Cherry-Chocolate Heart

(Made with Michigan Montmorency Sediment-Free Cherry Juice Concentrate)

Quick Summary

A showstopping dessert that layers flaky pastry hearts, cream cheese filling, Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate, and hot fudge. This Cherry-Chocolate Heart melts hearts year-round — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any sweet occasion.

Published: February 2010 | Updated: November 2025

Chef’s Note 

We first made this dessert for a Traverse Bay Farms Valentine’s event, and the combination of rich chocolate, tart cherries, and smooth cream cheese was irresistible. The Michigan Montmorency Sediment-Free Cherry Juice Concentrate adds a depth of real fruit flavor that balances the sweetness beautifully — and it always earns compliments for its bakery-worthy presentation.

Prep & Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes per crust

• Chill Time: 1 hour

• Yield: 8–10 servings

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

• 1 teaspoon almond extract

• ½ cup whipping cream

• ⅔ cup hot fudge ice cream topping

• 1 teaspoon Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate

• 1 (21-ounce) can tart cherry pie filling and topping

Instructions

1. Allow both pie crust pouches to stand at room temperature for 15–20 minutes.

2. Unfold one crust, press out fold lines, and cut into a heart shape (about 10½ inches tall and wide).*

3. Prick the crust generously with a fork and bake at 450°F for 9–11 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely. Repeat with the second crust.

4. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, cherry juice concentrate, confectioners’ sugar, and almond extract until smooth.

5. Add whipping cream and beat until thickened.

6. To assemble:

   • Spread one crust with ⅓ cup hot fudge.

   • Add half the cream cheese mixture.

   • Spoon ⅔ of the cherry filling over top.

   • Cover with the second crust, spread with remaining fudge, and top with remaining cream cheese mixture.

   • Spoon remaining cherry filling about 1 inch from the edge.

7. Refrigerate until chilled. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

Chef’s Tips & Variations

• Make it extra indulgent by drizzling additional fudge just before serving.

• For a lighter texture, fold whipped cream gently into the cream cheese mixture instead of beating.

• Use Traverse Bay Farms cherry jam to garnish the edge for a beautiful finishing touch.

Nutritional Highlights (per serving)

Calories: 340 | Total Fat: 14g | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 4g | Cholesterol: 35mg

Behind the Recipe

Traverse Bay Farms Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate enhances this dessert’s rich flavor with a natural burst of tart cherry essence. It’s an easy way to transform a simple chocolate-and-cream pairing into something extraordinary — the perfect blend of tangy and sweet.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I make this a day ahead?
Yes, prepare and refrigerate overnight. It tastes even better chilled the next day.

Can I use homemade pie crust instead of refrigerated?
Definitely — homemade crust adds a buttery flavor, just keep it thin for a delicate texture.

Can I replace the hot fudge with chocolate ganache?
Yes, ganache makes it richer and more decadent.

What if I don’t have a heart-shaped cutter?
Use a paper heart pattern or bake as a round tart — it tastes just as good.

Bring the Taste Home

Add romance to your dessert table with Traverse Bay Farms Michigan Montmorency Sediment-Free Cherry Juice Concentrate — a Michigan-grown flavor that transforms every recipe into something unforgettable.