Heavenly Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Rich, creamy chocolate pie has been a cherished dessert in southern kitchens for generations.

Grandmothers carefully passed down their secret techniques through handwritten recipe cards.

Sweet memories of childhood gatherings often centered around this delectable treat.

Comfort and nostalgia blend perfectly in each silky chocolate-filled slice.

Delicate pastry crusts cradle smooth, decadent chocolate filling that melts on your tongue.

Every bite connects you to traditional baking methods and warm family traditions.

You’ll find this classic dessert irresistibly simple yet incredibly delicious.

Grab a fork and savor a slice of pure, homemade happiness.

Why Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Feels Like Home

• Create Creamy Comfort: Dive into a dessert that offers pure chocolate bliss with a silky-smooth texture that melts in your mouth and provides ultimate comfort.
• Master Simple Techniques: Learn professional baking skills through an uncomplicated recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a stunning chocolate pie with minimal cooking expertise required.
• Perfect for Sharing: Craft a crowd-pleasing dessert ideal for gatherings, potlucks, and family celebrations that will impress guests with its rich chocolate flavor and elegant presentation.
• No-Stress Preparation: Enjoy a straightforward cooking process that allows you to prepare the pie in stages, making it convenient for busy home bakers who want a delectable treat without complicated steps.

Everything Needed For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

• Pie Crust: A pre-made or homemade base that provides a delicate and flaky foundation for the chocolate pie.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps create a golden-brown surface.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the pie.

• Cocoa Powder: Delivers a deep, rich chocolate flavor that forms the core of the pie's decadent taste.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the chocolate filling and provides a smooth texture.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and create a pudding-like consistency.
• Eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the creamy texture of the filling.
• Milk: Provides liquid and helps create a silky smooth chocolate base.
• Butter: Adds richness and a luxurious mouthfeel to the chocolate filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor with its aromatic essence.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar: Create a light, fluffy whipped cream topping that complements the rich chocolate filling.
• Chocolate Shavings: Optional garnish that adds an elegant and decorative touch to the pie.

How To Bake Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Perfectly

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab your pie dish and gently press the pie crust into it, giving the edges a fancy crimp. Dust the surface with a sprinkle of sugar and salt.

Step 2: Bake The Crust

Pop the crust into the oven for 10-12 minutes until it turns a gorgeous golden color. Rescue it from the heat and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

• Cocoa powder
• Granulated sugar
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Blend until the mixture looks smooth and free of any pesky lumps.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Milk

Stir continuously to create a silky chocolate base that looks absolutely dreamy.

Step 5: Cook The Chocolate Base

Set the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring constantly to prevent any burning and ensure a creamy texture.

Step 6: Watch The Magic Happen

Cook for 7-9 minutes, keeping an eye out for the mixture to thicken. You’ll know it’s perfect when it coats the back of a spoon like a luxurious chocolate blanket.

Step 7: Add Finishing Touches

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Mix until the butter melts completely and blends smoothly into the chocolate.

Step 8: Fill The Crust

Pour the luscious chocolate filling into the pre-baked crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, eliminating any sneaky air bubbles.

Step 9: Chill And Set

Slide the pie into the refrigerator. Let it rest for 3-4 hours, or even better, overnight. This helps the filling set into a perfect, dreamy consistency.

Step 10: Whip Up The Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until it forms soft, billowy peaks.

Step 11: Crown The Pie

Spread the whipped cream over the chilled chocolate filling. Create elegant swirls and peaks that’ll make everyone’s mouth water.

Step 12: Add A Finishing Flourish

Sprinkle some delicate chocolate shavings on top for an extra touch of elegance.

Step 13: Serve And Enjoy

Slice the pie and serve it chilled. Watch as the rich, velvety chocolate interior makes everyone swoon with delight.

Pro Tips For Rich, Silky Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

• Prevent Lumps Perfectly: Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly before adding liquids to ensure a smooth, silky chocolate pudding texture without any unwanted clumps.
• Control Heat Carefully: Maintain medium heat and stir constantly while cooking to avoid scorching and achieve a perfect, creamy pudding consistency.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours or overnight to allow the filling to set completely and develop rich, intense chocolate flavors.
• Create Silky Smoothness: Fold in butter and vanilla extract off the heat to create a luxurious, glossy finish that enhances the chocolate's depth.
• Whip Cream Like a Pro: Use cold heavy cream and whip until soft peaks form for a light, airy topping that complements the rich chocolate filling.

