Introduction
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert that combines a buttery, flaky crust with a smooth, velvety chocolate filling. Topped with whipped cream or meringue, it’s a showstopper that’s perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you need a chocolate fix.
Ingredients (Makes 1 pie)
For the Crust:
- 1 9-inch pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
For the Filling:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks (save whites for meringue, if using)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Topping:
- Whipped cream or meringue (see notes below)
Instructions
- Prebake the Crust: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the pie crust and place it in a 9-inch pie dish. Crimp the edges and prick the bottom with a fork. Line with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove weights and bake for another 5–10 minutes until golden. Let cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil (about 8–10 minutes).
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add 1 cup of the hot chocolate mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
- Assemble the Pie:
- Pour the filling into the prebaked pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Add the Topping:
- Whipped Cream: Whip 1 cup heavy cream with 2 tbsp powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla until stiff peaks form. Spread over the chilled pie.
- Meringue: Beat 4 egg whites with ½ cup sugar until stiff peaks form. Spread over the warm filling and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Slice and serve chilled.
Tips for Success
- Crust Hack: Use a store-bought crust for a quicker option.
- Chocolate Boost: Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the filling for extra richness.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or fresh berries.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Nutritional Info (per slice, approximate)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Carbs: 50g
- Protein: 5g
Conclusion
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a classic dessert that’s rich, creamy, and utterly indulgent. With its flaky crust and luscious chocolate filling, it’s a dessert that will impress your family and friends. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a chocolate lover’s dream come true!