Decadent Chocolate Cherry Dream Pie

This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Dream Pie is a luscious dessert that brings together rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a smooth, creamy filling—all nestled in a buttery crust. It’s indulgent, eye-catching, and perfect for special occasions, holidays, or any time I’m craving something a little extra. One slice is never enough with this combination of bold flavors and creamy textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this pie because it’s a showstopper that’s surprisingly easy to make. The silky chocolate layer adds richness, while the cherry topping brings tart sweetness and vibrant color. Topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it looks as good as it tastes. Whether I’m serving it for Valentine’s Day, a dinner party, or just as a weekend treat, this pie always impresses and satisfies.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the crust:

• Graham cracker or Oreo cookie crumbs
• Unsalted butter (melted)
• Granulated sugar (optional for graham crust)

For the chocolate cream filling:

• Semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
• Heavy cream
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

For the cherry topping:

• Cherry pie filling (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh cherries (optional, for garnish)

For topping:

• Whipped cream
• Chocolate curls or shavings

directions

1. I start by mixing the crushed graham crackers or cookies with melted butter (and sugar if using graham crackers), then press the mixture firmly into a pie dish. I chill the crust for at least 30 minutes or bake it at 350°F for 8–10 minutes if I want a firmer base.

2. In a saucepan, I gently heat the heavy cream until just simmering, then pour it over the chocolate chips and stir until smooth and glossy.

3. In a separate bowl, I beat the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.

4. I combine the chocolate ganache with the cream cheese mixture and mix until fully blended.

5. I pour the chocolate filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top. I chill the pie for at least 4 hours or until set.

6. Once the filling is firm, I spoon the cherry pie filling over the top and garnish with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

7. I keep it chilled until ready to serve.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 people and takes about 25 minutes to prepare (plus 4 hours chilling time).

Variations

• I sometimes use a chocolate shortbread crust for an ultra-rich base.

• For a boozy twist, I stir in a splash of cherry liqueur or amaretto into the filling.

• I’ve made a no-bake version using instant chocolate pudding instead of ganache when I’m short on time.

• If I want to go lighter, I swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy alternative.

• A swirl of raspberry sauce on top adds a beautiful contrast in flavor and color.

storage/reheating

I store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It holds its shape well and tastes even better the next day. I don’t recommend freezing once the cherries are on top, but the chocolate layer and crust can be frozen separately and assembled later.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of pie filling?

Yes, I’ve made a quick homemade topping by simmering fresh cherries with sugar and cornstarch. It’s a great way to control the sweetness and flavor.

How do I keep the crust from getting soggy?

If I bake the crust for 8–10 minutes and let it cool completely before adding the filling, it stays crisp longer—even under that creamy layer.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. I usually make it the night before so it has plenty of time to chill and set. I add the cherry topping and whipped cream right before serving.

What kind of chocolate works best?

I prefer semi-sweet or dark chocolate for balance, but I’ve also used milk chocolate for a sweeter version—it all depends on the mood.

Is this pie too rich?

It’s definitely indulgent, but the cherries and cream cheese help lighten the texture. I serve small slices with extra whipped cream to balance everything out.

Conclusion

This Decadent Chocolate Cherry Dream Pie is everything I want in a dessert—rich, creamy, fruity, and beautifully layered. It’s the kind of recipe I turn to when I want to wow guests or just treat myself to something unforgettable. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this pie is a dreamy addition to any dessert table.