Sweet Twists On Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

• Vegan Chocolate Silk Pie: Replace eggs with silken tofu, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter for coconut oil to create a plant-based version that's equally creamy and indulgent.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Dream Pie: Substitute the traditional pie crust with a nut-based crust made from ground almonds, pecans, and dates, ensuring a gluten-free option that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Sensation: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of granulated sugar, and incorporate dark chocolate with high cocoa content to reduce overall sugar while maintaining rich chocolate flavor.
• Mocha Chocolate Pie Variation: Add a shot of espresso or strong coffee to the chocolate mixture, creating a sophisticated coffee-infused chocolate pie that elevates the classic recipe with depth and complexity.

Perfect Pairings For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

• Enhance Chocolate Cream Pie Flavors: Perfect Pairings
• Sip Bold Red Wine: A robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot complements the pie's rich chocolate intensity, cutting through the creamy sweetness with tannic complexity.
• Brew Espresso Companion: A strong, freshly pulled espresso or dark roast coffee balances the dessert's sweetness, providing a sharp, aromatic counterpoint that elevates the chocolate's depth.
• Create Berry Contrast: Add a small side of fresh raspberries or strawberries, whose bright, slightly tart flavor provides a refreshing contrast to the pie's smooth, decadent chocolate filling.
• Match Dessert Wine: Select a sweet Port or Madeira wine, whose caramel and dried fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the chocolate's luxurious texture, creating a sophisticated dessert experience.

How To Store Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie The Right Way

• Store the chocolate pie in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 3-4 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain its creamy texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the entire pie or individual slices in multiple layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve the pie's original quality.
• Avoid leaving the pie at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Chocolate and dairy-based fillings can spoil quickly and become unsafe to eat when left unrefrigerated.
• Gently warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie FAQs Made Simple

• What ingredients make this chocolate pie unique?

The combination of cocoa powder, eggs, milk, and butter creates a rich, silky chocolate filling that’s smooth and luxurious, offering deep chocolate flavor without being overly sweet.

• Is this chocolate pie difficult to make?

No, it’s surprisingly simple. With basic whisking and careful heating techniques, even novice bakers can create a professional-looking dessert by following step-by-step instructions carefully.

• How can I tell if the chocolate filling is cooked correctly?

When the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon without dripping quickly, and becomes pudding-like in consistency, it’s perfectly cooked. This typically takes 7-9 minutes of constant stirring.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 3-4 hours (plus refrigeration)
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Silky smooth chocolate custard nestles in a flaky, buttery crust for this classic old fashioned chocolate pie that whispers comfort and nostalgia. Rich cocoa layers meld perfectly, promising a slice of pure, homemade happiness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pie Crust:

• 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Filling:

• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Whipped Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 3 tbsp powdered sugar
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp chocolate shavings (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and carefully position the pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, crimping the edges decoratively while sprinkling sugar and salt across the surface.
2. Bake the pie crust for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden, then remove and allow to cool completely on a wire rack.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, granulated sugar, cornstarch, and salt until thoroughly combined and lump-free.
4. Gradually incorporate eggs and milk into the dry mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth, silky chocolate base.
5. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure a creamy consistency.
6. Cook the chocolate mixture for 7-9 minutes, watching for a gradual thickening that coats the back of a spoon, indicating perfect pudding-like texture.
7. Remove from heat and immediately fold in butter and vanilla extract, stirring until the butter melts completely and integrates smoothly.
8. Pour the luxurious chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, using a spatula to spread evenly and eliminate any air pockets.
9. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3-4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely.
10. Before serving, whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form, creating a light and airy topping.
11. Generously spread the whipped cream over the chilled chocolate filling, creating elegant swirls and peaks.
12. Optionally garnish with delicate chocolate shavings for an elegant finishing touch.
13. Slice and serve the pie chilled, revealing the rich, velvety chocolate interior.

Notes

• Ensure pie crust is completely cool before adding filling to prevent soggy bottom and maintain crisp texture.
• Use Dutch-processed cocoa for deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Constant stirring is crucial during cooking to prevent lumps and achieve silky-smooth pudding-like consistency.
• Chilling overnight allows flavors to develop and filling to set perfectly, creating a more decadent dessert experience.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 451
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg