Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie – A Timeless Classic Dessert
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Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie. Made with a silky chocolate filling and topped with whipped cream, it’s a comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like the indulgence of a Chocolate Pie. This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a beloved classic, featuring a smooth, velvety chocolate filling and a perfectly flaky pie crust. Whether you’re looking to serve it at a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or as a sweet treat to enjoy on its own, this pie is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover.
This dessert is simple, comforting, and full of nostalgic flavor, offering the perfect balance of richness and sweetness. Let’s dive into how to make this timeless pie that’s guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3-4 tablespoons ice water
(You can also use a store-bought pie crust for a quicker option)
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Pie Crust (if homemade)
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Water: Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill the Dough: Form the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll the Dough: Once chilled, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Press the dough into the pan and trim any excess dough from the edges. Use a fork to prick the bottom of the crust several times.
- Blind Bake the Crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line the pie crust with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the paper and weights. Continue baking for another 5-10 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Set aside to cool.
(If using a store-bought crust, follow the package instructions for pre-baking if necessary.)
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
- Heat the Milk: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the whole milk, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. Once it thickens, reduce the heat.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the yolks, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Combine: Slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining milk mixture, whisking continuously. Continue to cook over low heat for 2-3 more minutes, until the filling is thick and smooth.
- Add Butter and Vanilla: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is completely melted and the filling is silky smooth.
- Cool the Filling: Allow the chocolate filling to cool slightly before pouring it into the prepared pie crust. Spread it evenly with a spatula. Cover the pie with plastic wrap (making sure the wrap doesn’t touch the filling) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- Whip the Cream: In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip.
- Top the Pie: Once the pie has fully set and is chilled, spread the whipped cream on top of the chocolate filling, smoothing it into an even layer.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the Pie: Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled. Garnish with chocolate shavings or additional whipped cream, if desired. Enjoy the perfect balance of chocolatey richness and creamy topping!
Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie:
- Rich and Velvety: The chocolate filling is smooth, creamy, and packed with deep cocoa flavor, giving you that perfect chocolate fix.
- Flaky Pie Crust: Whether homemade or store Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies-bought, the buttery, flaky crust provides the perfect contrast to the rich chocolate filling.
- Simple to Make: Despite its indulgent flavor, this pie is relatively simple to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both experienced and beginner bakers.
- Classic Comfort: This pie evokes feelings of nostalgia and is a classic that never goes out of style—perfect for any occasion!
Additional Tips and Variations:
- Add a Touch of Espresso: For a deeper chocolate flavor, you can add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the cocoa powder in the filling.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the pie crust for a gluten-free option, or make your own gluten-free crust using a flour substitute.
- Top with Chocolate Shavings or Chopped Nuts: For added texture and flavor, garnish the whipped cream with chocolate shavings or chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chocolate filling for a slight kick that complements the sweetness of the pie.
Nutrition Information (Per Slice):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 4g
- Carbs: 37g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 23g
(Note: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.)
Conclusion:
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert that delivers on flavor and comfort. With its silky chocolate filling, flaky pie crust, and light, fluffy whipped cream topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday meal or simply craving a delicious homemade treat, this pie will surely impress everyone at the table.
Give this classic recipe a try and enjoy a slice Garlic Butter Steak with Cheesy Herb Pastaof pure chocolatey bliss!