Chocolate Strawberry Cream Pie is a luscious dessert that combines rich chocolate, fresh strawberries, and a silky cream filling in a buttery crust. This pie is the perfect balance of indulgent chocolate and refreshing fruit, making it an excellent choice for celebrations, holidays, or simply satisfying a sweet tooth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A perfect combination of chocolate and fresh strawberries
- Creamy, smooth filling with a crispy crust
- Easy to make with simple ingredients
- Great for special occasions or a delightful homemade dessert
- Can be made ahead of time for convenience
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Crust:
- Graham cracker crumbs or chocolate cookie crumbs
- Granulated sugar
- Unsalted butter, melted
For the Chocolate Filling:
- Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- Heavy cream
- Cream cheese, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
For the Strawberry Topping:
- Fresh strawberries, sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Lemon juice
- Cornstarch (for thickening)
For the Whipped Cream:
- Heavy whipping cream
- Powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
Directions
1. Prepare the Crust
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie dish.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, then let cool completely.
2. Make the Chocolate Filling
- Melt the chocolate and heavy cream together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (double boiler method) or microwave in short intervals, stirring until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until creamy.
- Fold in the melted chocolate mixture and mix until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and spread evenly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to set.
3. Prepare the Strawberry Topping
- In a saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until the strawberries release their juices.
- Stir in cornstarch mixed with water and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Let the topping cool before spreading over the chocolate layer.
4. Make the Whipped Cream
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the strawberry layer.
5. Serve and Enjoy
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing.
- Garnish with extra strawberries or chocolate shavings if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8-10 slices
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 3 hours
Variations
- Chocolate Ganache Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the whipped cream for extra richness.
- Oreo Crust: Use crushed Oreos instead of graham crackers for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- No-Bake Version: Skip baking the crust and chill it instead for an easy no-bake dessert.
- Berry Mix: Add raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry topping.
- Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped almonds or hazelnuts for added crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the pie (without the whipped cream) for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Reheating: This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the filling will be sweeter. Adjust the sugar accordingly.
How do I prevent my crust from becoming soggy?
Make sure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the filling.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, but thaw and drain them before making the topping.
What’s the best way to get clean slices?
Use a sharp knife and wipe it clean between cuts for neat slices.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it a day in advance. Add the whipped cream just before serving for the best texture.
How do I thicken my strawberry topping?
Use cornstarch or let it simmer longer to reduce excess liquid.
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a pre-made crust works well for convenience.
How can I make the whipped cream hold longer?
Stabilize it by adding a little gelatin dissolved in water before whipping.
Is this pie overly sweet?
No, the balance of dark chocolate and fresh strawberries keeps it from being too sweet.
Can I make this into mini pies?
Yes, use cupcake liners or mini pie tins for individual servings.
Conclusion
Chocolate Strawberry Cream Pie is a decadent and refreshing dessert that perfectly balances the rich, creamy texture of chocolate with the bright, juicy flavor of strawberries. Whether served at a party, holiday gathering, or simply as a weekend treat, this pie is guaranteed to impress.