This no-bake treat marries the rich taste of chocolate with the tartness of cherries, all nestled in a creamy, smooth filling. Perfect for any occasion, this pie will surely become a favorite for kids and adults alike!
Bringing A Little Germany To My No-Bake Jello Pie
While visiting Germany, we spent a day walking through some trails in the Black Forest. It was amazing and sobering to think about WWII and how people hid there. One of my favorite parts of the day was enjoying a “real” Black Forest cake. We were surprised that it was not very sweet, which made it amazing!
I created this no-back Jello pie with the memories of that wonderful cake in mind. While the cake is far different the simple combination of cherries and chocolate together are amazing.
I have many easy dessert recipes and if you want an easy no-bake recipe like this one, try my Chocolate Covered Strawberry Jello Pie or Dreamy No-Bake Strawberry Angel Food Cake.
✝️ Biblical Reflections Table Talk:
Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie is a delightful treat, combining the richness of chocolate with the sweetness of cherries. This dessert reminds us of the sweetness and joy that we find in God’s word. Psalm 119:103 says, “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Just as we enjoy the sweetness of this pie, we can savor the sweetness of God’s promises. As you serve this dessert, consider how you can spread joy and share the sweetness of God’s love with those around your table.
Ingredients Needed To Make Cherry Jello Pie
You will only need a few simple ingredients that are easily kept on hand for an easy fun dessert.
- Black cherry Jello (regular or sugar-free)
- Cool Whip: It’s important that the Cool Whip is thawed before you add it to your recipe. You can use regular, zero-sugar, or lite.Note that I have found that off-brand whipped toppings tend to cause the pie to separate. There is nothing wrong with the taste, and it’s pretty.
- Chocolate cookie pie crust: To make it easy, I use a premade crust found in the grocery baking aisle.
📝 Note: You can find the full recipe with ingredients and measurements in the recipe card located at the bottom of this post.
How To Make Jello Pie
The opening sentence about making this recipe.
Prepare Jello
- Begin by boiling 1 cup of water. Pour the black cherry Jello mix into a medium-sized bowl, and add the boiling water. Whisk until the Jello is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of very cold water to the mixture and whisk again until well combined.
Add In Creamy Whip Topping
- Once the Jello mixture has cooled slightly, scoop it into the thawed Cool Whip. Whisk until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Chill Before You Fill
- Place the bowl with the Jello-Cool Whip mixture in the refrigerator for about 40 minutes. Stir the mixture after 20 minutes to ensure even cooling, then let it chill for the remaining time. This step helps to thicken the filling slightly before adding it to the crust.
Chill Your Pie
- Once the mixture is adequately chilled, scoop it into the premade chocolate cookie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer. Set in back into the fridge for at least 4 hours or over night.
Gina’s Tips For Recipe Sucess
- Thawing the Cool Whip: Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. It’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Chilling the Pie: Set the pie on a baking sheet to transport it easily to the refrigerator. Make sure the pie sits level to ensure even setting.
- Preventing a Soggy Crust: Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the crust. Immediately refrigerate after filling to keep the crust from becoming soggy.
Variation Ideas
- Make It Sugar-Free: Substitute the regular Jello and Cool Whip with sugar-free versions to create a lighter, diabetic-friendly dessert.
- Different Jello Flavors: This recipe can be adapted with other Jello flavors. Try raspberry Jello with a dark chocolate crust.
- Add a Berry Medley: Top the pie with a mix of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a burst of color and flavor.
Gina’s Tips For Recipe Success
Can I make this Jello pie in advance?
- Yes! This pie can be made a day or two ahead of time and kept in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.
How do I prevent the filling from separating?
- Some off brand frozen whipped toppings will cause your jello pie to seperate. Also, stirring the Jello-Cool Whip mixture during the chilling process helps prevent separation. If your pie does separate slightly, it won’t affect the taste.
Can I freeze this pie?
- Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the creamy texture of the pie upon thawing.
What is the best way to slice the pie cleanly?
- For neat slices, dip your knife in hot water before cutting each slice. Wipe the knife clean between cuts to maintain smooth edges and the gramcracker crumbs not to stick to the Jello filling.
How long does the pie stay fresh?
- The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of Cool Whip?
Yes, homemade whipped cream can be used, but it may alter the texture slightly. Make sure it’s whipped to stiff peaks before folding it into the Jello mixture.
More Dessert Recipes
⚖️ Need a big batch to feed a crowd? You can easily change the number of servings in the recipe card below by tapping 2x or 3x. The ingredient measurements will automatically double or triple. You can then tap print and there you have it, a recipe for a crowd.
I Want To Answer Your Questions & Hear Your Comments
Do you have a question about this recipe❓ I will answer in the comment form below👇🏼 the recipe card. Did you make this recipe? If so, could you be a gem and leave a comment and rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below? This helps others find yummy 😋 recipes to make for their family and friends.
No Bake Black Forest Cherry Jello Pie Recipe
Note: Be sure to read through the recipe’s post for tips and details about this recipe.
Ingredients
- 3 ounce black cherry Jello, box, regular or sugar-free
- 8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed, regular or lite
- 1 chocolate cookie pie crust, premade
- chocolate Bar, for garnish (optional)
- black cherries, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Prepare Jello
- Begin by boiling 1 cup of water. Pour the black cherry Jello mix into a medium-sized bowl, and add the boiling water.
- Whisk until the Jello is completely dissolved.
- Add 1 cup of very cold water to the mixture, and whisk again until well combined.
- Once the Jello mixture has cooled slightly, scoop in the thawed Cool Whip.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should take about 2 minutes.
Chill
- Place the bowl with the Jello-Cool Whip mixture in the refrigerator for about 40 minutes. Stir the mixture after 20 minutes to ensure even cooling, then let it chill for the remaining time. This step helps to thicken the filling slightly before adding it to the crust.
Assemble The Pie
- Once the mixture is adequately chilled, scoop it into the premade chocolate cookie crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until it is fully set. You can make this the day before you want to serve it.
- Once the pie is set, it’s ready to serve! For a special touch, top with shaved chocolate, a dollop of whipped cream, or even fresh black cherries for that extra Black Forest flair.
Notes
- Thawing the Cool Whip: Ensure the Cool Whip is fully thawed before mixing to avoid lumps in the filling. It’s best to let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Chilling the Pie: Set the pie on a baking sheet to transport it easily to the refrigerator. Make sure the pie sits level to ensure even setting.
- Preventing a Soggy Crust: Allow the Jello mixture to cool slightly before adding it to the crust. Immediately refrigerate after filling to keep the crust from becoming soggy.