ensures a perfectly baked pie every time.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like raspberries or strawberries. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth to your chocolate filling.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Chocolate Cherry Pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For reheating, pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to maintain that delicious fudgy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve a flaky crust, make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible.
- For deeper flavor, let the pie cool completely before slicing.
- Lastly, always use fresh cherries for the best results.
The first time I made this Chocolate Cherry Pie, my friends devoured it in minutes! They couldn’t believe how easy it was and insisted I bake more for our next gathering.
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Chocolate Cherry Pie?
To make a delicious Chocolate Cherry Pie, you’ll need the following ingredients: fresh or frozen cherries, sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and a pre-made pie crust. For the filling, use cherry juice or fruit juice to enhance the flavor. You’ll also need plant-based gelling agents like agar-agar to thicken the filling. For an added touch of richness, consider adding dark chocolate or chocolate chips. This combination provides a delightful contrast between the sweet cherries and rich chocolate.
How do I prepare the cherries for Chocolate Cherry Pie?
Begin by pitting and washing your cherries thoroughly if using fresh ones. If you are using frozen cherries, allow them to thaw and drain any excess liquid. Then combine the cherries with sugar, cornstarch, and a splash of cherry juice in a mixing bowl. Stir well to ensure all the cherries are coated evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes before pouring it into your prepared pie crust. This process helps develop a rich flavor in your Chocolate Cherry Pie filling.
How long should I bake Chocolate Cherry Pie?
Bake your Chocolate Cherry Pie at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes. Keep an eye on the crust; it should turn golden brown while the filling bubbles slightly. If the edges of the crust begin to brown too quickly, cover them with foil to prevent burning. After baking, allow your pie to cool for at least an hour before serving. This cooling period helps the filling set properly and makes slicing easier.
Can I freeze Chocolate Cherry Pie?
Yes, you can freeze Chocolate Cherry Pie for later enjoyment! To do this, let the pie cool completely after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container before freezing. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.
Conclusion for Chocolate Cherry Pie :
In summary, making a delightful Chocolate Cherry Pie involves simple yet flavorful ingredients such as cherries, sugar, and cocoa powder. By preparing your cherries properly and allowing adequate baking time, you create a beautiful dessert that balances sweetness and richness perfectly. Don’t forget to cool your pie before serving or freezing it for later enjoyment. This versatile treat is sure to impress anyone who tries it! Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Cherry Pie as a sweet finish to any meal or celebration!
Chocolate Cherry Pie
Chocolate Cherry Pie is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate with juicy cherries for a flavor experience unlike any other. This pie offers a luscious filling enveloped in a flaky crust, making it perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings at home. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, every slice promises to delight your taste buds and leave your guests asking for seconds.
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8 slices 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pre-made pie crust (9-inch)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the cherries by washing and pitting them.
- In a mixing bowl, combine pitted cherries, sugar, and flour; mix until cherries are coated.
- Melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals until smooth.
- Stir the melted chocolate into the cherry mixture until well combined.
- Roll out the pie crust into a pie dish, pour in the cherry mixture, and top with another layer of dough if desired; cut slits for ventilation.
- Bake for 45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Enhance flavor by adding spices like cinnamon to the cherry filling. Substitute cherries with raspberries or strawberries for a fresh twist.
