Chef Mitchell preparing Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie recipe during my culinary school days, and it instantly became a favorite. The balance of chocolate and cherries creates a symphony of flavors that brings back sweet memories. Over the years, I've perfected the crust and filling to achieve the ideal texture and taste. It's my go-to recipe for impressing guests at dinner parties."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell has dedicated his career to creating memorable dessert recipes. He believes that dessert should be a celebration, and his love for chocolate shines through in every dish. Chef Mitchell has participated in numerous culinary competitions, showcasing his innovative take on classic desserts.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie served on a plate

Why This Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe Works

This Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The buttery, flaky crust perfectly complements the rich chocolate and tart cherry filling, creating a harmonious balance. Using quality ingredients ensures that every bite is filled with pure indulgence. With simple steps, you can achieve bakery-level results at home.

The technique of slowly melting chocolate with cream ensures a smooth and creamy filling, while the addition of fresh cherries adds a vibrant flavor. The cornstarch helps to thicken the filling, giving it the right consistency to hold together nicely after baking. This pie is sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

💡 Professional Tip

To achieve the best results with your Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie, make sure to use high-quality chocolate. The flavor of your chocolate will significantly impact the overall taste of the pie. Additionally, letting the pie cool completely before serving allows the filling to set properly, ensuring clean slices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare this pie a day in advance. In fact, it tastes even better after chilling overnight, as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to store it covered in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for the best texture.

If you don't have cherry pie filling, you can use fresh or frozen cherries. Just pit and slice them, then mix with a bit of sugar and cornstarch to create a similar filling consistency. Alternatively, you can use other fruit fillings like raspberry or blueberry for a delicious twist.

The pie is done when the filling is set and no longer jiggly in the center. You can also check by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. Allow the pie to cool completely so that the filling firms up, making it easier to slice.

Yes, you can freeze the pie. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also serve it with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture and flavor. Fresh mint leaves can be a nice garnish as well.

The pie can last in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to consume it within the first couple of days. Always check for signs of spoilage before serving.

Absolutely! This pie can be made a day ahead of time, making it a convenient dessert option. Just remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to develop and the filling to set nicely, making it even tastier when served.

To reheat the pie, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the pie in for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the crust soggy. Enjoy it warm for a delightful experience.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The pie crust or filling may have dried out.

Solution: Ensure you don't over-bake the pie. Keep an eye on the baking time and remove it once the filling is set. Consider adding a bit more moisture to the filling next time, such as an extra tablespoon of cream.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust may be soggy or not crisp.

Solution: To prevent a soggy crust, pre-bake it for a few minutes before adding the filling. Ensure you are using cold butter for the crust and avoid adding too much liquid to the filling.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The filling has curdled or become rubbery.

Prevention: To prevent overcooking, use a thermometer to monitor the pie’s internal temperature. The filling should be set but not overbaked. Consider reducing the baking time slightly.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center of the pie is still jiggly.

Recovery: If the pie is undercooked, return it to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, checking periodically. Make sure to let it cool completely before serving.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The crust is too dark or burned.

Prevention: To avoid a burnt crust, check the pie halfway through baking and cover the edges with aluminum foil if they are browning too quickly. Adjust the oven temperature if necessary.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the pie is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If the pie is too salty, try serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to counterbalance the saltiness.

Bland: If the pie lacks flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract or more cocoa powder to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie

Essential Ingredients for Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie

The key ingredients for this pie include rich semi-sweet chocolate, sweet cherry pie filling, and a flaky pie crust. Each of these components plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Using quality chocolate is essential for achieving a deep, rich taste.

Opt for fresh or top-quality canned cherries for the best flavor. The buttery crust should be made with cold butter to ensure flakiness. Each ingredient contributes uniquely to the overall experience of the pie.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate chips for the filling. They melt beautifully and provide a rich, decadent flavor that complements the cherries perfectly.
  • Cherry Filling: If using canned cherry filling, look for brands that use real fruit and have no artificial flavors. Fresh cherries can also be used for an even more vibrant taste.
  • Pie Crust: A good pie crust is essential for the structure of the pie. You can use store-bought or homemade, but ensure it's chilled before rolling out to achieve the best texture.
Cooking process for Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process involves preparing the crust, making the filling, and baking to perfection. Begin by mixing the crust ingredients and pre-baking before adding the rich chocolate and cherries. The layering of flavors is crucial for achieving a delightful taste.

To ensure the pie cooks evenly, monitor the baking time and allow it to cool to set the filling properly. Following these steps will lead to a beautifully cooked pie that holds its shape well when sliced.

Key Technique for Perfect Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie

The most important technique for this pie is to carefully melt the chocolate with the cream. This method prevents the chocolate from seizing and ensures a silky-smooth filling. Always melt over low heat while stirring to achieve the perfect consistency.

Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 2 cups water
    Cold
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Pure

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 3 cups cherry filling
    Sweetened
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    Semi-sweet
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    Whipping cream
  • 3 large eggs
    Beaten
  • 1 cup flour
    All-purpose
  • 1/2 cup butter
    Cold
  • 1/4 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    Fresh

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 350°F.

  2. Make the Crust

    Mix flour, cocoa powder, and sugar. Cut in butter until crumbly. Press into a pie pan.

  3. Pre-Bake Crust

    Bake the crust for 10 minutes, then remove and let cool.

  4. Melt Chocolate

    In a saucepan, combine chocolate chips and cream. Heat over low until melted.

  5. Combine Mixtures

    In a bowl, whisk eggs, cornstarch, and lemon juice. Gradually add the chocolate mixture.

  6. Add Cherry Filling

    Fold in cherry filling and walnuts, if using, gently to combine.

  7. Fill Crust

    Pour filling into the pre-baked crust and smooth the top.

  8. Bake the Pie

    Bake for 35 minutes or until set. Cool completely before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To keep your Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie fresh, store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can last for up to 4 days. If you have leftovers, consider covering the pie with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Rich Chocolate Cherry Pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness. A sprinkle of chocolate shavings on top can enhance the presentation and flavor. Fresh cherries make a nice garnish as well.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with this recipe by adding different fruits like raspberries or blueberries for a mix of flavors. You can also try using dark chocolate for a richer taste or a graham cracker crust for a different texture.