Creamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie - Easy Recipe! (2024)

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This Creamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe is silky, rich and a chocolate lover’s dream. it has a buttery, deep-dish pie crust that is filled with chocolate pudding, then topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings. An easy no-bake dessert!

Creamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie - Easy Recipe! (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

  • Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie
  • You’ll Love This Pie
  • Basic Ingredients
  • How to Make Chocolate Pie
  • Tips For Success
  • How Long Does the Pudding Take to Set?
  • TroubleShooting Tip: My Pudding Didn’t Set
  • Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?
  • Storing a Finished Pie
  • Get the Recipe

Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie

This chocolate pie recipe has been a labor of love, and it’s all paid off. This is made with a rich dark chocolate pudding and topped with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings, it’s pure decadence.

The chocolate pudding melts in your mouth, and when you get a bite of crust, pudding and whipped cream together it’s simply the best. No special occasion is needed to enjoy this pie, but it does make a perfect addition to the Thanksgiving table or a summer BBQ.

You’ll Love This Pie

I’ve made quite a few homemade pudding recipes in the past, but this recipe is definitely one of the easiest I’ve made and a great recipe for beginner bakers. Plus the chocolate pudding is so amazing, it will satisfy even the most intense chocolate craving.

  • It’s made without egg yolks and without gelatin, it’s super easy to work with.
  • Only 7 basic ingredients for the pudding
  • It’s cooked on the stovetop, then poured into a blind- baked pie crust.
  • The chocolate pudding is silky, smooth and thick.
  • Melted chocolate gives this pudding a deep, rich chocolate flavor
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Basic Ingredients

You’ll need one 9-inch pie crust prepared and blind-baked– try my easy, no-fail crust recipe. It includes instructions for blind baking.

For the Pudding

  • Granulated sugar
  • All-purpose flour– helps to thicken the pudding
  • Cocoa powder
  • Whole milk- whole milk is best to make a thick consistency.
  • Dark chocolate bar- You’ll want to use high quality chocolate. I often use Ghirardelli 60% Cocoa as it’s readily available.
  • Unsalted butter
  • Pure vanilla extract

For the Topping

  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Dark chocolate
  • Crisco shortening
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How to Make Chocolate Pie

Step 1: Prepare your pie crust.

You need a 9-inch pie crust, prepared and fully baked. Cool your pie crust completely before filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding

  • Prepare your ingredients: Chop the chocolate ahead of time and have your sieve and bowl ready to go. Once the milk starts to bubble, things move very quickly.
  • Heat the dry ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder and whisk together. Heat for 2 minutes on medium to medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
  • Add milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, pressing the whisk into the bottom edges of the saucepan to break up any clumps.
  • Cook to a boil: Continue whisking the pudding until it starts to thicken and lightly bubble, approximately 10-15 minutes. The mixture will start to coat the outside of the pan as it thickens. Ensure it’s thicken before moving onto the next step, so you’re pudding will not properly set.
  • Add chocolate: Slowly add the chocolate and continue whisking until the chocolate is completely melted. Cook for 2-5 minutes, ensuring the pudding is bubbling and thick, stirring occasionally.
  • Add butter and vanilla: Remove the pudding from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter and whisk until the butter is melted and combined.
  • Strain: Strain the pudding through a fine sieve,three times, rinsing the sieve in between each time. This will prevent your pudding from having a grainy texture. Don’t skip this step. Pour the pudding into a heat proof bowl and cover with clear plastic wrap (placing directly on the surface of the pudding), then poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick.
  • Cool: Allow the pudding to cool on the counter for at least 1 hour before refrigerating. Refrigerate 2-4 hours until the pudding has cooled and is firm. Pour in the prepared pie crust. Prepare the whipped cream prior to serving.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

  • Once the pudding is ready, pour it in your baked pie crust and refrigerate it until it sets and it’s completely cooled.
  • Top with homemade whipped cream and chocolate shavings.
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Tips For Success

  • Use a high-quality dark chocolate bar. Chocolate bars melt down so much smoother and are less oily than chocolate chips. You’ll want to use high quality chocolate.
  • Strain the pudding. It’s important to catch the clumps of dry ingredients that did not dissolve. I strain the pudding 3 times, rinsing the sieve in between. Do not scrape the bottom of your saucepan, those clumps that are sticking to the bottom are no good.
  • Cool the pudding before pouring it in your pie crust: This prevent a soggy pie crust.
  • Cover the top of the warm pudding with saran wrap: This prevents a skin from forming of of the pie. Use a toothpick to poke a few holes, allowing some of the air and condensation to escape.

How Long Does the Pudding Take to Set?

You’ll need a few hours. I let it sit on the counter for about an hour until it partially cooled then I refrigerate for 2-4 hours before pouring it in the pie shell.

TroubleShooting Tip: My Pudding Didn’t Set

I have received several comments or emails from people who have made this recipe and their pudding did not set, even after chilling overnight. If cooked properly, following the specified ingredients, this should not have an issue.

