Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts
Experience the rich, velvety goodness of this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie that brings a classic dessert to your holiday gatherings or family dinners. With a creamy chocolate filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, this recipe is a perfect blend of nostalgia and taste that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Serve it chilled for the ultimate treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a family favorite, cherished for its rich flavor and comforting texture.
The Allure of Chocolate Pie
Chocolate pie is one of those timeless desserts that transcends generations. Its creamy filling and rich cocoa flavor offer an indulgent experience that few desserts can match. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a quiet family dinner, serving a chocolate pie creates a sense of warmth and comfort. Plus, its delightful appearance is sure to impress your guests, making it an ideal centerpiece for any table.
What makes this old-fashioned chocolate pie truly special is its combination of textures. The contrast between the velvety filling and the flaky pie crust creates a delectable harmony that invites you to take one more bite. Each slice reveals a beautifully set filling that glistens, promising an explosion of chocolate flavor with every forkful. If you’re a chocolate lover, this pie will undoubtedly become a favorite in your dessert arsenal.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This old-fashioned chocolate pie is versatile enough to shine at various events. Its rich flavor makes it an excellent choice for holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, where it can take its place alongside traditional desserts. However, it’s equally suited for casual family dinners or even a summer barbecue, providing a sweet touch on any occasion.
One of the best parts about this pie is that it can be made ahead of time. Letting it chill in the refrigerator not only improves the flavor but also ensures you can spend more time with your guests. A chocolate pie is perfect for those busy days when you need a delightful dessert without the last-minute rush. Just slice, serve, and enjoy the compliments!
Customizations and Pairings
While this old-fashioned chocolate pie is perfect as is, you can customize it to fit your tastes. For a twist, consider adding a layer of whipped cream on top just before serving or garnishing it with fresh berries. A sprinkling of sea salt might elevate the chocolate flavor even further, providing a sophisticated touch that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Pairing this pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream adds an extra layer of indulgence. The cold creaminess complements the warm flavors of the chocolate filling, creating a dessert experience that is truly unforgettable. Whether you enjoy it plain or jazzed up, this pie promises to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ¼ cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Combine the ingredients carefully to create a delicious chocolate pie.
Directions
Prepare the Pie Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball.
Make the Chocolate Filling
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk, then cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
Assemble the Pie
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for a while, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Serve chilled and enjoy a slice of this delightful Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!
Tips for the Perfect Pie Crust
Achieving the perfect pie crust is essential for a successful chocolate pie. Make sure your butter is chilled and diced before mixing it with the flour, as this helps create those desirable flaky layers. When adding the ice water, do so gradually to avoid overworking the dough. Once mixed, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to relax the gluten, ensuring a tender crust.
When rolling out the dough, keep your work surface and rolling pin floured to prevent sticking. Aim for an even thickness, as this will help the crust bake uniformly. Don’t forget to trim any excess dough from the edges to give a clean, professional look to your pie.
Storing and Serving Suggestions
After you’ve made this delightful chocolate pie, store it in the refrigerator, covered lightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing any odors. Enjoy your pie within 3 to 5 days for the best flavor and texture. If you find yourself with leftover pie (which is rare!), be sure to slice it and share with friends or family—it’s the ideal way to make someone’s day a little sweeter.
When serving, consider garnishing each slice with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a touch of elegance. You might also experiment with flavored whipped cream, such as mint or raspberry, to enhance the chocolate experience. A beautifully plated slice will be sure to leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this pie in advance?
Yes, this pie can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
→ What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
Use high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Experience the rich, velvety goodness of this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie that brings a classic dessert to your holiday gatherings or family dinners. With a creamy chocolate filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, this recipe is a perfect blend of nostalgia and taste that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Serve it chilled for the ultimate treat that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Created by: Maisie Clarke
Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pie Crust
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- ¼ cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Chocolate Filling
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the ice water, a tablespoon at a time, until the mixture forms a ball. Roll out the dough to fit your pie pan, then place it in the pan and pre-bake at 350°F for 10 minutes.
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually stir in the milk, then cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the egg yolks, butter, and vanilla.
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for a while, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 30g
- Protein: 6g