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Easy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie

This incredible No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie is pure decadence, coming together in minutes with no baking required. Layers of rich chocolate, luscious cherry, and cloud-like whipped cream nestled in a crispy crust make it a showstopper, perfect for quick desserts or special occasions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust graham cracker, shortbread, or traditional pastry crust; fully cooled
  • 1 can cherry pie filling 21 oz, or homemade
  • 1 box chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz, instant, semi-sweet or dark chocolate
  • 2 cups cold milk 2% or whole milk recommended
  • 1.5 cups whipped cream homemade or store-bought, or thawed frozen whipped topping
  • 0.5 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark, mini chocolate chips are great too!
  • Fresh cherries for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 9-inch Pie Plate
  • Medium bowl
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Prep Your Crust: Make sure your 9-inch pie crust is already pre-baked and completely cooled. A warm crust will melt your beautiful layers.
  2. Step 2: Layer the Cherries: Open the can of cherry pie filling and spread it out evenly over the bottom of your cooled pie crust, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies.
  3. Step 3: Whip Up the Pudding: In a medium bowl, combine the chocolate pudding mix with the cold milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2 minutes, or until the mixture starts to thicken. Gently spread this chocolatey goodness over the cherry layer.
  4. Step 4: Add the Creamy Topping: Gently spread your whipped cream over the chocolate pudding layer, creating a smooth and even topping. An offset spatula works well for this.
  5. Step 5: Garnish and Glam Up: Sprinkle the chocolate chips generously over the whipped cream. If you have fresh cherries on hand, arrange a few artfully on top for a stunning presentation.
  6. Step 6: Chill Out: Pop your pie into the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial to allow all those delicious layers to set up nicely, ensuring clean slices. For a quicker set, you can freeze for 30-45 minutes before transferring to the fridge.
  7. Step 7: Slice and Serve: Once completely chilled and set, grab a sharp knife, slice into generous portions, and serve this delightful pie. Enjoy every chocolatey, cherry-filled bite!

Notes

This pie is fantastic for making a day ahead, as the flavors meld even better after a full night in the fridge. Proper chilling time (at least 2 hours) is crucial for setting. Store leftovers tightly covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Do not freeze, as the whipped cream and pudding layers can become watery or change texture when thawed. Always use really cold milk and whisk vigorously for the full 2 minutes when making the pudding to ensure a smooth consistency.