Name: Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour; ⅓ cup cocoa powder; ½ teaspoon sea salt; ¼ cup granulated sugar; 1 cup unsalted butter, cut into 1 cm cubes and frozen; ⅓ cup sour cream, cold; 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ cup cold water; 1 ½ lbs tart cherries (frozen, about 6 cups, do not defrost); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 4 tablespoons cornstarch (3 tablespoons for a saucier pie); ¼ teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; 2 tablespoons cherry liquor (optional); ½ teaspoon almond extract; 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream; 2 tablespoons coarse demerara sugar; ¾ cup heavy whipping cream, cold; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; ⅛ teaspoon sea salt; ½ cup mascarpone cheese, cold; ¼ bar dark chocolate, for shaving on top

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you love the magical combination of rich chocolate and tart cherries, then the Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This pie features a luscious cocoa-infused sour cream crust packed with buttery flakiness, a gorgeously gooey cherry filling with a hint of spice and almond, and a lattice top that bakes to golden, crisp perfection. Topped with a light and fluffy mascarpone whipped cream sprinkled with dark chocolate shavings, it’s the perfect dessert to impress family, friends, or simply treat yourself to a slice of indulgent happiness.

Ingredients You'll Need

A slice of dark brown crumbly cake with a thick bright red berry filling in the middle sits on a white plate. On top of the cake is a fluffy white whipped cream layer sprinkled with small dark brown chocolate shavings. The plate is on a white marbled surface with blurred warm lights and green background behind. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe uses a handful of carefully chosen ingredients that may seem simple, but each plays a vital role in delivering the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From fresh tart cherries for that signature tang, to rich cocoa powder that deepens the pie crust’s flavor, every component is essential for pie perfection.

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the pie crust, lending structure and tenderness.
Cocoa powder: Adds a deep chocolate flavor and a rich color to the crust.
Sea salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both the crust and the filling just right.
Unsalted butter: Cubed and frozen, it creates flaky layers in the crust.
Sour cream: Adds moisture and tang for a tender, slightly creamy crust texture.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Cold water: Helps bring the dough together without melting the butter.
Tart cherries (frozen): The star of the filling, offering bold tartness and juiciness.
Cornstarch: A thickening agent that keeps the cherry filling juicy but not runny.
Ground cinnamon: Adds subtle warmth to the filling’s flavor profile.
Cherry liquor (optional): A boozy hint that elevates the cherry flavor.
Almond extract: A classic partner to cherry that adds depth.
Heavy whipping cream: Used both to brush the crust for a golden finish and whipped with mascarpone for the topping.
Demerara sugar: Coarse crystals add a beautiful sparkle and crunch to the crust.
Mascarpone cheese: Provides rich, creamy body to the whipped cream topping.
Dark chocolate: Shaved over the whipped cream to finish with elegant bittersweet flair.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Sour Cream Pie Crust

Start by combining the flour, cocoa powder, sea salt, and sugar in a large bowl to create the dry base of your crust. Next, add the cold, cubed butter and work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse peas, ensuring your crust will have those delightful flaky layers everyone loves. Mix in the cold sour cream and vanilla extract, then gradually add the cold water, mixing with your hands until the dough just comes together. Folding the dough gently and forming it into two disks, wrap and chill these in the fridge for at least an hour to relax the gluten and keep that butter cold.

Step 2: Make the Tart Cherry Pie Filling

While the dough chills, combine the frozen tart cherries (don’t defrost them), sugar, cornstarch, sea salt, cinnamon, optional cherry liquor, and almond extract in a large bowl. Toss to coat the cherries evenly, ensuring each bite bursts with balanced sweetness and tang with a hint of spice. Pop this mixture in the fridge to keep chilled and ready for your pie.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Pie

Preheat your oven to 355°F (180°C). Roll out one dough disk to about ¼ inch thickness on a floured surface and gently transfer it to your pie plate without stretching. Pour the cherry filling into the crust, making sure to include all the luscious juices. Roll out the second dough disk, cut it into strips, and weave them over the filling in a classic lattice pattern that not only looks stunning but allows steam to escape during baking. Trim the edges, leaving about an inch, then fold and crimp to seal. Brush the lattice with heavy cream and sprinkle generously with coarse demerara sugar for that irresistible crunchy top. Bake the pie in the lower half of your oven on a cookie sheet for 60 to 75 minutes, watching carefully so the edges don’t brown too fast—foil shields can help here. The filling should be bubbling and the crust crisp when done. Let the pie cool until warm or room temperature before serving.

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Mascarpone Whipped Cream

While your pie bakes or cools, whip together cold heavy cream, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until medium-stiff peaks form. Add cold mascarpone cheese and continue whipping until stiff peaks develop, creating a silky, luscious topping that adds a dreamy richness to every bite of your Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe

A cherry pie with a dark brown, crunchy lattice crust on top showing the deep red cherry filling underneath, slightly bubbling and oozing out from the edges of the pie. The pie is in a white ceramic dish with handles, and a slice is cut out and slightly pulled away, revealing the thick, juicy cherry layer inside. The crust has a textured surface with sugar crystals sparkling lightly. The pie sits on a wooden surface with cherries and green foliage around it, creating a warm, rustic feel. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

There is nothing like a generous dollop of the vanilla mascarpone whipped cream crowned with delicate shavings of dark chocolate. This classic garnish enhances the chocolate and cherry flavors while adding a textural contrast that feels indulgent yet light.

Side Dishes

Pairing this pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a small bowl of fresh berries complements its richness beautifully. For a festive touch, a glass of cherry- or chocolate-infused liqueur can elevate the experience to a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve individual mini versions of this Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe in ramekins with the lattice top or swirl the whipped cream into rosettes piped on top. You can also drizzle warmed cherry syrup or chocolate sauce lightly over the slices for an extra wow factor at your next gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, leftover pie should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, perfect for enjoying a second or third slice!

Freezing

You can freeze the pumpkin pie (without the whipped cream) wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then refresh the pie by heating slightly before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices briefly in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 10 to 15 minutes to restore that crisp lattice crust and warm filling. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen for this Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries can be used when in season. Just pit and halve them before mixing with the filling ingredients. Keep in mind the moisture content may vary, so you might need to adjust the cornstarch slightly.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in the crust?

Sour cream adds moistness and a subtle tang that enhances the cocoa flavor and texture of the crust, making it tender yet sturdy enough to hold the luscious filling. If you don’t have sour cream, you can try Greek yogurt as a substitute with slightly different texture.

What if I don’t have cherry liquor or almond extract?

The cherry liquor is optional for extra depth, and almond extract adds its characteristic nutty flavor, but the pie will still be delicious without them. You can substitute a splash of vanilla or simply omit these if needed.

How do I make sure the lattice crust doesn’t burn?

Keep an eye on your pie as it bakes. If the edges or lattice start to brown too quickly, cover them loosely with aluminum foil or use a pie crust shield to prevent overbaking while the filling finishes cooking.

Can I prepare the crust and filling ahead of time?

Yes! The crust dough can be made and refrigerated overnight, and the cherry filling can be prepped and kept chilled for several hours before assembling and baking the pie. This makes it a great make-ahead dessert for busy days.

Final Thoughts

You truly cannot go wrong with this Chocolate Cherry Black Forest Pie Recipe. Its combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and creamy whipped topping is a delicious celebration of flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Go ahead, dive into this irresistible pie and make some sweet memories!