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Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Name: Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed; 1/2 cup vegetable shortening; 6 to 8 tablespoons ice water; 4 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted; 1 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; A pinch of salt; 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1 egg (for egg wash, optional); 1 tablespoon milk or water (for egg wash, optional); Turbinado sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

To say that pie is a beloved dessert is an understatement. From fruit-filled classics to creamy delights, there’s something about a perfect pie slice that warms the heart. This Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie combines the sweet-tart flavor of cherries with the rich indulgence of chocolate, bringing a delightful fusion of tastes and textures that will leave you and your loved ones wanting more. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a cozy night at home, this pie will surely be the star of the show.

What makes this cherry chocolate chip pie stand apart is not just its unique flavor combination but also how simple it is to prepare. Perfect for beginner bakers and seasoned pros alike, this pie is sure to impress.

Why Make This Recipe

Rich chocolate and tart cherry flavors create a mouthwatering experience.
Easy to prepare with straightforward ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to special celebrations.

There’s simply no reason not to indulge in this delightful dessert that blends nostalgia with modern flair.

Making Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie at Home

Cherry pie is a timeless classic, but when you add chocolate chips, it takes on a whole new character. To create this sweet and tangy treat, you’ll need a few pantry staples and a little bit of patience. Here’s how to craft your very own Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie.

Combine Dry Ingredients (Crust): In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour and salt. This forms the foundation of your flaky pie crust.
Cut in the Fat (Crust): Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and vegetable shortening to your flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the fat into the flour until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, which results in a flakier crust.
Add Ice Water (Crust): Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing gently after each addition. You want to stop adding water once the dough just comes together—it should be slightly shaggy but not overly wet.
Form the Dough (Crust): Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently gather it into a ball, then divide it in half. Flatten each half into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Roll Out the Bottom Crust: On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough into a 12-inch circle. Carefully transfer this to a 9-inch pie plate, trimming the edges so you have about a 1-inch overhang.
Prepare the Edge: Crimp the edges of the crust using your fingers or a fork, which not only secures the crust but also adds a decorative touch.
Chill the Crust: Place your prepared pie crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling—this helps avoid a soggy bottom.
Combine Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, almond extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss gently to ensure the cherries are evenly coated, creating a luscious filling.
Add Chocolate Chips: Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips to the filling mixture, bringing in that sweet chocolatey goodness.
Pour in the Filling: Carefully pour the cherry filling into the chilled pie crust, spreading the cherries evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of flavors.
Roll Out the Top Crust: On the floured surface, roll out the remaining disc of dough into another 12-inch circle.
Place Top Crust: Carefully place the top crust over the filling. Trim the edges again, leaving about a 1-inch overhang.
Seal and Crimp: Crimp the edges of the top and bottom crusts together to seal in all that delicious filling.
Cut Vents: Make several slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape while baking, preventing a soggy pie.
Egg Wash (Optional): If you want a beautiful golden-brown crust, whisk together the egg and milk or water, then brush this mixture over the top crust.
Sprinkle with Sugar (Optional): Dust a little turbinado sugar or granulated sugar over the top for added sweetness and texture.
Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the pie for 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and continue baking for another 35–45 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Cool: Allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. Ideally, let it cool for at least 4 hours or even overnight to develop its full flavor.

Storage Tips for Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie

Storing pie correctly ensures you can enjoy this delicious dessert long after it’s made. Here are some helpful tips to keep your Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie fresh:

Room Temperature: You can leave pie out at room temperature for about 1–2 days, covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap.
Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C). Make sure to cover the pie with foil to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the pie. Ensure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie

The beauty of pie is not just in its creation, but in how you choose to serve it. Here are some wonderful ways to present your Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie:

With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top of a warm slice adds a classic touch and complements the rich flavors of the pie.
À la Mode: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast. The creamy texture of the ice cream plays beautifully with the tart cherries and chocolate.
Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce: For the chocoholics, a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce over the top of each piece takes indulgence to another level.
Fresh Mint Garnish: A sprig of mint not only makes the pie visually appealing but also adds a refreshing note that cuts through the sweetness.

Tips to Make Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie

Quality Counts: Using high-quality chocolate will elevate your pie flavor. Opt for semi-sweet chocolate chips that you enjoy eating on their own.
Keep It Cold: When making the pie crust, keep all your ingredients, particularly the butter and shortening, cold. This is key to achieving that flaky texture we all love.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Letting the pie cool completely before slicing helps set the filling and prevents the pie from becoming soupy upon serving.

Variations or Substitutions

Experimenting with your Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie can yield delicious results:

Berry Blend: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can substitute cherries for a mix of berries like raspberries and blueberries. This variation gives a different flavor profile while still pairing beautifully with chocolate.
Almond Flour Crust: For a gluten-free twist, consider making the crust with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. The flavors will change slightly, but the joy of enjoying a homemade pie will remain.

FAQs About Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. Take it out about 30 minutes before serving to allow it to come to room temperature.

Q: Can I use frozen cherries?

A: Absolutely! If you’re using frozen cherries, just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.

Q: How do I keep the pie crust from getting soggy?

Chill the crust after forming it to prevent it from becoming too soft.
Pre-bake the crust lightly (known as blind baking) for about 10 minutes before adding the filling.
Make sure you’re not adding too much liquid in the filling.

Cherry Chocolate Chip Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings comfort and joy. Whether you’re reminiscing about summers spent picking cherries or simply treating yourself after a long week, each slice is a little piece of happiness. So gather your ingredients and embark on this baking adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!