Chef Mitchell preparing Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight during a summer picnic with friends. The combination of chocolate and cherries was a hit, and I was inspired to create my own version. Over the years, I perfected the recipe to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. This dessert has become a staple at my gatherings, and I love sharing it with others."

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I have a passion for creating delicious dessert recipes. My training at a prestigious culinary school has equipped me with the skills to craft intricate and satisfying treats. I love experimenting with flavors and textures to produce desserts that everyone can enjoy.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight served on a plate

Why This Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its perfect blend of rich chocolate and tart cherries, creating a delightful flavor combination. The creamy texture from the whipped cream and cream cheese adds a luxurious feel, making each bite irresistible. Additionally, the graham cracker crust provides a satisfying crunch that complements the smooth filling.

The technique of using fresh cherries enhances the overall taste, providing a burst of flavor that frozen cherries simply can't match. The careful layering of ingredients ensures that each slice has the perfect ratio of chocolate to cherry. This recipe is designed for ease and success, making it approachable for home bakers.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best flavor, use high-quality chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own. It's crucial to whip the cream until soft peaks form to ensure a light and airy texture in the final dessert. Don't rush the chilling process; allowing it to set overnight will yield the best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight can be made a day in advance. Just make sure to cover it well with plastic wrap before refrigerating. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and gives you more time to enjoy the party or gathering.

If you don't have chocolate chips, you can use chopped chocolate bars or cocoa powder mixed with a bit of coconut oil as a substitute. Dark chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate will work best for a rich flavor. You can also experiment with white chocolate for a different taste.

The dessert is done when it has set firmly but is still slightly jiggles in the center. It should not be liquid, and the layers should be visible. After chilling, the texture will be creamy and smooth, which is indicative of a well-prepared dessert.

While it's possible to freeze Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight, it's best enjoyed fresh. Freezing can alter the texture of the cream, making it less creamy upon thawing. If you need to freeze it, ensure it's well-covered to prevent freezer burn, and let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh cherries or berries on the side can enhance the presentation and add a refreshing touch. A drizzle of chocolate sauce also complements the dessert perfectly.

In the fridge, Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight will stay fresh for about 3-4 days if stored properly in an airtight container. Be sure to keep it refrigerated at all times to maintain its creamy texture.

Yes, you can prepare Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight a day or two ahead of time. This makes it an ideal dessert for parties and gatherings. Just ensure it's well-covered in the refrigerator, and it will be ready to serve when you need it.

Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight is best served chilled and does not require reheating. If stored in the refrigerator, simply take it out and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: The dessert feels too dry or crumbly.

Solution: Ensure that you properly balance the cream and chocolate mixture. If it seems dry, the next time you make it, you might want to add a bit more cream or adjust the chocolate quantity.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The crust is not crispy and falls apart.

Solution: Make sure to use enough melted butter when combining with graham crackers and press the mixture firmly into the pan. Bake the crust briefly before adding the filling to enhance its crispness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The dessert has an overcooked or burnt taste.

Prevention: This dessert should not be baked, so if there's a burnt flavor, it may come from overcooking the cherry filling. Cook it just until thickened and allow it to cool before layering.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: The center remains too soft or gooey.

Recovery: If the dessert is too soft in the center, it may not have chilled long enough. Make sure to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set completely.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: The outer crust is burnt.

Prevention: If you notice the crust burning, reduce the baking time or cover it with foil halfway through to prevent over-browning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dessert is too sweet, add a pinch of salt or a bit of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, consider adding whipped cream to lighten it up.

Bland: If the dessert is bland, increase the cocoa powder or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

Fresh ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight

Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight

The key ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight include fresh cherries, high-quality chocolate, and creamy dairy products like heavy cream and cream cheese. Using fresh fruit elevates the dish, offering natural sweetness and a tart contrast to the rich chocolate. Balance is critical, and the right proportions make all the difference.

Choosing high-quality ingredients is essential for this dessert. Opt for premium chocolate that you savor, as it will significantly enhance the flavor. Fresh cherries should be ripe and sweet, and using organic dairy products can improve the overall taste and texture of the dessert.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Cherries: Select bright red, firm cherries for the best flavor. Ensure they are pitted for a smooth texture in the dessert. If cherries are out of season, consider using frozen cherries, but allow them to thaw and drain excess liquid.
  • Chocolate Chips: Use high-quality chocolate chips, preferably dark or semi-sweet for a rich flavor. If you prefer a sweeter dessert, opt for milk chocolate chips. Always melt the chips gently to avoid burning.
  • Heavy Cream: Fresh heavy cream is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture in the dessert. Whip it lightly to maintain airiness, which contributes to the overall lightness of the dessert.
Cooking process for Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight is straightforward, making it accessible for all skill levels. Begin by preparing the crust, followed by the cherry filling, then layer everything together. The key is to allow adequate chilling time to ensure the dessert sets properly.

Achieving perfect results involves paying attention to the texture of the cream and ensuring the filling is not overcooked. Layering the ingredients carefully will provide a beautiful look when sliced, enhancing the overall presentation.

Key Technique for Perfect Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight

The most important technique for this dessert is the balance of temperatures and textures. Melting the chocolate gently ensures a smooth consistency, while whipping the cream to soft peaks retains airiness. Proper layering of the chocolate and cherry mixtures ensures each bite is balanced and flavorful.

Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup sugar
    Granulated
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
    Unsweetened
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For a thicker sauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • Pinch of salt
    To enhance sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 1 lb fresh cherries
    Pitted
  • 2 cups heavy cream
    For whipping
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
    For sweetness
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
    For the filling
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
    For richness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/4 tsp salt
    To balance flavors
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
    Softened
  • 1 cup crushed graham crackers
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
    For the crust
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
    For sweetness in cream
  • 1 cup sour cream
    For creaminess

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crust

    Combine crushed graham crackers and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie pan to form a crust.

  2. Prepare Cherry Filling

    In a saucepan, combine fresh cherries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the cherries release their juices and the mixture thickens.

  3. Melt the Chocolate

    In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips in a microwave or double boiler until smooth.

  4. Make the Cream Mixture

    In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Whip until soft peaks form.

  5. Combine Chocolate and Cream

    Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream mixture. Add vanilla extract and salt.

  6. Layer the Mixtures

    Spread half of the chocolate cream mixture over the crust, then layer with the cherry filling, and top with the remaining chocolate cream mixture.

  7. Chill the Dessert

    Refrigerate the dessert for at least 4 hours or overnight until set.

  8. Serve and Garnish

    Serve chilled, garnished with dark chocolate shavings and fresh mint leaves.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. For best results, avoid exposing it to air for long periods, as this can affect the cream's texture.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the Chocolate Cherry Cream Delight into wedges and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also pair it with fresh fruit or a light drizzle of chocolate sauce for added flair.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to experiment with different fruits like raspberries or strawberries instead of cherries. You can also add a layer of crushed nuts for a crunchy texture or switch up the chocolate for white chocolate for a unique twist.