The Perfect Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe for Dessert

Chocolate lovers adore this classic chocolate cream pie that brings nostalgia rushing back with every creamy bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl through each silky layer of rich chocolate goodness.

My family has cherished this recipe for generations, passing down the secret to creating the most decadent dessert.

Smooth chocolate pudding nestles into a perfectly crisp graham cracker crust, promising pure indulgence.

The combination of simple ingredients creates magic that feels both comforting and extraordinary.

Whispers of vanilla and deep chocolate notes dance together, making this pie impossible to resist.

You’ll want to grab a fork and experience this beloved dessert that turns an ordinary moment into something spectacular.

Best Tips For Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

• Chill Dough Thoroughly: Refrigerate pie crust dough for at least 30 minutes to prevent shrinking and ensure a flaky, tender texture during baking.
• Prevent Lumpy Filling: Whisk milk gradually into dry ingredients and stir constantly while cooking to create a smooth, lump-free chocolate cream filling.
• Control Egg Temperature: Temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot mixture to prevent scrambling, which helps create a silky, creamy pie filling.
• Use High-Quality Chocolate: Select premium dark or semi-sweet chocolate for a rich, intense flavor that elevates the entire dessert.
• Whip Cream Just Before Serving: Prepare whipped cream at the last moment to maintain its light, airy texture and prevent deflation.

How To Keep Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie Fresh

• Preserve the delightful chocolate cream pie's freshness by storing it in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate the pie immediately after topping with whipped cream, keeping it cool and delicious for up to 3-4 days.
• Cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap to prevent moisture buildup and protect the creamy filling from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Transfer slices carefully to maintain the pie's beautiful shape, and always keep the dessert chilled until ready to serve for the best texture and flavor experience.

Great Matches For Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

• Pair with Bold Red Wine: Complement the rich chocolate cream pie with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which cuts through the dessert's creamy sweetness and enhances its deep chocolate flavor.
• Match with Espresso Martini: The pie's intense chocolate profile pairs perfectly with an espresso martini, creating a sophisticated dessert experience that balances sweetness with a strong coffee kick.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the pie's dense chocolate filling, creating a delightful temperature and flavor harmony.
• Enjoy with Amaretto Liqueur: The almond notes in amaretto beautifully highlight the chocolate's complexity, offering a nutty undertone that elevates the entire dessert experience.

Different Versions Of Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

• Salted Caramel Chocolate Dream: Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the chocolate filling before adding whipped cream, creating a rich and decadent flavor profile that balances sweet and salty notes.
• Hazelnut Chocolate Heaven: Sprinkle toasted chopped hazelnuts on top of the whipped cream and fold some ground hazelnuts into the chocolate filling for an extra nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
• Mexican Spice Chocolate Sensation: Add a pinch of ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the chocolate filling for a subtle warming heat that complements the smooth chocolate, giving the pie a traditional Mexican chocolate twist.
• Espresso Chocolate Indulgence: Stir a shot of strong espresso into the chocolate filling and dust the top with cocoa powder for an intense coffee-chocolate combination that elevates the classic pie to a sophisticated dessert.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie FAQ Guide

• What makes this chocolate cream pie old-fashioned?

This pie follows a classic, traditional method of making cream pie from scratch, using simple ingredients like butter, eggs, and real chocolate instead of instant pudding mixes. It represents the homemade baking style of generations past.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate for the filling?

Yes! Dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate all work well. Just make sure to use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor. The key is chopping the chocolate into small pieces so it melts smoothly into the filling.

• How do I know when the filling is cooked properly?

The filling is ready when it thickens and starts to bubble, which usually takes about 8-10 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon and look glossy. Constant stirring prevents lumps and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

• Is this recipe difficult for beginner bakers?

Not at all! While it requires some patience and attention to detail, each step is straightforward. The most important skills are whisking consistently and following the temperature instructions carefully. The results are definitely worth the effort.

Why Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie Brings Comfort

• Indulge in Homemade Comfort: This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie brings nostalgic flavors straight from grandma's kitchen, offering a delightful dessert that warms the heart and satisfies serious chocolate cravings.
• Master Baking with Ease: Perfect for home bakers of all skill levels, the recipe breaks down complex steps into simple, manageable instructions that guarantee a professional-looking result without requiring advanced pastry skills.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert Perfection: Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions, this pie creates instant excitement with its rich chocolate filling, flaky crust, and dreamy whipped cream topping that everyone will love.
• Prepare Ahead with Convenience: With make-ahead potential and a chilling time of just 4 hours, this dessert allows stress-free preparation, letting you focus on enjoying time with guests instead of last-minute kitchen chaos.

What You’ll Need For Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for a flaky, tender crust that holds the pie together.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor and balances the richness of the butter.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides rich, buttery taste and creates layers in the crust. Cold butter works best for a flaky texture.
• Ice Water: Helps bind the dough without developing too much gluten.

• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps thicken the chocolate filling.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives deep, rich chocolate flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa recommended for smoother taste.
• Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
• Whole Milk: Creates a creamy base for the filling. Whole milk provides better richness.
• Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps set the filling with a silky texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, sweet notes.
• Semisweet Chocolate: Provides intense chocolate flavor and smooth texture.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and glossy finish to the filling.

• Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a light, sweet topping that complements the rich chocolate filling. Use cold cream for best whipping results.

Steps To Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

In a mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Break cold butter into small pieces and work into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse sand. Slowly add ice-cold water, mixing gently until the dough comes together. Shape the dough into a flat circle, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour. Roll out the chilled dough and carefully transfer to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and create a decorative crimp. Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes. Remove weights and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the crust turns golden brown. Let the crust cool completely.

Step 2: Create Chocolate Filling

• Sugar
• Cocoa powder
• Cornstarch
• Salt

Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly to create a smooth mixture. Place the pan over medium heat and cook, continuing to stir. The mixture will gradually thicken and start to bubble (approximately 8-10 minutes).

• Vanilla extract
• Chopped chocolate
• Butter

Mix until the filling becomes silky smooth. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until completely set.

Step 3: Top With Whipped Cream

• Heavy cream
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract

Beat until soft, billowy peaks form. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled chocolate filling just before serving.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

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4.5 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Chocolate Cream Pie delivers pure dessert nostalgia with rich chocolate custard nestled in a buttery graham cracker crust. Silky smooth filling and billowy whipped cream create a comforting slice that connects generations through sweet, homemade memories.

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Ingredients

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Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 4 ounces (113 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Sugar and Sweeteners:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Thickeners and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 34 tablespoons ice water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pastry crust by combining flour and salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse, sandy texture. Gradually introduce ice water, stirring until the dough coheres into a unified mass.
2. Shape the dough into a compact disk, encase in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for half an hour to firm up the butter and relax the gluten.
3. Roll out the chilled dough on a lightly floured surface, carefully transferring it to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim excess dough and create an elegant crimped edge.
4. Line the crust with parchment paper, filling with ceramic pie weights or dried beans to prevent puffing during baking.
5. Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 375F (190C) for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and continue baking until the surface turns a golden amber color. Allow the crust to cool completely.
6. For the chocolate filling, combine sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan. Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring a smooth, lump-free consistency.
7. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and begins to bubble, approximately 8-10 minutes.
8. Temper the egg yolks by slowly introducing a small amount of the hot mixture while whisking vigorously. Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan.
9. Continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Incorporate vanilla extract, chopped chocolate, and butter, stirring until the filling becomes silky and uniform.
10. Pour the luxurious chocolate filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation.
11. Refrigerate the pie for a minimum of 4 hours, allowing the filling to set completely and develop a rich, creamy texture.
12. Prepare the whipped cream by beating heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla until soft, billowy peaks form.
13. Just before serving, generously spread or artfully pipe the whipped cream over the chilled chocolate filling, creating an inviting and decadent dessert.

Notes

• Ensure butter is cold when making the pie crust to achieve a flaky, tender texture that melts in your mouth.
• Use a food processor for cutting butter into flour quickly and evenly, creating uniform crumb-like consistency for the perfect crust.
• Blind baking prevents a soggy bottom by creating a crisp, golden crust that holds the creamy chocolate filling beautifully.
• Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot chocolate mixture to prevent scrambling, which keeps the filling silky smooth.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend in the crust.
• Enhance chocolate flavor by using high-quality dark chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for deeper, more complex taste.
• Make ahead and refrigerate pie overnight to allow flavors to meld and filling to set perfectly.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or fresh berries for an elegant presentation that impresses guests.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg