Name: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 4 h 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; 3 large egg yolks, beaten; 2 cups whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust; Whipped cream for topping (optional)

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The silky, comforting sweetness of Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie makes it a dessert that tastes like home in every bite. With its rich cocoa filling nestled in a flaky crust and topped (if you wish) with a plush cloud of whipped cream, this classic satisfies every chocolate craving while sprinkling a little nostalgia into every slice. Whether you grew up eating it at Sunday suppers or you’re making it for the first time, Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is the kind of recipe that wraps you up like a cozy blanket—and is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be delighted to see how the simple, humble ingredients create such a decadent pie! Each one plays an essential role—from deep chocolate flavor to a satiny texture and irresistible aroma—coming together to create this time-honored favorite.

Granulated sugar: Sweetens the filling and creates that signature glossy, luscious look.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the pie filling to the perfect creamy consistency, so every slice holds its shape.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: This gives the pie its deep chocolatey backbone—use a high-quality brand for the richest taste.
Salt: Just a touch sharpens all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Large egg yolks: Helps thicken and enrich the filling, giving it a gorgeous custard-like texture.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and body, making the pie silky and smooth.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds a warm, inviting aroma.
Unsalted butter: Melts in at the end for an extra layer of richness and that beautiful shine.
Pre-baked 9-inch pie crust: The toasty base for your chocolate custard—make your own or use store-bought to save time.
Whipped cream for topping (optional): A classic finishing touch for a luscious pie!

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by setting yourself up for chocolate pie success: measure out everything you need and make sure your pre-baked pie crust is cooled and ready to go. If you haven’t baked your crust yet, pop it in the oven following the package or recipe instructions, then let it cool while you work on the filling. A little prep now prevents any frantic searching later (no one wants a half-made pie!).

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt. This step ensures the cocoa and flour are evenly dispersed, giving the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie its famously smooth filling without any lumps.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

Gradually stir in the beaten egg yolks and whole milk. Go slow to create a lump-free mixture—this helps your pie filling cook up silky and even. Whisk until everything is perfectly combined and the color is uniform.

Step 4: Cook the Chocolate Filling

Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly. The mixture will slowly thicken and start to bubble after about 10 to 12 minutes. Keep whisking so nothing scorches or clumps. You’ll know it’s ready when the filling coats the back of your spoon and has a pudding-like texture.

Step 5: Add Butter and Vanilla

Remove the pan from the heat and immediately add the vanilla extract and butter. Stir gently until everything melts into the warm chocolate mixture, creating a glossy, luxurious filling that smells simply heavenly.

Step 6: Fill the Pie Crust

Pour the hot chocolate filling right into your cooled, pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure the filling reaches all the way to the edges for a beautiful finish—this is the moment where your kitchen really starts to feel magical!

Step 7: Cool and Set

Let your Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to start setting up, then transfer it to the refrigerator. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours (overnight is even better) so the pie slices cleanly and the filling firms up perfectly.

Step 8: Top and Serve

If you love an extra flourish, add a big, pillowy dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Each bite will be the perfect balance of old-school chocolate richness and airy, cloud-like cream!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Garnishes

A swirl of freshly whipped cream is a classic, but you can take your Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie over the top with chocolate shavings, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or even a few fresh berries. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance!

Side Dishes

Pair this pie with strong coffee, a tall glass of cold milk, or hot tea for a perfectly rounded dessert course. If you want something extra special, a scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside is sure to win rave reviews from everyone at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing your Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie into small wedges for a dessert buffet, or serve in individual mason jars for a charming twist. For a crowd, mini tart shells filled with chocolate custard are a delightful hand-held version!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie covered in the refrigerator. Plastic wrap over the top or an airtight pie container prevents the filling from absorbing fridge odors and helps keep the crust crisp. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze your finished pie (without whipped cream topping) by wrapping it tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture may turn slightly softer, but the flavor remains deliciously nostalgic!

Reheating

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is best served chilled, but if you prefer it slightly warm, cut a slice and microwave for just 10 to 15 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep the custard silky and the crust from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Absolutely! A store-bought, pre-baked crust is a wonderful timesaver and still delivers great results. You can also use a homemade flaky crust if you’re in the mood for a baking project.

How can I make the chocolate flavor even richer?

For a deeper, more intense chocolate taste, try adding an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder or use dark cocoa powder in place of standard. This amplifies the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie’s richness without complicating the recipe.

Is it possible to make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap whole milk for your favorite plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The texture will remain dreamy, and the chocolate flavor will still shine.

Why did my filling turn lumpy?

Lumps usually happen if the custard cooks too quickly or isn’t whisked constantly. Keep the heat moderate, and don’t stop stirring—the result will be a perfectly smooth Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie filling every time.

Can I make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie ahead of time for a party?

Yes! This pie is actually even better when made in advance. Prepare it the day before, chill fully, and add whipped cream just before serving for gorgeous, stress-free entertaining.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a sweet slice of tradition to share with your favorite people, give this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie a try! Each bite is pure comfort, simple to make, and sure to spark happy memories at every table. Enjoy every creamy, chocolatey forkful!

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 22 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich, nostalgic flavors of this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie. A creamy, cocoa-infused filling nestled in a flaky pie crust, topped with a dollop of whipped cream, makes for a delightful dessert that harkens back to simpler times.