A Classic Southern-Style Dessert
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is silky, rich, and made from scratch, just like grandma used to make! Featuring a buttery, flaky crust and a smooth, decadent chocolate custard filling, this pie is the perfect comfort dessert for holidays, Sunday dinners, or anytime you crave a taste of nostalgia.
📌 Recipe Overview
🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Cook Time: 15 minutes
❄️ Chilling Time: 4 hours
🍽 Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
👩🍳 Servings: 8 slices
🍫 Ingredients
For the Pie Crust: (Use store-bought or homemade)
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust (homemade or refrigerated store-bought)
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch (or ⅓ cup all-purpose flour for a thicker filling)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter
For Topping (Optional):
- Whipped cream or meringue
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for garnish
📖 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the pie crust into a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges.
- Blind bake: Line the crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges are golden. Remove weights and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Let the crust cool completely.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Custard Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and milk until combined.
- Gradually whisk the milk mixture into the saucepan with dry ingredients, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Place over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
- Once thick, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble & Chill
- Pour the warm chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust.
- Smooth the top with a spatula and let it cool to room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight) to set.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve!
- Once chilled, top with whipped cream or meringue.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for extra richness.
- Slice and enjoy this classic homemade chocolate pie!
🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Pie
✅ Stir constantly while cooking the custard to prevent lumps.
✅ For a firmer pie, let it chill overnight.
✅ Use Dutch-process cocoa for a deeper chocolate flavor.
✅ To prevent a skin from forming, place plastic wrap directly on the custard while chilling.
🍽️ Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store covered for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze without toppings for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
🍫 Variations & Fun Twists
✨ Chocolate Bourbon Pie: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the filling for an extra kick.
✨ Chocolate Coconut Pie: Sprinkle toasted coconut flakes on top.
✨ Mocha Chocolate Pie: Add ½ teaspoon espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
🍩 Nutrition (Per Slice, Without Toppings)
- Calories: ~320
- Carbs: ~45g
- Fat: ~14g
- Sugar: ~30g
(Estimated, varies by ingredients used.)
🎉 Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a true Southern classic—creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a weeknight dessert, this homemade pie will become a family favorite! Try it today! 🍫🥧