Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie – A Classic Comfort Dessert

There’s something timeless about a slice of Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie. Smooth, creamy chocolate filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust evokes memories of home kitchens, family gatherings, and cozy evenings. This recipe brings together the richness of chocolate with the simplicity of classic baking, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pie

• Classic Flavor: No fancy additions—just pure chocolate goodness.
• Creamy, Silky Filling: The custard-like texture melts in your mouth.
• Easy to Make: Few ingredients, straightforward steps, and minimal fuss.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or just a comforting treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Pie Crust: Store-bought or homemade, either works beautifully.
• Chocolate Filling: Cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, eggs, milk, butter, and vanilla extract.
• Optional Topping: Whipped cream or chocolate shavings to elevate the presentation.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pie Crust
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind-bake your pie crust in a pie pan until lightly golden, about 10–12 minutes. Let it cool completely before adding the filling.
2. Make the Chocolate Filling
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
3. Incorporate Eggs and Butter
   Temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture into beaten eggs, whisking continuously. Then slowly stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan. Add butter and vanilla extract, stirring until smooth.
4. Assemble the Pie
   Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula and cover with plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Slice the pie and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkle of chocolate shavings for an elegant touch.

Tips for the Perfect Pie

• Avoid Overcooking: Chocolate custard thickens quickly; remove from heat once it coats the back of a spoon.
• Smooth Texture: Strain the filling through a fine sieve to remove lumps.
• Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
• Make Ahead: This pie can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Rich, creamy, and nostalgic Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie 🍫🥧 — smooth chocolate custard in a flaky pie crust, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or cozy evenings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Classic

Calories: 360

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Pie Crust

• 1 pie crust store-bought or homemade

Chocolate Filling

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder unsweetened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 large eggs beaten
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter cut into small pieces
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup whipped cream
• 1 tbsp chocolate shavings

Equipment

• Pie pan
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Blind-bake the pie crust until lightly golden, about 10–12 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
3. Gradually add milk while whisking, then cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
4. Temper eggs by adding a small amount of hot chocolate mixture into beaten eggs, whisking constantly, then stir the egg mixture back into the saucepan.
5. Stir in butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
6. Pour chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top and cover with plastic wrap directly on surface. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
7. Optional: Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings before serving. Slice and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra depth of flavor, add a pinch of espresso powder to the chocolate filling. This pie can be made a day ahead for convenience.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie: Swirl peanut butter into the chocolate filling before chilling.
• Mint Chocolate Pie: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the filling.
• Boozy Twist: Stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or Kahlua for an adult-friendly dessert.

Why It’s a Perfect Pinterest Recipe

The glossy chocolate, the flaky crust, and optional whipped cream topping make it visually irresistible. Pinning this recipe not only shares a classic dessert but also a piece of nostalgia that resonates with anyone who loves home-baked treats.