Description

Imagine a rich, velvety chocolate pie, its glossy surface gleaming under the warm kitchen light. The aroma of chocolate wafts through the air, enveloping you in a comforting embrace. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is more than just a dessert; it's a nostalgic journey back to simpler times when family gatherings revolved around homemade treats and cherished recipes were passed down through generations. Originating from classic American kitchens, this pie captures the essence of sweetness and indulgence, making it the perfect finale to any meal or a delightful snack to savor with a cup of coffee. Its creamy filling nestled in a flaky crust is a reminder that some things never go out of style, and each bite tells a story of love, laughter, and shared moments.

Ingredients

• For the pie crust:
• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 5 to 6 tablespoons ice water
• For the chocolate filling:
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 large egg yolks
• For the topping:
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

To start making your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, first, we need to prepare the pie crust. In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and salt. Next, add the chilled and diced butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial, as it creates that delightful flaky texture we all love in a pie crust.

Now, gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want it just combined. Once you’ve achieved a nice dough consistency, shape it into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period allows the gluten in the flour to relax, resulting in a tender crust.

While the dough chills, let’s prepare the luscious chocolate filling. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. This dry mixture will serve as the base for your filling. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure to eliminate any lumps for a smooth consistency. Place the saucepan over medium heat and continue to stir the mixture as it heats.

As the mixture begins to warm, you’ll notice it thickening. Keep stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom. Once it reaches a simmer, continue to cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s thick and creamy. This is the moment you want to achieve the perfect custard-like consistency.

Now, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. The residual heat will melt the chocolate and butter, creating a silky, smooth filling. Add in the vanilla extract, which will enhance the chocolate flavor and add a delightful aroma to the filling.

In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until they are well blended. Slowly pour in about a cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This step is essential to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once the egg yolks are warmed, pour the mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate filling and return it to medium heat. Stir continuously for another 2 to 3 minutes until the filling thickens even more.

Now that your pie filling is ready, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take your chilled pie dough from the refrigerator and roll it out on a floured surface to about 1/8-inch thickness. Carefully transfer the rolled dough into a 9-inch pie pan, pressing it gently into the edges. Trim any excess dough hanging over the edges.

Prick the bottom of the pie crust with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking. You can also use pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust flat while it bakes. Place the crust in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until it’s lightly golden. Once baked, remove the crust from the oven and let it cool completely before adding the chocolate filling.

Pour the rich chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface. Now, let’s give it some time to set. Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the time. This allows the filling to firm up beautifully, making it easier to slice and serve.

While your pie is chilling, it’s time to prepare the whipped cream topping. In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream with an electric mixer on medium speed until it starts to thicken. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until soft peaks form. This light and airy topping will perfectly complement the rich chocolate filling, providing a delightful contrast in textures.

Once the pie has set and you’re ready to serve, remove it from the refrigerator. Spread the whipped cream generously on top of the chocolate filling. For an extra touch, you can sprinkle chocolate shavings or dust a bit of cocoa powder over the whipped cream. This not only adds a decorative element but also enhances the chocolate experience.

Tips and Conclusion

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding a layer of caramel sauce between the pie filling and whipped cream for a delightful twist. You can also substitute the semi-sweet chocolate with dark chocolate for a more intense flavor, or even try milk chocolate for a sweeter pie. To store your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, cover it with plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days.



Preparing this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is not just about the final product; it's about the joy of creating something delicious that brings back fond memories and creates new ones. As you slice into the pie, the creamy chocolate filling and fluffy whipped cream will remind you of why this recipe has stood the test of time. Pair it with a cup of coffee or serve it at your next family gathering, and watch as smiles spread around the table.

If you enjoyed this recipe, why not explore other delightful desserts on our site? From classic apple pie to luscious lemon meringue, there’s a world of sweet treats waiting for you to discover. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, so they too can enjoy the bliss of an Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie! Happy baking!