This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe delivers a classic, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion, offering a rich, creamy chocolate experience that’s both nostalgic and incredibly easy to make at home.
Key Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for richness)
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries
How to Make Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Get ready to create a dessert that’s incredibly easy to make, wonderfully satisfying, and bursting with rich chocolate flavor. This pie boasts a luxuriously creamy filling and a smooth, velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. With a preparation time of approximately 20 minutes and about 30 minutes of chilling time, you can whip up this delightful treat with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Ensuring these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined prevents lumps in your filling.
2. Gradually Add Milk: Slowly whisk in about ½ cup of the milk until a smooth paste forms. Then, gradually whisk in the remaining 2 ½ cups of milk until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.
3. Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Continue to cook and stir for an additional 1 minute after it begins to boil to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked and to prevent a starchy taste.
4. Temper the Egg Yolks: In a small bowl, whisk the lightly beaten egg yolks. Slowly ladle about ½ cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolks while whisking continuously. This process, called tempering, gradually warms the yolks, preventing them from scrambling when added to the hot filling.
5. Return to Pan and Thicken: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate filling. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes, or until the filling is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil after adding the yolks.
6. Stir in Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the pieces of butter and vanilla extract to the hot filling. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated, and the filling is smooth and glossy.
7. Pour into Pie Crust: Pour the warm chocolate filling into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
8. Chill the Pie: Cover the surface of the pie directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, remove the plastic wrap. Top with your favorite garnishes like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. Slice and enjoy this delightful Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
You’ll adore this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie for its intensely rich, velvety chocolate filling that’s incredibly satisfying and reminiscent of childhood memories. Making this pie at home is remarkably cost-effective compared to store-bought versions, allowing you to indulge in a decadent dessert without breaking the bank. The simple yet profound flavor profile, enhanced by real butter and vanilla, elevates each bite, making it a comforting classic that rivals any gourmet chocolate dessert.
Unlike a quick-pour pudding, this pie utilizes a careful cooking process that results in a lusciously smooth texture and deep chocolate flavor that’s truly special. If you’re a fan of classic chocolate cream pies or even a rich chocolate pot de crème, you’ll find this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie to be a familiar yet uniquely delightful experience. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to create a show-stopping dessert that’s destined to become a family favorite – give this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie a try today!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie ensures its deliciousness for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Once the pie has completely cooled and set, cover the entire pie loosely with plastic wrap, or transfer individual slices to an airtight container. The pie will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While this pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. It’s best to freeze individual slices for easier reheating. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Note that the texture might change slightly upon thawing.
- Reheating (if desired, though best served chilled): If you prefer a slightly warmer pie or are reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. You can then gently warm individual slices in a low oven (about 300°F or 150°C) for 5-10 minutes, or microwave in short intervals until slightly warm. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the filling to become watery.
Final Thoughts
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a testament to the simple joy of a truly classic dessert, offering an uncomplicated path to rich, creamy chocolate perfection. We encourage you to bake this delightful pie and rediscover the comforting taste of homemade goodness.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan (off the heat), whisk together the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Ensuring these dry ingredients are thoroughly combined prevents lumps in your filling.1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, ⅓ cup cornstarch, ½ teaspoon salt
- Slowly whisk in about ½ cup of the milk until a smooth paste forms. Then, gradually whisk in the remaining 2 ½ cups of milk until the mixture is fully incorporated and smooth.3 cups milk
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Continue to cook and stir for an additional 1 minute after it begins to boil to ensure the cornstarch is fully cooked and to prevent a starchy taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk the lightly beaten egg yolks. Slowly ladle about ½ cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the beaten egg yolks while whisking continuously. This process, called tempering, gradually warms the yolks, preventing them from scrambling when added to the hot filling.4 large egg yolks
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate filling. Continue to cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, for another 2 minutes, or until the filling is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Do not boil after adding the yolks.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the pieces of butter and vanilla extract to the hot filling. Stir until the butter is completely melted and incorporated, and the filling is smooth and glossy.2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the warm chocolate filling into the pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Spread it evenly using a spatula.1 baked 9-inch pie crust
- Cover the surface of the pie directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled and set.
- Before serving, remove the plastic wrap. Top with your favorite garnishes like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries. Slice and enjoy this delightful Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!whipped cream, chocolate shavings, fresh berries