Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

Grandma’s Dreamy Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

Chocolate lovers find pure bliss in this old fashioned chocolate pie that whispers nostalgic comfort from grandma’s kitchen.

Creamy custard nestles between a flaky, buttery crust with rich cocoa depths.

Sweet memories dance across taste buds with each silky smooth bite.

Midwest farm kitchens perfected this classic dessert generations ago.

Delicate chocolate layers promise pure indulgence without complicated techniques.

Smooth, decadent filling awaits you with simple ingredients and heartwarming tradition.

Grab a fork and savor every delectable moment of this timeless treat.

Why Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Is A Sweet Classic

  • Craft a Decadent Dessert: Master a classic chocolate pie that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy treat without complicated techniques.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, and special celebrations where everyone craves a slice of rich, creamy chocolate indulgence.
  • Smooth Technique Builder: Learn professional baking skills like tempering eggs, creating silky custard, and achieving a perfect pie filling consistency that boosts kitchen confidence.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires basic pantry staples like chocolate, butter, sugar, and milk, making this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels without requiring specialty ingredients.

What You’ll Need For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

For the Chocolate Filling:
  • Unsweetened Chocolate: A key ingredient that provides deep, rich chocolate flavor to the pie.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy texture in the chocolate mixture.
  • Whole Milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency of the pie filling.
  • Heavy Cream: Enhances the luxurious and velvety texture of the chocolate custard.
  • Eggs: Provide structure and help set the filling to a perfect custard-like consistency.
For the Dry Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the chocolate filling and balances the intense chocolate flavor.
  • All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Work together to thicken and stabilize the pie filling.
  • Salt: Enhances and deepens the overall chocolate flavor profile.
For the Garnish and Finishing:
  • Cocoa Powder, Whipped Cream: Add visual appeal and provide a classic complementary topping for the chocolate pie.

Steps To Make Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to a toasty 350°F, creating the perfect warm environment for your chocolate masterpiece.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate Magic

In a sturdy saucepan, combine unsweetened chocolate and butter. Gently heat on low, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, glossy river of deliciousness.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Flour
  • Cornstarch
  • Salt

Blend these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 4: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Pour in whole milk and heavy cream, whisking with enthusiasm to banish any potential lumps.

Step 5: Combine Chocolate and Cream

Slowly merge the milk mixture into the melted chocolate, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth chocolate custard.

Step 6: Tame the Eggs

Carefully warm the eggs by slowly adding hot chocolate mixture while whisking like a pro. This prevents scrambled egg disasters.

Step 7: Fold in the Eggs

Reintroduce the tempered eggs into the chocolate custard, mixing until you achieve a perfectly creamy consistency.

Step 8: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the luscious chocolate filling into your pre-baked pie crust. Spread evenly with a spatula for a picture-perfect finish.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pie into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a slight wobble in the center and a subtle sheen that screams “I’m delicious!”

Step 10: Cool Down

Remove from the oven and let the pie chill at room temperature for about 2 hours.

Step 11: Refrigerate and Set

Pop the pie in the refrigerator for an additional hour to firm up the filling.

Step 12: Final Flourish

Before serving, dust the top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder and crown with fluffy whipped cream dollops.

Step 13: Slice and Savor

Cut into the pie and indulge in the rich, decadent chocolate goodness. Enjoy every single bite of this old-fashioned chocolate pie!

Top Tips For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

  • Master the Low and Slow Chocolate Melting: Use a double boiler or low heat to prevent chocolate from burning, ensuring a smooth, glossy texture without bitterness.
  • Prevent Egg Scrambling Trick: Always temper eggs by gradually adding hot chocolate mixture while whisking vigorously, creating a silky custard without lumpy, curdled eggs.
  • Achieve Perfect Pie Crust Consistency: Pre-bake the crust for 10-15 minutes before adding filling to maintain a crisp bottom and prevent soggy results.
  • Foolproof Filling Stability: Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for 2 hours, then refrigerate for an additional hour to help the filling set perfectly and develop rich flavors.

