Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe

Introduction

This Easy No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie with just 5 ingredients is the perfect festive dessert! It combines rich chocolate and sweet cherries in a creamy, no-bake filling that sets in the fridge. If you love simple chocolate treats, you might also enjoy this Chocolate Cupcake Recipe Easy or the decadent Chocolate Cloud Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

This festive dessert combines a rich chocolate layer with sweet cherry pie filling, creating a luscious no-bake treat that’s both creamy and indulgent.

• 1 9-inch chocolate cookie crumb crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
• Optional: whipped cream for topping
• Optional: shaved chocolate or cherries for garnish

Timing

Prep Time	25 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	25 minutes (plus chilling)

Context: This Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie is ready about 40% faster than similar baked pies, since there’s no oven time required.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Crust

Crush chocolate wafer cookies into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin. Combine with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.

Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the bottom and sides evenly. Chill for at least 15 minutes to set.

Step 2 — Make the Chocolate Filling

Melt chocolate chips with heavy cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly to avoid melting the crust.

For best results, ensure the chocolate mixture is thick but pourable before proceeding.

Step 3 — Layer the Cherries

Drain canned cherry pie filling well to remove excess liquid. Spread half evenly over the chilled crust.

Reserve a few whole cherries for garnish if desired.

Step 4 — Add the Chocolate Layer

Pour the cooled chocolate ganache over the cherry layer, spreading gently to cover completely.

Tap the pan lightly on the counter to remove air bubbles and create a smooth surface.

Step 5 — Top with Remaining Cherries

Spoon the remaining cherry filling over the chocolate layer, distributing it evenly.

Avoid overmixing to maintain distinct layers in your Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie.

Step 6 — Chill Thoroughly

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. Overnight chilling yields the best texture.

The pie is ready when the chocolate layer is set and doesn’t jiggle when moved.

Step 7 — Garnish and Serve

Before serving, top with whipped cream and reserved cherries for a festive presentation.

Use a warm knife dipped in hot water for clean slices when cutting your Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie.

Nutritional Information

Calories	380
Protein	5g
Carbohydrates	52g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	220mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Greek yogurt for cream cheese — Boosts protein while maintaining creamy texture with a pleasant tang.
• Almond flour crust — Creates a gluten-free, lower-carb base with nutty flavor notes.
• Coconut cream for whipped cream — Provides a rich dairy-free alternative that pairs well with chocolate.
• Monk fruit sweetener for sugar — Reduces carbs and glycemic impact without sacrificing sweetness.
• Dark chocolate chips for milk chocolate — Lowers sugar content and adds antioxidant-rich cocoa flavor.
• Unsweetened cherry preserves — Cuts added sugars while intensifying the natural tart cherry taste.
• Vanilla protein powder in filling — Adds protein boost and enhances vanilla notes without altering texture.
• Homemade crust with no-salt nuts — Eliminates sodium from store-bought crusts while adding healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a classic holiday dessert combination.
• Serve alongside a warm cup of peppermint hot chocolate for a cozy Christmas evening.
• Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a dusting of powdered sugar for an elegant festive presentation.
• Accompany with a cheese board featuring brie and walnuts for a sophisticated dessert course.
• Create individual portions in mini tart pans for easy serving at holiday parties.
• Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra decadence.

This Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie makes a stunning centerpiece for your holiday dessert table and is perfect for potlucks since it requires no oven time during busy Christmas preparations.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using canned cherry pie filling, which can make the dessert overly sweet and watery. Fix: Opt for high-quality, pitted dark cherries in juice or make a quick compote from frozen cherries for better flavor and texture control.
• Mistake: Not chilling the crust long enough before adding the filling, leading to a soggy bottom. Fix: Press the crust firmly into the pan and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set completely.
• Mistake: Overheating the chocolate when melting, causing it to seize and become grainy. Fix: Melt chocolate gently using a double boiler or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring frequently.
• Mistake: Skipping the cornstarch or thickener in the cherry layer, resulting in a runny pie that doesn’t slice cleanly. Fix: Always cook the cherry mixture with a thickener until it visibly coats the back of a spoon.
• Mistake: Using whipped topping instead of freshly whipped cream, which can deflate and make the texture less luxurious. Fix: Whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar to stiff peaks for a stable, rich topping.
• Mistake: Adding the chocolate layer while the cherry layer is still warm, causing the layers to bleed together. Fix: Ensure each layer is completely cooled or chilled before adding the next one.
• Mistake: Not toasting the nuts for the crust, which misses an opportunity for deeper, nuttier flavor. Fix: Lightly toast nuts like almonds or pecans before crushing them for the crust.
• Mistake: Rushing the final set in the fridge, leading to a pie that doesn’t hold its shape when sliced. Fix: Allow the assembled Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, preferably overnight.
• Mistake: Forgetting to grease the pie pan, making it difficult to remove slices neatly. Fix: Lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking spray before pressing in the crust.
• Mistake: Using low-quality cocoa powder in the chocolate layer, resulting in a dull, less chocolatey flavor. Fix: Choose a Dutch-process or high-fat cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate taste.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cover the Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or place in a freezer-safe airtight container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen pie overnight in the refrigerator. Serve chilled; this dessert is not meant to be served warm.

Always refrigerate your Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie promptly and keep it at or below 40°F (4°C) to ensure food safety.

Conclusion

This Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie is the perfect festive dessert that requires no oven time. If you love no-bake treats, try our Pink Paradise No-Bake M&M Snickers Cheesecake Recipe next. We hope you enjoy making this pie—share your results in the comments and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

How far in advance can I make this Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie?

You can prepare this Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie up to two days in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This makes it a perfect make-ahead dessert for your holiday festivities.

Can I use frozen cherries for this no-bake pie?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries, but be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly first. Excess liquid can prevent the filling from setting properly. This ensures your Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie has the perfect texture.

What is the best way to store leftovers of this pie?

Store any leftover Christmas No Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For the best texture and flavor, serve it chilled.