Chocolate cherry pie

Ingredients

Chocolate Cherry Pie

2 eggs

180 grams (6.35 ounces) sugar

200 grams (7.05 ounces) yogurt

100 milliliters (3.4 fluid ounces) vegetable oil

180 grams (6.35 ounces) flour

50 grams (1.76 ounces) cocoa powder

10 grams (0.35 ounces) baking powder

1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or to taste)

300 grams (10.58 ounces) pitted cherries

Ganache

70 grams (2.47 ounces) whipping cream

70 grams (2.47 ounces) chocolate

Instructions

Step 1

1. Preheat your oven to 356°F (180°C).

Step 2

2. Beat the eggs with the sugar and yogurt until creamy. For best results, use a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3

3. Gradually pour in the vegetable oil while continuing to beat the mixture. Adding the oil slowly helps to fully incorporate it into the batter.

Step 4

4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make sure to sift the cocoa powder to remove lumps. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures a smoother batter.

Step 5

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix until just incorporated.

Step 6

6. Grease a baking tin with butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 7

7. Pour 2/3 of the batter into the prepared baking tin, then spread an even layer of pitted cherries over the batter.

Step 8

8. Pour the remaining batter over the cherries, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9

9. Bake the pie for about 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 10

10. While the pie is baking, prepare the ganache by heating the whipping cream in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and add the chocolate, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly. You can use your favorite type of chocolate for the ganache, such as dark or milk chocolate.

Step 11

11. Once the pie has cooled, pour the ganache on top, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 12

12. Decorate the pie with sprinkles or any other toppings of your choice. Colored sprinkles, grated chocolate, or fresh cherries make great decorations.

Servings

Imagine this: you take your first bite of this luscious Chocolate Cherry Pie, and the flavors burst in your mouth. The **richness of the chocolate** and the **juicy cherries** create a perfect balance that is sure to make any occasion special. **✨ Serve it warm** with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a contrast between the warm pie and the cold ice cream. The melting ice cream on top will add an extra layer of deliciousness. If you're planning a get-together, cut the pie into **bite-sized pieces** and serve it on a platter. This makes it easy for your guests to grab a piece and mingle. **🍇 Add a few sprigs of fresh mint** on the side for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. **For a more upscale presentation**, drizzle a bit of raspberry sauce on the plate before placing a slice of pie on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few whole cherries. **🍷 Pair it with a glass of red wine** for a delightful experience that’s sure to impress your guests!

Equipment

Mixing Bowls

You’ll need at least two mixing bowls: one for the wet ingredients and one for the dry ingredients. Make sure to use bowls that are deep enough to avoid spills!

Electric Mixer or Whisk

An electric mixer will save you some muscle work, but a whisk can also do the job if you're up for a bit of a workout.

Sifter

Sifting the cocoa and flour is key to a smooth batter. This step ensures there are no lumps and gives the pie a fine texture.

Baking Tin

Choose a non-stick baking tin, or grease it well to ensure the pie comes out easily. A springform pan would be ideal!

Spatula

A silicone spatula works best for scraping down the sides of bowls and getting every last bit of dough into the baking tin.

Variations

**Gluten-Free Variation** 🌟
Substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the baking powder you’re using is also gluten-free. This way, your Chocolate Cherry Pie will be just as delicious and safe for those who have gluten sensitivities. **Vegan Variation** 🌱
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (mix 2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed with 6 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it becomes gel-like). Use a plant-based yogurt instead of regular yogurt. Opt for vegan chocolate and non-dairy whipping cream for the ganache. Swap out the butter for a vegan butter alternative to grease the baking tin. Now you have a delicious, guilt-free dessert that everyone can enjoy!

Faq

Why is my chocolate cherry pie not rising properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and has not expired. Additionally, ensure you properly mix the dry and wet ingredients to get an even distribution of the baking powder.
Can I use frozen cherries?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid to avoid making the batter too wet.
What’s the best way to store leftover pie?
Keep the pie in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Reheat in the oven before serving.
How do I prevent the ganache from becoming too thick?
If your ganache is too thick, you can gently reheat it and add a splash of cream to reach the desired consistency.
Can I make individual servings of this pie?
Absolutely! You can use a muffin tin to make mini pies. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as smaller portions will bake faster.
What’s the secret to a smooth ganache?
The key is to finely chop the chocolate before adding it to the hot cream. Stir continuously until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.