Fun Twists For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

  • Vegan Chocolate Dream: Replace whole milk with coconut milk, swap butter for coconut oil, use vegan chocolate, and substitute eggs with cornstarch and arrowroot powder for a creamy plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Use almond flour or gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, ensuring the crust and filling remain completely wheat-free for sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Chocolate Delight: Substitute whole milk with almond milk, heavy cream with coconut cream, and use dairy-free dark chocolate to create a luscious alternative for lactose-intolerant food lovers.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Pleasure: Replace granulated sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, use sugar-free dark chocolate, and reduce overall sweetness while maintaining rich chocolate flavor for health-conscious dessert enthusiasts.

Tasty Pairings For Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

  • Pair Decadent Chocolate with Rich Red Wines: Choose full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complement the pie's intense chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious dessert experience with balanced tannins and smooth finish.
  • Enhance with Espresso-Based Beverages: Serve alongside a classic espresso or cappuccino, allowing the coffee's robust notes to cut through the pie's creamy sweetness and provide a delightful palate-cleansing contrast.
  • Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Top the chocolate pie with a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream, creating a classic hot-and-cold dessert combination that highlights the pie's rich chocolate custard while adding a refreshing creamy texture.

How To Store Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Correctly

  • Store leftover chocolate pie in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to preserve its creamy consistency.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds on low power. Alternatively, place on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 250°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore its delightful warmth.
  • Revive chilled pie by adding fresh whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder just before serving to enhance its visual appeal and taste.

FAQs On Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

  • What makes the chocolate filling so smooth and creamy?

The key is tempering the eggs by slowly adding hot chocolate mixture while whisking rapidly. This technique prevents egg scrambling and creates a silky, uniform custard texture.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for this pie?

Stick with unsweetened chocolate for the best results. Other chocolate types might alter the sweetness and texture of the filling, potentially compromising the traditional flavor profile.

  • Why do I need to use both a heavy-bottomed saucepan and a separate mixing bowl?

The heavy-bottomed saucepan ensures even heat distribution when melting chocolate and butter, while the separate mixing bowl allows precise mixing of dry ingredients without risking burning or uneven heating.

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Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 3 hours and 0-5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich, velvety Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie delivers classic comfort with its silky chocolate custard and flaky crust. Southern kitchens whisper sweet memories, inviting you to savor each indulgent, nostalgic slice.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-baked pie crust
  • 4 oz unsweetened chocolate
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Finishing and Garnish Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whipped cream
  • 2 tbsp cocoa powder
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F, ensuring a consistent temperature for smooth chocolate filling preparation.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt unsweetened chocolate and butter together over low heat, stirring continuously until smooth and glossy.
  3. Whisk together granulated sugar, flour, cornstarch, and salt in a separate mixing bowl, creating a dry ingredient base for the pie filling.
  4. Gradually incorporate whole milk and heavy cream into the dry ingredients, whisking vigorously to eliminate any potential lumps.
  5. Pour the milk mixture into the melted chocolate, stirring constantly to create a uniform, silky chocolate custard.
  6. Temper the eggs by slowly adding a small amount of hot chocolate mixture while whisking rapidly, preventing egg scrambling.
  7. Integrate the tempered eggs back into the chocolate custard, mixing thoroughly to ensure a consistent, creamy texture.
  8. Transfer the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading evenly with a spatula.
  9. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the filling sets with a slight wobble in the center and develops a subtle sheen.
  10. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 2 hours.
  11. Once cooled, refrigerate for an additional hour to firm up the filling.
  12. Before serving, dust the top with cocoa powder and garnish with generous dollops of whipped cream.
  13. Slice and serve chilled, enjoying the rich, decadent old-fashioned chocolate pie.

Notes

  • Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent chocolate from burning and ensure even heat distribution during melting.
  • Whisk dry ingredients thoroughly to break up any potential lumps, creating a smoother filling texture.
  • Temper eggs carefully by adding hot chocolate mixture gradually to prevent scrambling, maintaining a silky custard consistency.
  • Chill the pie completely before serving to allow the filling to set properly and enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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