Short Description
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert that combines a rich, velvety chocolate custard with a flaky pre-baked pie crust. This classic treat, often passed down through generations, offers a comforting and indulgent experience, making it a favorite for family gatherings and special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The combination of cocoa powder and sugar creates a deep, satisfying chocolate taste.
Creamy Texture: The custard filling is smooth and luscious, providing a delightful mouthfeel.
Simple Ingredients: Utilizes pantry staples, making it convenient to prepare without a trip to the store.
Versatile: Perfect as-is or topped with whipped cream or meringue for added flair.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepared in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making it ideal for entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 pre-baked pie crust
¼ cup butter
1 cup sugar
3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 egg yolks
1½ cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Directions
Prepare the Pie Crust: Ensure your pie crust is pre-baked and cooled, ready to receive the filling.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and flour until well combined.
Add Wet Ingredients: Stir in the egg yolks and gradually add the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
Cook the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens to a pudding-like consistency. This may take about 10-15 minutes.
Incorporate Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully melted and incorporated.
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Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Chill the Pie: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until set.
Serve: Slice and serve the pie as-is, or top with whipped cream or meringue, if desired.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
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Variations
Meringue Topping: Top the pie with a fluffy meringue made from the leftover egg whites. Spread over the cooled filling and bake at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light contrast to the rich chocolate filling.
Nutty Addition: Sprinkle chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the filling before chilling for added texture.
Spiced Flavor: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of chili powder to the filling for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: This pie is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended as it may affect the texture of the custard filling.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Yes, a store-bought pre-baked pie crust works well and saves time.
How do I prevent lumps in the filling?
Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ingredients, and stir constantly while cooking to ensure a smooth custard.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the pie a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Is it necessary to use whole milk?
Whole milk provides a richer texture, but you can use 2% milk if preferred. Avoid skim milk as it may result in a thinner filling.
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Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes, stirring in chocolate chips after removing the filling from heat adds extra richness and texture.
How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape when a line is drawn through it.
Can I use this filling for other desserts?
Yes, the chocolate custard can be used as a filling for tarts, eclairs, or served as a pudding.
What toppings pair well with this pie?
Whipped cream, meringue, chocolate shavings, or a dusting of cocoa powder complement the pie nicely.
How long should the pie chill before serving?
Chill the pie for at least 2 hours to ensure the filling sets properly.
Can I make this pie gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for thickening.
Conclusion
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a delightful dessert that brings comfort and nostalgia with every bite. Its rich, creamy filling and flaky crust make it a perfect choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and versatile, this pie is sure to become a cherished recipe in your collection.

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert with rich, silky cocoa filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust. Made from simple pantry ingredients, this Southern favorite brings back memories of grandma’s kitchen and is perfect for any special occasion or everyday treat.
Ingredients
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1 pre-baked pie crust
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1/4 cup butter
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1 cup sugar
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3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
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3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 egg yolks
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1 1/2 cups milk
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
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In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and flour. Mix well.
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Stir in egg yolks and milk until smooth.
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Place over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency (about 7–10 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
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Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust.
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Allow to cool slightly, then refrigerate until set (at least 2–3 hours).
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Optional: top with whipped cream or meringue before serving.
Notes
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For a richer flavor, use whole milk and high-quality cocoa powder.
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To avoid lumps, stir constantly while cooking the filling.
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You can make a meringue topping using the reserved egg whites if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American