Oh, The Memories of Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Oh, friends, let’s gather ’round the kitchen counter today because I’m about to share a recipe that’s near and dear to my heart: Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. This isn’t just any dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, a taste of nostalgia, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when the holidays arrive!
I remember the first time I tried making this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. I was a young newlywed, armed with my grandmother’s handwritten recipe (smudged with chocolate, of course!), and a whole lot of enthusiasm. Let’s just say the first attempt was…interesting. The filling was runny, the crust was a bit burnt, and I nearly cried. I felt like a total failure! But, my sweet husband, bless his heart, took one bite and declared it “deliciously rustic.” After a few more tries (and a lot of tweaking), I finally nailed it.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie has since become a staple in our family. It’s requested for every holiday gathering, birthday celebration, and sometimes, just a random Tuesday night when we need a little comfort. There’s something so incredibly satisfying about taking simple ingredients and turning them into something so rich and decadent. And let me tell you, the aroma that fills the kitchen when this pie is baking is pure magic! While this isn’t a quick dessert, it’s fairly easy. In my experience, an easy chocolate pie is key for a busy mom like me!
I know life can get crazy busy, and sometimes the thought of baking a pie from scratch feels overwhelming. But trust me, this recipe is worth the effort. It’s a chance to slow down, connect with your loved ones, and create something truly special. Plus, I’m going to share all my tips and tricks to make this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie as foolproof as possible. If you’re looking for another delicious treat, check out this recipe for caramel apple slices with chocolate drizzle!
So, grab your apron, put on some tunes, and let’s get baking! I promise, you’re going to love this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie as much as my family does. I have had friends rave over this recipe, saying that it is the best classic chocolate pie they have ever tasted.
What You’ll Need for This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Now, let me share some of my personal ingredient preferences for this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. I always use high-quality cocoa powder; it makes a huge difference in the depth of chocolate flavor. I prefer Dutch-processed cocoa, but natural cocoa will work too. You might also want to check out Grandma’s chocolate pie | Homesick Texan for another take on this classic recipe.
When it comes to the milk, I strongly recommend whole milk for the richest, creamiest filling. Skim milk will work in a pinch, but the texture won’t be quite the same. When making Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, you can often find good deals on eggs at your local farmer’s market.
Here’s a Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie trick I learned: always temper your egg yolks before adding them to the hot milk mixture. This prevents them from scrambling and ensures a smooth, silky filling.
For busy families, you can definitely use a store-bought pie crust. There are some really good ones out there these days! Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package directions. Also, I find that using generic brands is the same quality as name-brand butter! Saves a few bucks!
As for storage, any leftover cocoa powder should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. It will last for several months! I find that this is the best tip for keeping the pantry nice and neat when making this homemade chocolate pie.
Let’s Make This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Together
Okay, now for the fun part! Let’s make this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie together, step-by-step. Don’t worry, I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way.
- Whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt in a medium saucepan. This ensures that the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and prevents any lumps. I have learned the hard way with Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie that lumpy cocoa ruins the texture.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Make sure there are no clumps of cocoa powder. Trust me, you don’t want any surprises in your southern chocolate pie.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a simmer. Be patient! This may take a few minutes. Stirring prevents the mixture from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg yolks. Now, here’s where the tempering comes in.
- Slowly drizzle about ½ cup of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly. This will gradually raise the temperature of the egg yolks and prevent them from scrambling when you add them to the saucepan. It’s an important step when making this classic chocolate pie.
- Pour the egg yolk mixture into the saucepan and cook, stirring constantly, until the filling thickens and coats the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent scorching.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. The butter adds richness and the vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Pour the filling into the baked pie crust.
- Cover with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. I learned this trick from my grandma!
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the filling to set completely. While the Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is cooking, I like to clean up the kitchen and get a head start on dinner prep!
- Top with whipped cream before serving, if desired.
Don’t worry if your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie looks a little wobbly when you first pour it into the crust. It will firm up beautifully as it chills. Remember, if you love chocolate, try this recipe: my mother’s chocolate mousse cake! In my kitchen, Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie usually takes about 30 minutes to prep, plus chilling time. Your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie should smell like rich chocolate and vanilla when it’s done.
How I Love to Serve This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Now, for the best part: serving this delicious Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!
My family loves this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie when I top it with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings. It’s the perfect finishing touch! A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is also a fantastic pairing.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to fancy holiday gatherings. It’s especially wonderful for Thanksgiving or Christmas!
For presentation, I like to use a pretty pie server and arrange the slices on individual plates. A sprig of fresh mint adds a touch of elegance. It’s always a hit with my guests. I think they all believe it is the most delicious chocolate cream pie recipe they have tried.
If you have extra Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, store it in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days. The filling may soften slightly, but it will still taste amazing! I love enjoying a slice with my morning coffee. If you love a good peanut butter pie, you should try this one! No Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie
For a seasonal twist, try adding a layer of fresh berries to the bottom of the pie crust before pouring in the filling. Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries would all be delicious! My friend swears by Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie.
Friends always ask for this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe, and I’m always happy to share it. It’s a recipe that’s meant to be shared and enjoyed with loved ones.
Your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions about this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe. I’ve been making this pie for years, so I’ve definitely learned a thing or two along the way!
Q: My pie filling is too runny. What did I do wrong?
A: This is a common issue! It usually means that the filling wasn’t cooked long enough. Make sure to cook it until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Also, be sure to let it chill completely in the refrigerator before serving. You know what I do when my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is too runny? I put it back on the burner for a little bit.
Q: Can I use a pre-made pie crust?
A: Absolutely! Using a store-bought crust is a great time-saver. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package directions. I have found that this easy chocolate pie recipe is easier than most!
Q: Can I freeze this pie?
A: I don’t recommend freezing it. The filling can become grainy and the crust can get soggy. I also don’t recommend Old Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie – My Country Table!
Q: Can I use a different type of milk?
A: Whole milk is best for the richest, creamiest filling, but you can use 2% milk in a pinch. The texture won’t be quite as decadent, though.
Q: My pie crust is always soggy. How can I prevent this?
A: Blind baking your crust will help keep it from getting soggy. Also, you can brush the bottom of the crust with melted chocolate before filling it.
Q: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Stir in about ½ cup of chocolate chips after removing the filling from the heat.
Q: My filling is too sweet. Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
A: You can try reducing the sugar by ¼ cup, but keep in mind that it will affect the overall texture and consistency of the filling. My husband hates it when the pie is too sweet, so I keep that in mind.
You know what I do when my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is too sweet? I use semi-sweet baking chocolate!
My Final Thoughts on This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of family, tradition, and the simple joys of baking. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and I’m so happy to be able to share it with you.
My Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Pro Tips:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
- Temper your egg yolks to prevent scrambling.
- Chill the pie completely before serving.
Here are a few variations I’ve tried with my family:
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie: Add a layer of peanut butter to the bottom of the crust before adding the chocolate filling.
- Mint Chocolate Pie: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling along with the vanilla.
- Mexican Chocolate Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicy kick.
My son, loves the peanut butter version, while my daughter prefers the classic Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with whipped cream.
I hope you’ll give this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe a try. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Baking should be fun and relaxing! Most of all, remember that you can do anything! This is a classic pie! I hope that you will love this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Indulge in the timeless comfort of Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, a rich and decadent dessert with a creamy chocolate filling and flaky crust. This classic recipe is sure to bring back sweet memories with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust
- Whipped cream, for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the baked pie crust.
- Cover the surface of the pie with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until completely set.
- Serve chilled with whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder. You can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling for a hint of spice.