Description
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a classic Southern dessert with a silky, rich chocolate custard filling topped with a layer of whipped cream or meringue. Baked in a flaky pie crust, it’s nostalgic, comforting, and irresistibly chocolatey.
Ingredients
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks, beaten
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup whipped cream or meringue (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish, prick the bottom with a fork, and bake for 10–12 minutes or until lightly golden. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk over medium heat until smooth and combined.
- Cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and begins to bubble (about 8–10 minutes).
- Temper the beaten egg yolks by slowly adding a small amount of the hot mixture while whisking constantly, then return all to the saucepan.
- Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top.
- Allow pie to cool at room temperature for 30 minutes, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until set.
- Top with whipped cream or meringue before serving.
Notes
- Use high-quality cocoa for the best chocolate flavor.
- If topping with meringue, bake an additional 10 minutes to brown the peaks slightly.
- Store pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: Southern American