There’s something magical about a Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie. Imagine biting into a luscious slice of pie, where rich chocolate melds with sweet cherries, creating an explosion of flavors that dances across your taste buds. The aromas wafting from the kitchen promise pure bliss, making it hard to resist sneaking a taste before it even cools.
This delightful dessert isn’t just for special occasions; it’s perfect for cozy nights in or family gatherings where everyone can share a laugh and enjoy each other’s company. Trust me, once you experience the heavenly combination of chocolate and cherries, you’ll be counting down the days until you can make it again.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie is incredibly easy to whip up, making dessert stress-free.
- The flavor profile balances rich chocolatey goodness with tart cherry brightness.
- Visually stunning with its deep colors, it will impress anyone at your table.
- Perfect for any occasion, from birthdays to lazy Sundays!
I’ve made this pie for countless family gatherings and celebrations, and every time it’s met with applause and satisfied smiles.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Chocolate Crust: A rich chocolate crust forms the base; opt for store-bought or homemade for extra love.
Dark Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for a deeper flavor that complements cherries beautifully.
Fresh Cherries: Fresh or frozen cherries work well; choose ripe cherries for the best natural sweetness.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the tartness of the cherries while enhancing overall sweetness.
Heavy Cream: Whipping heavy cream adds richness and creaminess to the filling; don’t skimp!
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances flavor; always use pure extract if possible.
Cornstarch: Cornstarch thickens the filling perfectly, giving it that luscious texture we all crave.
Eggs: Eggs provide structure and moisture to the pie filling; they are essential for binding everything together.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie
Create the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a mixing bowl, combine crushed chocolate cookies with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press this mixture firmly into a pie dish and bake for 10 minutes until set.
Prepare the Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine pitted cherries, sugar, and vanilla extract. Cook until bubbling and fragrant. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with water until smooth and pour into the cherry mixture. Stir until thickened.
Melt the Chocolate: While your cherry filling cools slightly, melt dark chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and glossy. Let it cool down just a bit before adding it to your whipped cream.
Whip Cream and Combine Ingredients: In another bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in cooled melted chocolate until combined well but still fluffy. Add this mixture to your cooled cherry filling gently to preserve airiness.
Assemble Your Pie: Pour the cherry-chocolate mixture into your prepared crust. Spread evenly using a spatula. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours or until set.
Serve It Up!: Once set, slice into wedges and serve chilled or at room temperature. For an extra touch of decadence, top each slice with whipped cream or shaved chocolate!
Now that you’ve made your very own Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie, get ready for some serious dessert satisfaction!
You Must Know
- This Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie is not just a dessert; it’s an experience.
- The rich chocolate mingles with tart cherries, creating a divine balance that will make your taste buds dance.
- It’s perfect for special occasions or when you need to treat yourself.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the crust, then mix the filling while it bakes for optimal efficiency. This approach saves time and ensures that everything comes together perfectly, so you can enjoy the aroma of baking chocolate early on.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for raspberries or strawberries if you’re feeling adventurous. A hint of almond extract can add a delightful twist to the filling, enhancing the flavor profile and making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds to enjoy that fresh-baked taste again without losing its deliciousness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Make sure your pie crust is chilled before baking to avoid shrinkage.
- Use high-quality chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces and better presentation.
I still remember the first time I made this pie; my friends devoured it within minutes! Their compliments were overwhelming, and I realized I’d stumbled upon something magical—desserts really do bring people together.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries for this Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie?
Yes, frozen cherries work great; just thaw and drain excess liquid before using.
What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more intense flavor in your pie.
How can I prevent my pie crust from getting soggy?
Pre-bake your crust before adding the filling to ensure it stays crisp and flaky throughout baking.
Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie
Indulge in the rich flavors of Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie, a delectable dessert that perfectly blends luscious chocolate with sweet and tart cherries. This pie is a showstopper for any occasion, from family gatherings to cozy nights in. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, each slice promises an explosion of flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups crushed chocolate cookies
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 8 oz dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pitted cherries
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Combine crushed cookies and melted butter; press into a pie dish. Bake for 10 minutes.
- In a saucepan, heat cherries, sugar, and vanilla until bubbling. Stir in cornstarch mixture until thickened.
- Melt dark chocolate and let cool slightly. Whip heavy cream to stiff peaks and fold in chocolate.
- Combine cherry filling with chocolate cream; pour into crust. Chill for at least 2 hours until set.
- Slice and serve with whipped cream or shaved chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Swap cherries for raspberries or strawberries for a twist. Add a splash of almond extract for extra flavor.
