Hey fellow food lovers! Nyla here, ready to whisk you away on a flavor adventure! I’m talking about a dessert that’s so rich, so decadent, it’ll make you question everything you thought you knew about comfort food. And we are going to be making it today! Are you ready for the one, the only, Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie?
This isn’t your average pie. We’re turning a classic dessert into a weeknight winner that’s also perfect for special occasions. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie transforms every meal into something special!
I’m beyond excited to share my take on this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. It’s a recipe that’s been taste-tested and tweaked until it reached absolute perfection. Get ready for a slice of heaven – you’re about to experience chocolate bliss! Let’s get cooking!
INGREDIENTS You Need
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie ingredient list is all about bold flavors that work together! You can grab everything at your regular grocery store.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: For sweetness. I like using cane sugar for a richer flavor.
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives our pie that intense chocolate flavor we all crave.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate.
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the custard.
- 3 cups whole milk: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten: Adds richness and structure to the custard.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: This adds a silky texture and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust, baked: The foundation of our delicious pie!
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional): Because who doesn’t love whipped cream on chocolate pie?
Here’s my secret to making this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie go from good to incredible: a pinch of espresso powder added with the cocoa! It deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a subtle complexity. If you do not have that on hand, no worries! It’s optional, but trust me, it will be divine!
For a shortcut on busy weeknights, I sometimes use a store-bought graham cracker crust. It still tastes amazing and saves time! For freshness, I seal any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I love adding extra dark chocolate shavings to my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie for that extra kick!
Let’s Make Some!
Let’s dive into creating this perfect Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie together! I’ll guide you through each step like we’re cooking side-by-side.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and flour. This ensures there are no lumps and everything is evenly distributed. I love using a good whisk for this.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Make sure there are no clumps of cocoa powder!
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer and begins to thicken. This is where the delicious magic starts happening! Be patient and keep stirring.
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. I’m telling you, that’s what you’re looking for!
- Remove from heat. In a small bowl, whisk a spoonful of the hot custard into the beaten egg yolks to temper them. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you add them to the hot mixture. This is very important!
- Slowly pour the tempered egg yolks into the saucepan, whisking constantly. This ensures everything is well combined.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. I am so excited about this pie!
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds richness and a beautiful aroma.
- Pour the hot custard into the baked pie crust. Your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie should smell absolutely incredible right now. I know mine does!
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. I’ve skipped this before, don’t do it!
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the custard to set completely. Patience is a virtue, my friend!
- Before serving, top with whipped cream (if using) and chocolate shavings. Get ready for the applause!
This is my favorite part of making this delectable Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie – watching the magic happen! In my kitchen, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie usually takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time, plus chilling. While your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! Don’t worry if your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie looks a little wobbly before chilling; it’ll firm up perfectly in the fridge.
How to Serve Up This!
People literally do happy dances when this amazing Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie hits the table. It’s seriously the perfect dessert for any occasion.
I love to enjoy this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with a dollop of homemade whipped cream. The creaminess complements the rich chocolate perfectly! It pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or a glass of cold milk. For a bold flavor pairing, try serving it with a scoop of salted caramel ice cream.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is perfect for weeknight dinners that need to be special! I sometimes serve it at potlucks and game nights, and it’s always a hit. For presentation, I like to dust the top with cocoa powder or arrange fresh berries around the edge.
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), you can transform them into a chocolate pie parfait. Simply layer crumbled pie with whipped cream and chocolate sauce in a glass. For a fusion variation, I’ve experimented with adding a hint of chili powder to the chocolate custard for a spicy kick!
If you’re in the mood for a chocolatey explosion, you absolutely have to try my Chocolate Cherry Cream Pie! It’s another bold flavor favorite of mine that has all the same comforting feelings of this pie.
FAQs:
Got questions about this crowd-pleasing Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common concerns and my tried-and-true solutions.
- Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? Absolutely! I’ve designed this recipe to be super straightforward. Follow the steps, and you’ll be golden. If you’re new to pie-making, using a store-bought crust is a great option.
- What if I mess up my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Honestly, even if the custard isn’t perfectly smooth, it will still be delicious. The taste is what matters most! No one’s gonna notice, I promise.
- How can I prep this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie for busy weeknights? You can bake the pie crust a day in advance. You can also whisk together the dry ingredients (sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and flour) and store them in an airtight container. Then, when you’re ready to make the pie, just add the milk and continue with the recipe.
- Can I use a different type of milk? I recommend using whole milk for the best richness and flavor. However, you can use 2% milk if you prefer. I have not tried other milks, so I am not sure what the result would be.
- What if my custard is too thick? If your custard becomes too thick, whisk in a little extra milk until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Can I freeze Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? I don’t recommend freezing it, as the texture of the custard may change. However, if you must freeze it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
- How long does Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie last? It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
I’ve experimented with different types of chocolate in this divine Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. I also have gotten questions about using a meringue topping! I haven’t tried it personally with this recipe, but I know my friend over at Spicy Southern Kitchen has a killer recipe for an Old-Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie that I think you would love! I would highly recommend checking that out!
CONCLUSION:
This classic Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie brings me so much joy. It’s a reminder of simple pleasures and the power of comfort food to bring people together. Ready to create your own delicious memories? Here are my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Flavor Secrets:
- Espresso Powder Boost: Adding a pinch of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor and adds depth.
- Vanilla Extract Quality: Don’t skimp on the vanilla extract! Use a high-quality extract for the best flavor.
- Salt Balance: The salt is crucial for balancing the sweetness and enhancing the chocolate. Don’t skip it!
I’ve tested a few delicious Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie variations. For a decadent twist, I add a layer of salted caramel to the bottom of the crust before pouring in the chocolate custard. Another favorite is topping the pie with toasted pecans for added crunch and nutty flavor. During the holidays, I like to add a hint of peppermint extract to the custard for a festive touch.
Whether you’re making this pie for a weeknight treat or a special occasion, I encourage you to trust your taste buds and get creative! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and toppings to make it your own. After all, cooking is about having fun and creating something that you love.
I’m so excited for you to try this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie and experience the joy of sharing it with your loved ones! And, if you want to check out another old-time recipe, check out My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie over at Forgotten Way Farms. Let’s make some delicious magic together!
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Indulge in the rich, comforting taste of this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. A classic dessert featuring a smooth, creamy chocolate filling baked in a flaky pie crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust
- Whipped cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Gradually whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them.
- Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan and whisk to combine.
- Cook over low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the baked pie crust.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
For an extra touch of flavor, sprinkle a little sea salt on top before serving.