It’s important that the pudding is thickened at two stages, once when the dry ingredients are incorporated into the milk and again after the chocolate is added. Each time the mixture should be bubbling and thick. You’ll also notice in the first stage that the mixture is starting to coat the outside of your saucepan.

Your friends will be seriously impressed with your dessert, even if you have an ugly pie crust like mine. Pie crust is my arch-nemesis.

Can I Make This Ahead Of Time?

Yes! It keeps very well in the refrigerator, although I suggest adding the whipped cream right before serving.

You can make the pudding even the day before you make the crust and then pour the pudding into your crust when it’s ready. The pudding will be thick and set but it will still spread with a spatula.

Storing a Finished Pie

Once you’ve assembled the pie, it needs to be kept in the refrigerator. Ideally, it should be covered in an airtight container or with plastic wrap. This is best when served within 3 days of preparation.

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Creamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie - Easy Recipe! (6)

Chocolate Pie Recipe

★★★★★4.5 from 15 reviews
  • Author: Julianne Dell
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 3 hours
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 8 slices

Print Recipe

Description

This homemade Chocolate Pie Recipe is made completely from scratch using a homemade dark chocolate pudding and homemade whipped cream topping!

Ingredients

  • 1 deep dish pie crust, prepared and blind baked

For the chocolate pudding:

  • 1/2 cup (95g) granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (31g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (7g) cocoa powder
  • 3 1/2 cups (828ml) whole milk
  • 12 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
  • 1 teaspoon (5g) pure vanilla extract

For the whipped cream

  • 1 1/2 cups (355ml) heavy whipping cream
  • 3/4 cup (98g) powdered sugar

For the chocolate shavings (optional)

  • 2 ounces dark chocolate
  • 1/2 tablespoon (21g) Crisco shortening

Instructions

  1. Prepare your favorite 9-inch pie crust and blind bake it. Cool completely.

For the chocolate pudding:

  1. Prepare all the ingredients prior to starting. In a medium saucepan, combine the flour, sugar, and cocoa powder and whisk together. Heat for 2 minutes on medium to medium-low heat, whisking occasionally.
  2. Next, slowly whisk in the milk, pressing the whisk into the bottom edges of the saucepan to break up any clumps.
  3. Continue whisking the pudding until it starts to thicken and lightly bubble, approximately 10-15 minutes. The mixture will start to coat the outside of the pan as it thickens. Ensure it’s thicken before moving onto the next step.
  4. Then slowly add the chopped chocolate and continue whisking until the chocolate is completely incorporated. Cook for 2-5 minutes, ensuring the pudding is bubbling and thick, stirring occasionally.
  5. Remove the pudding from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract and butter and whisk until the butter is melted and combined.
  6. Strain the pudding through a fine sieve, three times, rinsing the sieve in between each time.
  7. Pour the pudding into a heat proof bowl and cover with clear plastic wrap (placing directly on the surface of the pudding), then poke a few holes in the plastic wrap with a toothpick.
  8. Allow the pudding to cool on the counter for at least 1 hour before refrigerating.
  9. Refrigerate 2-4 hours until the pudding has cooled and is firm. Pour in the prepared pie crust. Prepare the whipped cream prior to serving.

For the whipped cream:

  1. Prepare the whipped cream. Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the freezer for 5 to 10 minutes to chill. Pour the heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl and use an electric mixer to beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until soft peaks start to form. Slowly add the powdered sugar and continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form. Top with chocolate shavings (optional) or dust with cocoa powder.

For the chocolate shavings:

  1. Combine chocolate and shortening in a heat-proof bowl. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted and stir until completely smooth.
  2. Using an offset spatula to thinly spread the chocolate over a flat surface, such as a cookie sheet. Refrigerate until the chocolate is firm. Use a bench scraper or the offset spatula to scrape the chocolate off the sheet pan.

Notes

  • Pudding consistency: Be sure that the milk & dry ingredients have thickened and are bubbling prior to adding the chocolate. After adding the chocolate, it should be stirred & melted, and continue cooking for another few minutes until it’s bubbling and thick.
  • Properly cooling: After the pudding has cooled on the counter for 1 hour, it can be transferred to the refrigerator to cool completely or poured into the cooled, baked pie crust and then refrigerate another 2-4 hours until the pudding is firm. Do not pour the hot filling directly in the pie crust.
  • When to add the topping: Add the topping before serving, and only once the pudding has cooled completely.
  • Types of chocolate to use: I’ve also tested this recipe with Baker’s Chocolate Semi Sweet baking bar, a standard Hershey’s Bar and Chocolate Chips. If you prefer a less strong chocolate taste, I’d recommend using a Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bar
  • Storing:This needs to stay in the refrigerator, ideally in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap. It’s best served within 3 days of preparation.

Nutrition Information:

1 slice

720

50.8g

177.3mg

41.3g

24.8g

75.4g

4.2g

12.9g

75.1 mg

  • Category: Pie
  • Method: Refrigerator
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: chocolate pie, chocolate pudding pie recipe, chocolate silk pie

Creamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie - Easy Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What thickens a cream pie? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy solution, as you're sure to have it in your pantry. Since it's lower in starch, you'll use more of it than you would higher-starch thickeners. Quick-cooking tapioca makes filling bright and clear, but also gives it a stippled and somewhat sticky texture.

