This no-bake cherry chocolate chip pie is a delightful dessert that combines the tartness of cherries with the sweetness of chocolate chips, all nestled in a chocolate cookie crust. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
- 1 ready-made chocolate cookie pie crust
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 can (21 oz) cherry pie filling
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 cup thawed Cool Whip
- 1¼ cups semisweet mini chocolate chips
Directions
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Fold in the thawed Cool Whip and cherry pie filling until well combined.
- Gently fold in 1 cup of the mini chocolate chips.
- Spread the mixture into the prepared chocolate cookie pie crust.
- Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of mini chocolate chips over the top.
- Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours before serving to allow it to set properly.
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 220mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 26g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 21g
- Protein: 3g
Why No-Bake?
No-bake desserts like the cherry chocolate chip pie have gained popularity in recent years, and for good reason. The allure of a no-bake recipe lies in its simplicity and time-saving nature. There’s no need to turn on the oven, which is especially beneficial during the warmer months when you don’t want to add unnecessary heat to your home. Additionally, no-bake recipes often require fewer ingredients and steps, making them perfect for beginners or anyone with a busy schedule. This pie is a great example of a no-bake treat that is as easy to make as it is delicious.
A Perfect Combination of Flavors
The combination of cherries and chocolate is a timeless one, often seen in cakes, cookies, and candies. In this pie, the cherries bring a natural tartness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate and cream cheese, creating a balanced flavor profile. The cherry pie filling adds a fruity, slightly sweet element, while the chocolate chips provide a decadent crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cream filling. This pie is the perfect treat for those who love the pairing of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of richness.
The Benefits of Cream Cheese in Desserts
Cream cheese is often used in dessert recipes for its rich, smooth texture and slightly tangy flavor. In this recipe, cream cheese is a key ingredient that helps to create a thick, smooth filling that holds together perfectly. It adds a richness that complements the tart cherries and sweet chocolate chips without overpowering the other flavors. The slight tanginess of cream cheese also helps to balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar and chocolate, ensuring that the pie isn’t overwhelmingly sugary.
Why Use Cool Whip?
Cool Whip, a popular brand of whipped topping, is often used in no-bake dessert recipes because it’s light and airy, providing a perfect texture to creamy fillings. It helps lighten the overall texture of the pie while still contributing to the creaminess of the filling. The use of Cool Whip in this recipe ensures that the pie has a smooth, fluffy texture without the heaviness that whipped cream can sometimes have. Plus, it’s a convenient shortcut, saving time and effort without compromising on the dessert’s quality.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about this No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, a holiday gathering, or a family dinner, this pie fits right in. It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to a wide variety of tastes, making it a great choice for parties, birthdays, and celebrations. The vibrant red cherries on top add a festive touch, making it especially popular for special occasions like Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Its simplicity makes it easy to prepare, but it looks sophisticated enough to serve at an elegant dinner party.
A Make-Ahead Dessert
Another major advantage of this pie is that it can be made ahead of time. In fact, the pie needs to be refrigerated for several hours before serving to allow it to set properly. This makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer to prep their desserts the day before an event. It’s a low-stress, make-ahead option that ensures you’ll have one less thing to worry about on the day of your gathering. Plus, the flavor only improves as the pie sits, allowing the ingredients to meld together for an even more delicious dessert.
Healthier Dessert Alternatives
While this cherry chocolate chip pie is undeniably delicious, it’s also on the indulgent side, with its creamy filling and rich chocolate crust. For those who are looking for a lighter version of the pie, there are a few ways to make it a little bit healthier. Consider using a reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese to cut down on calories, or opt for a low-sugar pie filling. You can also use a homemade crust made from whole-grain or gluten-free cookies to increase the nutritional value. While these changes might alter the flavor slightly, they can make the pie more suitable for those with dietary restrictions or those simply looking to enjoy a lighter dessert.
Why Choose a Chocolate Cookie Crust?
The chocolate cookie crust is a key component of this pie, contributing both texture and flavor. It adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy filling and enhances the overall chocolate flavor of the dessert. The sweet, slightly bitter taste of the chocolate cookies pairs wonderfully with the cherries and cream cheese, helping to tie the entire dessert together. Chocolate cookie crusts are often used in no-bake pies because they’re easy to prepare and don’t require any baking, making them a perfect fit for this recipe.
How to Customize the Recipe
Although the No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie is already delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your preferences. For example, if you prefer a different fruit, you can swap out the cherry pie filling for blueberry, strawberry, or raspberry filling. You can also change up the type of chocolate chips you use. While semisweet chocolate chips are the most common, you could use dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips to create a different flavor profile. To make the pie extra decadent, consider adding crushed nuts, such as almonds or pecans, for an added crunch.
Perfect Pairings
This pie pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages, making it an excellent dessert choice for any gathering. If you’re serving the pie for a casual family dinner, consider pairing it with a cold glass of milk or even hot chocolate for a rich, indulgent treat. For a more adult-friendly pairing, a glass of red wine or dessert wine like port or sherry complements the pie’s sweet and fruity flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for something refreshing, a crisp white wine or sparkling water also works well with this dessert.
Conclusion
The No-Bake Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie is the ultimate easy-to-make dessert that combines the richness of chocolate, the tartness of cherries, and a creamy texture in every bite. Its versatility, quick preparation, and ability to be made ahead of time make it a favorite for gatherings, celebrations, or just a simple treat after a long day. With its simple ingredients and minimal effort required, this pie is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a delicious dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.