Description

This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie is rich, creamy, and packed with deep chocolate flavor. It’s made from scratch with simple ingredients like cocoa powder, sugar, and milk, then topped with a fluffy whipped cream layer. It’s a classic dessert that brings back warm, nostalgic vibes—perfect for holidays, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients

For the filling:

1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the crust:

1 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crust (homemade or store-bought)

For the topping:

1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Make the filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble, about 6–8 minutes.
Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks to temper them, then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
Continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the hot filling into the pre-baked pie crust. Smooth the top and press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
Make the whipped cream: Beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until stiff peaks form.
Remove plastic wrap from the pie, then spread the whipped cream on top. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder if desired.

Notes

You can use a graham cracker crust or chocolate cookie crust instead of a traditional pie crust.
For an extra rich flavor, use half-and-half instead of milk.

Pie will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
Calories: 390
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 230mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 115mg