Stepwise Method: Chocolate Cherry Pie

• Begin by pre-baking your chocolate pie crust according to the package instructions. This step ensures that your crust is crisp and holds up well against the creamy filling.
• In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
• Gradually add the powdered sugar to the cream cheese, mixing until fully combined and fluffy. This step adds sweetness and helps create a stable filling.
• Gently fold in the Cool Whip until fully incorporated. This will give your pie its light and airy texture.
• Add ¾ cup of the semi-sweet mini chocolate chips to the filling mixture, stirring gently to combine. Reserve the remaining chocolate chips for topping.
• Pour the cream cheese and chocolate chip mixture into the pre-baked chocolate pie crust, spreading it evenly.
• Carefully spoon the cherry pie filling over the cream cheese mixture, spreading it out to cover the surface evenly.
• Cover the pie with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the filling to set properly.
• Before serving, top the pie with additional Cool Whip and sprinkle the reserved chocolate chips on top. For an extra touch, you can add maraschino cherries for decoration. Slice and serve your Chocolate Cherry Pie chilled.