Mini Black Forest Cream Pies

We are chocolate fiends at my house, and one of my husband’s favorite things is chocolate paired with fruit. I made these pies with him in mind, because I knew they would be danger to have around for just myself. 

To begin, we make pudding. I am crazy for homemade pudding, so any excuse to make it is enough for me. If you are strapped for time or would just rather make it easier on yourself, go ahead and make a boxed pudding. Definitely no harm in that! This pudding is made up of whole milk, sugar, egg yolks, cornstarch, salt, cocoa, vanilla and butter.

Whisk everything but the butter and vanilla together until well combined, and then heat it gently on the stove, whisking constantly, until thickened.

Once the pudding is thick and luscious, use an immersion blender, blender or food processor, to emulsify the butter and vanilla into the pudding and to give it all a little lightness.

After that we chill the pudding, whip up some crusts, a little cherry filling and begin to layer. Cherries go into the crusts first, then pudding and finally, whipped cream, grated chocolate, and a crowning cherry are added on top! So scrumptious.