No-Bake Cherry Garcia Pie

If you’re a fan of Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream (like I am!) , you are going to LOVE this No-Bake Cherry Garcia Pie in a chocolate pie crust! 🍒🍫

A couple of years ago I made a Cherry Garcia dip and a follower suggested making into a pie. Genius! I finally got around to it, and I’m kind of mad I waited so long.

This easy dessert takes all those delicious Cherry Garcia flavors—sweet cherries and rich dark chocolate—and turns them into a creamy, dreamy no-bake pie. Why do chocolate and cherries go so well together?! A match made in dessert Heaven.

The filling starts with softened cream cheese and powdered sugar, then gets folded together with fluffy Cool Whip, chopped Bing cherries, and plenty of dark chocolate chips. A little maraschino cherry juice and almond extract give the filling that irresistible cherry flavor, and everything gets piled into a chocolate cookie crust.

No oven required, and the hardest part is waiting for it to chill! (Seriously, it’s the worst part!)

Why You’ll Love This Cherry Garcia Pie

• No baking required! Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you don’t want to turn on the oven.
• Cherry Garcia inspired: If you love the famous ice cream flavor, this pie is for you.
• Easy ingredients: You only need a handful of simple ingredients.
• Chocolate + cherry perfection: Rich dark chocolate and sweet cherries are such a delicious combination.
• Make-ahead friendly: This pie needs time to chill, making it a great dessert to prepare the day before.
• Perfect for entertaining: It’s an easy dessert that looks impressive when you slice into it.

Ingredients

• 9-inch chocolate pie crust- I recommend the Keebler chocolate cookie crust, or homemade
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maraschino cherry juice
• 2 teaspoons almond extract
• 2 cups Cool Whip, thawed
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips, preferably mini, or chop up larger chips or a bar of chocolate
• 1 cup Bing cherries, pitted and finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Topping

• Additional Cool Whip
• Whole Bing or maraschino cherries
• Chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips

Equipment

• Mixing Bowls
• Pie Plate (optional, I think it makes the pie easier to cut and transport)
• Pie Slicer- This one makes perfect size slices every time.
• Hand Mixer
• Cherry Pitter- I use this one to pit cherries quick!

How to Make No-Bake Cherry Garcia Pie

1. Make the cream cheese filling

Add the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, maraschino cherry juice, and almond extract to a large mixing bowl.

Using a hand mixer, beat until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

2. Add the whipped topping

Gently fold the Cool Whip into the cream cheese mixture until everything is smooth and fluffy.

Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep that light, fluffy texture.

3. Add the cherries and chocolate

Fold in the chopped Bing cherries and dark chocolate chips.

I recommend using mini chocolate chips or chop up larger chips or a chocolate bar because it’s easier to cut through when you’re slicing the pie and easier to eat.

4. Fill the chocolate crust

Spoon the Cherry Garcia filling into a 9-inch chocolate pie crust.

Spread the top evenly with a spatula.

5. Chill

Cover the pie and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.

The chilling time allows the filling to firm up so you can get nice, clean slices.

6. Decorate and serve

Before serving, top the pie with additional Cool Whip, cherries, and chocolate shavings or mini chocolate chips.

Slice and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Cherry Garcia Pie

Pat your cherries dry. Fresh Bing cherries can release quite a bit of juice after they’re chopped. Patting them dry with paper towels helps keep the filling thick and creamy.

Use mini chocolate chips. They’re easier to distribute throughout the filling and make the pie much easier to slice.

Don’t rush the chilling time. Four hours is the minimum, but I prefer chilling this pie overnight. It gives the filling plenty of time to set.

Use a chocolate crust. The chocolate cookie crust adds even more chocolate flavor and makes this pie taste like a giant Cherry Garcia-inspired treat. I like the Keebler chocolate cookie crust or use a homemade chocolate cookie or graham crust. I do not recommend the Mi-Del Chocolate snaps crust from Walmart. It always falls apart on me.

Can I Use Frozen Cherries?

Yes! If using frozen cherries, thaw them completely and drain them well before chopping. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much excess moisture as possible.

Can I Use Maraschino Cherries Instead of Bing Cherries?

You can, although I prefer fresh Bing cherries for their flavor and texture. If using maraschino cherries, drain and pat them dry before chopping.

You can also use a combination of fresh cherries and maraschino cherries for an extra boost of cherry flavor.

How Long Does Cherry Garcia Pie Last?

Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

The crust may soften slightly over time, but the filling will stay creamy and delicious.

Can I Freeze This No-Bake Pie?

Yes! Cover the pie tightly and freeze for up to about 1 month.

For a firmer, almost ice-cream-pie-like texture, you can serve it partially frozen. Otherwise, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw before serving.

More Easy No-Bake Desserts

If you love easy desserts that don’t require turning on the oven, try:

• Frozen Limeade Pie
• Lemonade Pie
• Orange Creamsicle Pie
• Frozen S’mores Bars
• Chocolate Pudding Pie
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
• Peanut Butter Tiramisu
• Peanut Buster Parfait Cake
• Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Pie