Introduction
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert that embodies rich, creamy chocolate custard nestled in a flaky homemade pie crust. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or when you’re craving a classic indulgence, this recipe takes you back to simpler times when desserts were made with love and attention to detail. Let’s dive into this traditional recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream or meringue (made from the reserved egg whites)
- Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Pre-Bake: Roll out the dough on a floured surface, transfer to a pie pan, trim excess edges, and prick the base with a fork. Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly whisk in milk and beaten egg yolks until smooth.
- Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring into the pre-baked crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the Filling: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, top with whipped cream or meringue.
Step 4: Bake (if using meringue topping)
- Meringue Topping: Beat the reserved egg whites with ¼ cup sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread over the filling.
- Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
Cooking Notes
- Thickening the Filling: If your filling isn’t thickening properly, ensure you’re cooking at medium heat and stirring constantly to prevent scorching.
- Pie Crust Shortcut: A store-bought pie crust can save time without compromising the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Perfect alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk.
Tips
- Room Temperature Eggs: For smoother custard, use room temperature egg yolks.
- Chill for Clean Slices: To achieve neat slices, refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours before cutting.
- Prevent Overbaking: If using meringue, monitor the pie closely during baking to prevent the topping from burning.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
Conclusion
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a dessert that never goes out of style. With its velvety filling and buttery crust, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that evokes nostalgia in every bite. Whether for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this pie is a recipe to cherish and share for generations.
PrintOld Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3–4 tablespoons ice water
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream or meringue (made from the reserved egg whites)
- Chocolate shavings (optional garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
- Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Ice Water: Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll and Pre-Bake: Roll out the dough on a floured surface, transfer to a pie pan, trim excess edges, and prick the base with a fork. Pre-bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Slowly whisk in milk and beaten egg yolks until smooth.
- Cook the Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 10-12 minutes). Do not let it boil.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove from heat, then stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Cool Slightly: Allow the filling to cool slightly before pouring into the pre-baked crust.
Step 3: Assemble the Pie
- Pour the Filling: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Add Optional Topping: If desired, top with whipped cream or meringue.
Step 4: Bake (if using meringue topping)
- Meringue Topping: Beat the reserved egg whites with ¼ cup sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread over the filling.
- Bake: Return the pie to the oven and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Let the pie cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 210mg
- Protein: 5g