What is chocolate pie made of? ›

It's made with sugar, a little cornstarch, whole milk, egg yolks, vanilla, butter, and the star of the show, bittersweet chocolate. You make the filling on your stovetop and pour it into the baked (and cooled) pie crust. Then it goes into the fridge to set up.

Why didn t my chocolate cream pie set? ›

Take care, however, because you also don't want to overcook the filling which will make it very dense, and can even make it start to weep and separate. What causes a chocolate pie not to set up? A chocolate pie can not set up if it doesn't have enough cornstarch, egg yolks, or the filling wasn't cooked to 160 degrees.

Why is my chocolate pie runny? ›

This can happen for several reasons: if the cooking process was rushed, if the filling wasn't carefully watched and stirred frequently, the filling was overcooked, the stovetop heat was too high, or if the pie isn't given enough time to chill. Any ingredient substitutions could also result in a runny chocolate pie.

Is cornstarch or flour better for pie filling? ›

Which one you use is a matter of personal preference. Cornstarch makes for a shiny, glossy filling. A little goes a long way because it has twice the gelling power of flour. Flour thickens nicely but leaves more of a matte finish.

Which is better flour or cornstarch? ›

Cornstarch is a pure carbohydrate, but flour has more nutrients. Cornstarch is a common ingredient in a wide variety of foods and beverages. It's used by home cooks and in commercial settings. Cornstarch is not a very nutrient-rich food, though, so it's an open question whether or not cornstarch is bad for you.

What is funeral pie made of? ›

Vintage Funeral Pie Recipe is an old-fashioned dessert that is made from raisins, spices, and walnuts. It was traditionally made by the Amish, but this sugary pie fits right into a Southern cook's recipe box.

What country did chocolate pie originate? ›

He returned to South Korea and began experimenting with a chocolate biscuit cake, creating the "choco pie" as it is known to Koreans.

Why is my chocolate pudding pie runny? ›

If the pudding is already runny, the enjoyment will be reduced for sure! Pudding is usually runny because it has been stored in the refrigerator for too long or in an open space. Another cause could be due to improper cooking methods.

Why is my chocolate cream pie gritty? ›

Chocolate is very sensitive to heat and melts at just above body temperature. But if it gets too hot then it will turn grainy or lumpy and the fats will start to separate out. Sometimes this can be corrected by adding some cream or water.

What causes a cream pie to get watery? ›

It may not have set properly if the custard wasn't cooked long enough or if it wasn't chilled adequately. Ensure you follow the recipe's instructions for both cooking and chilling times, and consider refrigerating the pie for a longer period if needed.

Why is my chocolate pie grainy? ›

If your pie filling is grainy, it is likely because you have over-whipped the cream which causes the fat particles to clump. Use medium to medium-high speed to whip the cream so you can monitor it closely and whip it to somewhere between soft and stiff peaks which should still be glossy and gently drooping.

Does a chocolate cream pie need to be refrigerated? ›

If a pie contains eggs or dairy products, it should be stored in the refrigerator and not left out at room temperature for more than two hours. Pies that do not contain dairy products, such as fruit pies can be stored, loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days.

What is the difference between French silk pie and chocolate cream pie? ›

The Crust: Chocolate cream pie traditionally sits on a cookie crumb crust, while French silk pie traditionally sits on a pastry crust. The Filling: Chocolate cream pie filling has a denser, pudding-like consistency, while French silk pie filling has a lighter, airier, more mousse-like consistency.

What can I add to chocolate to make it runny? ›

To thin melted chocolate, add a small amount of neutral oil, like vegetable oil or cocoa butter, stirring gently until it reaches the desired consistency. Melt slowly to avoid overheating, and keep water out to prevent the chocolate from seizing.

What do I do if my cream pie is runny? ›

To fix this, you can cook the pudding mixture over low heat until it thickens, or add a thickener such as cornstarch or tapioca flour. Another possible reason for a runny banana cream pie is that the pie filling was not chilled properly before being added to the crust.

What can I add to cream to thicken it? ›

Mix together equal parts cold water and cornstarch, whisking the mixture to create a slurry. Make sure the slurry is completely combined to prevent lumps in your cream sauce. Once you've thoroughly combined the cornstarch and water, whisk the slurry into the sauce 1 tablespoon or 15 mL at a time.

What if my pie filling is too runny? ›

The best way to thicken runny apple pie filling before baking it is to add some cornstarch, tapioca starch, or flour to your mix. To fix a runny pie that's already been baked, simply let it cool to see if it will congeal naturally. If not, you can stick it back in the oven for a bit longer.

What is a substitute for cornstarch in cream pie? ›

All-purpose flour is an easy substitute for cornstarch; in fact you may see recipes for thickening pie fillings or soups with either. You'll need 2 tablespoons of flour for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a recipe.

References

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