No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie Recipe
Too hot to heat up the kitchen? This easy no-bake chocolate cherry pie is just the recipe you need! With layers of chocolate, a fluffy cherry filling, cherry pie filling in a graham cracker crust, all topped with whipped cream, every bite is loaded with that delicious chocolate cherry flavour.
When it comes to easy desserts, no-bake pies are often my go to recipes. They’re the ones I remember at family reunion pot-luck barbecues or backyard gatherings with neighbours growing up. Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia!
It’s one of those simple desserts that looks (and tastes) impressive, but comes together with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love It
EASE: Very easy, perfect for all skill levels
PROS: It’s Delicious and doesn’t require baking
CONS: Absolutely none
MAKE AHEAD? Absolutely
Ingredients You Will Need
- graham cracker pie crust – either store bought or homemade
- chocolate pudding mix – (4 serving size) plus milk to prepare
- Whipped Topping – such as Cool Whip (defrosted)
- cherry gelatin powder – such as Jell-O 4 serving size
- cherry pie filling
Making the Chocolate Cherry Pie
See the full printable recipe card below with ingredients and instructions
- Prepare chocolate pudding and spread over the graham cracker crust
- Prepare Jell-O powder and chill just until thickened, but not set, about 30 to 60 minutes
- Fold thickened cherry Jell-O into the Cool-Whip until fully incorporated. Spread over chocolate mixture and chill until fully set (2 to 3 hours or overnight)
- Spread cherry pie filling over the cherry fluff layer and garnish with additional Cool Whip
My Tips For Making the Best No-Bake Pie with Jell-O
- make sure the cherry jello is thickened before adding to the cool whip – I found that took about an 60 to 90 minutes to reach a thick, syrupy stage but started to check on it at about 45 minutes
- I like to make this pie up to step 3 the afternoon or evening before, and then add the cherry filling and whipped cream garnish the next morning as it gives it ample time to set
- for clean slices, run knife under hot water and carefully wipe dry between each slice
- keep the pie refrigerated until ready to serve – place it ice in a cooler if you are taking it to a barbecue or picnic
Variation Ideas
Here are few ways you can make this delicious cherry chocolate pie your own:
- add chocolate shavings to the top
- use a pre-made shortbread crust or a chocolate cookie crumb crust instead of graham cracker
- for a rich chocolate flavour use a dark chocolate pudding mix
Absolutely, I recommend making it the day before, but waiting to add the cherry pie filling and whipped topping garnish the next day to give the fluffy cherry layer time to set firmly.
While you could use freshly whipped cream, I don’t recommend it in this case (except for the garnish), as the prepared whipped topping adds stability to help the cherry layer hold its shape.
Leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. In fact, I recommend keeping this pie refrigerated until ready to serve and promptly refrigerating any leftovers. Or, store on ice in a cooler until you can refrigerate if serving away from home.
The simple answer is yes, but I don’t recommend it unless you plan to eat it frozen as the texture will change when thawed and may be unpleasant. If you are going to freeze it, do so without the cherry pie filling and add that right before filling.
This no-bake chocolate cherry pie combines the flavour of rich chocolate, sweet cherries, and a creamy texture that makes it an instant crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a family barbecue, holiday gathering, or simply as a weekend treat, it’s a simple dessert that’s sure to disappear quickly.
More No-Bake Dessert Recipes
No-Bake Chocolate Cherry Pie
Equipment
- 2 mixing bowls
- wire whisk
- rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 prepared graham cracker crust store bought or homemade
- 1 box chocolate pudding mix 4 serving size
- 2 cups milk
- 1 box Jell-O powder
- 1 large frozen whipped topping, thawed
- 1 cup cherry pie filling
Instructions
- Whisk together chocolate pudding mix and milk until well combined and thickened. Pour into graham cracker pie shell , spreading up the sides; refrigerate while preparing cherry fluff layer.
- Prepare Jell-O as directed and chill for approximately 1 hour (until thickened to the consistency of syrup). Whisk or stir thickened jello into whipped topping until fully combined. Spread mixture over chilled pudding layer and chill for approximately 2 hours or overnight.
- Spread cherry pie filling to cover cherry fluff layer; garnish with addition whipped topping or fresh whipped cream. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
