Description
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe delivers a rich and creamy chocolate custard nestled in a pre-baked flaky pie crust. Combining classic ingredients and simple steps, it creates a nostalgic dessert with deep cocoa flavor and silky texture, topped with whipped cream or chocolate ganache for an indulgent finish. Perfect for those who love vintage American desserts with a smooth and luscious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Chocolate Custard Filling
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Topping
- Whipped cream or chocolate ganache, for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Bake your pie crust according to package directions or your favorite homemade recipe. Allow it to cool completely before filling to ensure a crisp base for the custard.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until the mixture is fully combined and smooth, which helps prevent lumps later.
- Add the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, gently beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, and then pour this liquid mixture into the saucepan while stirring constantly. This step is crucial to temper the eggs and create a smooth custard.
- Cook the filling: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens significantly and starts to bubble, usually about 6 to 8 minutes. This ensures the cornstarch activates and the custard sets properly.
- Add the flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract until the custard becomes silky and smooth, enriching the texture and enhancing flavor.
- Fill the crust: Pour the warm chocolate custard carefully into the cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to spread evenly, making sure the filling covers the crust uniformly.
- Cool and set: Let the pie cool down to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 3 hours or until the custard is fully set and firm for easy slicing.
- Finish and serve: Just before serving, top the pie with whipped cream or a decorative swirl of chocolate ganache to elevate the richness. Slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet nostalgia of this timeless dessert.
Notes
- For best results, use a pre-baked pie crust to maintain a crisp texture; unbaked crusts may become soggy.
- Constant whisking during cooking prevents lumps and ensures a smooth custard.
- The pie must be fully chilled before slicing to allow the custard to set properly.
- Substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, but the texture will be less creamy.
- Store the pie refrigerated and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate pie, old-fashioned dessert, creamy chocolate custard, vintage pie recipe, chocolate custard pie, homemade chocolate pie, easy dessert, classic American pie
