Description
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie is a classic American dessert featuring a rich, creamy chocolate custard filling set in a pre-baked pie crust. This luscious pie is topped with fluffy whipped cream and optional chocolate shavings for an elegant finish. Perfect for chocolate lovers, it combines smooth cocoa flavor with a buttery crust, ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Pie Crust
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
Chocolate Filling
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Topping
- Whipped cream for topping
- Chocolate shavings or curls for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add milk and cook: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Temper egg yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper them and prevent curdling.
- Combine and thicken: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly. Continue cooking for another 2 to 3 minutes until the pudding thickens further.
- Finish the filling: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the chopped chocolate, unsalted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Assemble the pie: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled, pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Prevent skin formation: Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Chill: Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm.
- Serve: Before serving, top the pie with whipped cream and garnish with chocolate shavings or curls if desired.
Notes
- Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the richest, smoothest flavor in the filling.
- The pie can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and texture to set perfectly.
- For an extra decadent twist, substitute the traditional pastry crust with a chocolate cookie crust for added texture and flavor contrast.
