Okay, let’s dive into this delightful recipe! Last summer, I was invited to a potluck, and I was in charge of bringing dessert. Time was short, and the thought of turning on the oven in that heat was unbearable. I needed something quick, easy, and delicious. That’s when I remembered my grandmother’s recipe for a simple refrigerator pie. After a little tinkering, I landed on this incredible No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie.

The rich, creamy chocolate paired with the sweet-tart cherries is simply irresistible. Picture this: a smooth, decadent chocolate filling nestled in a crisp graham cracker crust, topped with juicy, bright red cherries. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that always disappears in minutes at any gathering.

What I love most about this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is how easy it is to make. Even on the busiest days, I can whip this up in no time. My kids adore it, and my husband claims it’s his favorite dessert (though I suspect he says that about all my chocolate recipes!).

I remember the first time I made this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for a family gathering. My usually picky nephew devoured two slices and asked for the recipe! That’s when I knew I had a winner. I’ve made some terrible cooking mistakes along the way, but, let me tell you, this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is definitely not one of those mistakes.

One of the biggest challenges I used to face with no-bake desserts was getting the filling to set properly. I’ve had my fair share of soupy pies! But with a little patience and a few tricks I’ll share, you’ll end up with a perfectly firm and sliceable No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie every time.

Trust me, your family is going to love this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie as much as mine does! It’s become such a staple in our house. It’s truly the ultimate indulgence, perfect for any occasion. And, honestly, I am thinking about making another No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie this weekend!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delectable No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie.

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1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: For the crust, I usually buy the pre-made crumbs to save time, but you can easily crush your own graham crackers.

⅓ cup (5 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted: Make sure it’s completely melted for a perfectly cohesive crust.
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: This is the key to the pie’s creamy sweetness. Don’t substitute with evaporated milk!
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened: It needs to be very soft to avoid lumps in the filling. I usually leave it out on the counter for about an hour.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted: I prefer semi-sweet, but you can use milk chocolate if you like it sweeter or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. Make sure to melt this in 30-second intervals in the microwave so it doesn’t burn.
1 (21-ounce) can cherry pie filling: This makes things super easy, but if you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own cherry filling from scratch. The Cherry Information link might provide some insight there!

8 ounces of whipped topping: You can use cool whip or homemade, whatever floats your boat, I would go with homemade though.
Chocolate shavings (optional, for garnish): For a beautiful presentation, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings adds a touch of elegance.

Here’s a little secret my mom taught me: chilling the graham cracker crust before adding the filling helps it stay firm. Also, make sure the cream cheese is completely softened. I’ve forgotten that step before, and it resulted in a lumpy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie filling!

For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily make this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie gluten-free by using gluten-free graham crackers. And if you’re looking to reduce the sugar, try using a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk.

I usually buy my chocolate chips in bulk at Costco. It saves money, and I always have them on hand for baking emergencies. As for the cherry pie filling, I’ve found that the store brand tastes just as good as the name brand.

One thing I have learned while making this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is if you want to make a healthier version, you can use greek yogurt as a replacement for the whipped cream topping. It gives it a little zing!

Storage Tip: If you somehow have leftover pie, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s make this absolutely delicious No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie. Here’s how to do it, step-by-step:

Prepare the Crust: In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly moistened.

Press into Pie Plate: Press the crumb mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Use the bottom of a measuring cup to firmly pack the crust.
Chill the Crust: Place the pie plate in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This helps the crust set and prevents it from getting soggy. I learned the hard way to always chill it, after my first No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie turned into a crumbling mess.
Make the Filling: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.

Add Sweetened Condensed Milk and Vanilla: Gradually add the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract to the cream cheese. Continue to beat until everything is well combined and smooth.
Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Be careful not to burn the chocolate.
Combine Chocolate and Cream Cheese Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate into the cream cheese mixture and beat until well combined.

Pour into Crust: Pour the chocolate mixture into the chilled graham cracker crust, spreading it evenly.
Top with Cherry Pie Filling: Spoon the cherry pie filling over the chocolate layer. Spread it evenly over the top of the pie. My husband always asks me to make extra filling because he loves it so much. I have learned when making this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie that extra cherry filling is a MUST.
Add Whipped Topping: Lastly, spread your whipped topping over your cherries.

Chill: Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. This is crucial for a sliceable No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie.
Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chocolate shavings, if desired. Slice and serve chilled.

Preparing No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

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Don’t worry if your crust crumbles a bit when you slice the pie. It’s all part of the charm of a No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie! It might be messy, but it will still taste amazing. If the chocolate isn’t melting smoothly, try adding a teaspoon of coconut oil to the chocolate. It’ll help it melt more evenly.

You’ll know it’s ready when the filling is firm to the touch. If it’s still a bit soft, just give it a little more time in the refrigerator. This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is so good and easy to make.

Serving Ideas

This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is a crowd-pleaser and is perfect for any occasion.

We love serving this at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. It’s especially popular during the summer months when you don’t want to turn on the oven. This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is always a hit!

For a simple yet elegant presentation, I like to sprinkle some extra chocolate shavings on top just before serving. A few fresh cherries add a pop of color, too. You can also top with a dollop of extra whipped cream.

This is also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. That said, it depends on if you enjoy ice cream with No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie.

The recipe says it serves 8, but in our house, it usually feeds about 6 hungry people! My kids always ask for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). My daughter always wants the bigger slice.

If we somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), they make a delicious midnight snack. The No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie also makes a great dessert to have with tea!

I have learned to make this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie for almost every party! It truly is a crowd pleaser and my family always asks me to make it.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making this No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie:

Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! You can use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save even more time, or try using an Oreo cookie crust for an extra chocolatey twist. You can even use a shortbread crust.

Can I make this pie ahead of time?

Absolutely! This pie is perfect for making ahead of time. In fact, it needs at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly, so making it the day before is ideal.

Can I freeze this pie?

I don’t recommend freezing this pie, as the texture of the cream cheese filling may change when thawed. This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is best when served fresh.

Can I use fresh cherries instead of cherry pie filling?

Yes, you can! Pit and halve about 4 cups of fresh cherries and cook them down with some sugar and a little cornstarch to thicken. Let it cool completely before adding it to the pie.

My pie filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?

Make sure your cream cheese is softened completely before mixing it. Also, be sure to chill the pie for the full 4 hours (or overnight) to allow the filling to set. Don’t worry I have been there! That’s when I figured out making the No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie needed patience!

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can try using a sugar-free sweetened condensed milk to reduce the sugar content. Just be aware that it may slightly alter the taste and texture of the pie. My mother-in-law is diabetic, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use sugar free options and it turns out amazing!

Can I make this without the chocolate?

Yes you can, you can make a No-Bake Cherry Cream Pie without the chocolate if you prefer a lighter flavor.

Conclusion

Enjoying No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

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This No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie has become a beloved staple in our family, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. There’s something so comforting about the combination of creamy chocolate and sweet cherries that brings everyone together.

Always let the crust chill for at least 30 minutes. This will prevent it from getting soggy.
Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened. Lumpy filling is never fun!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. Chocolate shavings, fresh cherries, or a dollop of whipped cream all work great.

My son loves this with extra whipped cream, while my daughter prefers it plain. My husband, well, he just loves it any way he can get it!

Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy weeknight, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment!

I have made many No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pies and I have had so much fun doing it. I hope you do too!

Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Give this chocolate cherry pie no bake a try, you won’t be disappointed. It’s such an easy no bake cherry chocolate pie! This recipe is also a quick chocolate cherry pie recipe! Don’t hesitate to make it a refrigerator chocolate cherry pie!

Easy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

Print Recipe

This easy no-bake chocolate cherry cream pie is the perfect dessert for any occasion! It’s rich, decadent, and requires absolutely no baking.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x

Category: Dessert
Method: No-Bake
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 (9-inch) chocolate graham cracker crust
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

Instructions

In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth.
Add the cocoa powder and vanilla extract and mix until well combined.

Gently fold in half of the whipped topping.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust and spread evenly.
Top with the cherry pie filling, spreading evenly over the chocolate layer.

Dollop the remaining whipped topping around the edge of the pie.
Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, before serving.

Notes

For an extra touch, sprinkle some shaved chocolate on top before serving. You can also use a different flavor of pie filling, such as blueberry or strawberry.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 400
Sugar: 40g

Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g

Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: chocolate, cherry, pie, no-bake, dessert