Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Timeless Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is not only easy to prepare, but it also delivers an absolutely delicious experience. The smooth chocolate custard filling is rich yet perfectly balanced in sweetness, making it a delightful ending to any meal. With just a few basic ingredients and some gentle stirring on the stovetop, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it was made in Grandma’s kitchen. For an extra indulgence, serve it with a generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream!

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the pie crust: Begin by pre-baking your 9-inch pie crust according to the guidelines for your store-bought or homemade recipe. Once baked, allow it to cool completely before filling.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended.
3. Add the wet ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, whole milk, and heavy cream until the mixture is smooth. Gradually pour this wet mixture into the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps forming.
4. Cook the filling: Place the saucepan on medium heat. Stir continuously as you cook the mixture until it thickens and begins to bubble, which should take about 7-10 minutes. The filling is ready when it reaches a consistency similar to pudding; then, remove it from the heat.
5. Add the butter and vanilla: Stir in the unsalted butter along with the vanilla extract until the butter melts and is fully merged into the filling.
6. Fill the pie crust: Pour the hot chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Make sure the top is nice and smooth.
7. Chill the pie: Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Then, place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the filling is fully set.
8. Serve and enjoy: When ready to serve, slice the pie and top each piece with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkling of shaved chocolate. Enjoy this delightful classic!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve each slice chilled, adorned with whipped cream, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, or a dusting of cocoa powder for that extra touch of elegance.
• Storage: Any leftover pie can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 4 days. For optimal freshness, cover with plastic wrap to keep the filling from developing a skin.

Helpful Notes

• When cooking the filling, ensure you maintain medium heat and keep stirring constantly to prevent scorching or lumping.
• If a silkier filling is what you’re after, consider straining the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into the pie crust.
• For an enhanced chocolate flavor, you can mix in 1/2 teaspoon of espresso powder or a pinch of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pie crust is perfectly fine for this recipe. Just be sure to pre-bake it according to the instructions provided on the package before filling it.

2. Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Certainly! This pie can be prepared a day in advance. Just cover it well and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of chocolate?
If you’re looking for a richer chocolate flavor, you can replace a portion of the cocoa powder with melted dark chocolate. Just be sure to reduce the butter amount slightly to accommodate.

4. How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should have a thick, pudding-like consistency and should coat the back of a spoon without dripping off. Once it reaches this texture, it’s ready to go into the pie crust.

5. Can I freeze this pie?
To maintain the best quality, it’s advisable to enjoy this pie fresh, as freezing can affect the texture of the filling. However, individual slices can be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container for up to 1 month.