As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisper, there’s nothing quite like the rich and comforting aroma of chocolate pie wafting through your home. Each slice offers a velvety filling nestled in a tender, chocolatey crust that makes for an indulgent treat. You’ll find the balance of dense yet creamy chocolate filling to be a heavenly experience, not to mention the light, fluffy layer of whipped cream on top that adds just the right touch. This chocolate pie is not just a dessert; it’s that warm hug you crave during cozy nights at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate pie stands out with its perfect blend of textures and flavors. The contrast between the crisp, crumbly crust and the luscious filling creates a symphony of satisfaction with each bite. Top it off with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings, and you have a dessert that feels both elegant and comforting. What’s more, it’s relatively straightforward to make, allowing you to impress your friends and family without spending hours in the kitchen!

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Pie

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your crust. Ensure it’s sifted for a light and tender result.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Look for high-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar: This sweetens the crust without making it too gritty, giving it that lovely melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors, balancing the sweetness.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter: Chilled butter helps achieve that flaky texture. Make sure it’s cut into small pieces for even mixing.
• 3 Tbsp ice water: Adding ice water helps bind the crust without making it tough.
• 3/4 cup whole milk: Creamy and rich, whole milk keeps the filling luscious.
• 3 1/4 cups heavy cream: This adds both body and a decadent mouthfeel to your filling and topping.
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate: Finely chopped for quick melting, it brings a delightful sweetness.
• 2 oz unsweetened chocolate: This deepens the chocolate flavor without adding additional sweetness.
• 6 large egg yolks: Rich and creamy, egg yolks create a custard-like filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This sweetener balances the bitterness of the chocolate.
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt: Again, this helps to enhance the overall flavor.
• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream without overpowering.
• 3 Tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche: Adds a slight tang and richness to the whipped cream.
• Chocolate shavings, for serving: These not only add a decorative touch but also deepen the chocolate experience.

How to Make Chocolate Pie

1. Prepare the crust: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt. Work in the cold butter until pea-sized pieces form. Add the ice water gradually until the dough comes together. Roll it out, refrigerate for about 30 minutes, then fit into a pie plate. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes with pie weights. Allow the crust to cool.
2. Make the custard: In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and 2 1/4 cups of heavy cream until it just begins to boil. Remove it from heat, then whisk in the semisweet and unsweetened chocolates until the mixture is smooth.
3. Combine the egg mixture: In a different bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt. Slowly temper the egg yolks with the chocolate mixture, then strain it into a measuring cup. Pour the custard into the baked crust.
4. Bake the pie: Bake the pie at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set. Let it cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
5. Prepare the whipped cream: In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Gently fold in the sour cream or crème fraîche.
6. Assemble the pie: Top the chilled pie with the whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings generously before serving.

How to Serve Chocolate Pie

Serve slices chilled or at room temperature, ideally after allowing it to rest in the fridge for a few hours. For extra flair, you can dust the top with cocoa powder or drizzle with chocolate sauce before topping with whipped cream.

How to Store Chocolate Pie

Cover any leftovers tightly and keep them in the refrigerator; the pie will last well for up to 3 days. If you need to make it ahead of time, it stores beautifully in the fridge, allowing the flavors to meld even more.

Tips to Make Chocolate Pie

• Chill your ingredients: Keep your butter and any dairy chilled until you’re ready to use them to ensure a flaky crust and a well-emulsified filling.
• Don’t skip straining: Straining the custard mixture helps remove any bits from the chocolate or egg yolks, yielding a smoother texture.
• Use high-quality chocolate: Whenever possible, opt for high-quality chocolate as it makes a significant difference in flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Different Chocolates: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, like milk chocolate for a sweeter filling or dark chocolate for a richer flavor.
• Flavor Add-Ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a hint of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chocolate Pie ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the pie a day in advance. Just bake and cool it, then refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. The flavors will only get better!

How long does Chocolate Pie last in the fridge?

Chocolate pie typically lasts in the refrigerator for about 3 days if stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze Chocolate Pie?

Yes, you can freeze chocolate pie. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it should last up to a month. Thaw it in the refrigerator before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream for the filling?

You can use coconut cream or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

How can I make the crust more chocolatey?

For an extra chocolatey crust, you can increase the amount of cocoa powder slightly or mix in some crushed chocolate cookies.

Chocolate Pie

Indulge in a rich and comforting chocolate pie with a velvety filling and a tender, chocolatey crust, topped with fluffy whipped cream.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 55 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 25 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the crust

• 1 cup all-purpose flour Sifted for a light and tender result.
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder High-quality cocoa powder for rich chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar Sweetens the crust without making it gritty.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt Enhances the flavors.
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter Cut into small pieces for even mixing.
• 3 Tbsp ice water Helps bind the crust without making it tough.

For the filling

• 3/4 cup whole milk Keeps the filling luscious.
• 3 1/4 cups heavy cream Adds body and decadence.
• 4 oz semisweet chocolate Finely chopped for quick melting.
• 2 oz unsweetened chocolate Deepens the chocolate flavor.
• 6 large egg yolks Create a custard-like filling.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar Balances the bitterness of the chocolate.
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt Enhances the overall flavor.

For the whipped cream

• 2 Tbsp powdered sugar Sweetens the whipped cream.
• 3 Tbsp sour cream or crème fraîche Adds tang and richness.

For serving

• Chocolate shavings Decorative touch and enhances chocolate experience.

Instructions

 

Preparation of the crust

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, powdered sugar, and salt.
• Work in the cold butter until pea-sized pieces form.
• Add the ice water gradually until the dough comes together.
• Roll out the dough, refrigerate for about 30 minutes, then fit into a pie plate.
• Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes with pie weights.
• Allow the crust to cool.

Making the custard

• In a saucepan, heat the whole milk and 2 1/4 cups of heavy cream until just boiling.
• Remove from heat and whisk in the semisweet and unsweetened chocolates until smooth.

Combine the egg mixture

• In a different bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, granulated sugar, and salt.
• Slowly temper the egg yolks with the chocolate mixture, then strain it into a measuring cup.
• Pour the custard into the baked crust.

Bake the pie

• Bake the pie at 325°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is set.
• Let it cool, then refrigerate until chilled.

Prepare the whipped cream

• In a mixing bowl, beat the remaining heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
• Gently fold in the sour cream or crème fraîche.

Assemble the pie

• Top the chilled pie with the whipped cream and sprinkle chocolate shavings generously before serving.

Notes

For best results, chill your ingredients and do not skip straining the custard. Feel free to use different types of chocolate or add a splash of vanilla or espresso powder for enhanced flavor.

Keyword Baked Dessert, Chocolate Pie, Comfort Food, dessert, indulgent treat