Hey there, fellow comfort seekers! It’s Beatriz from MommiesMore, and today we’re diving into a recipe that’s a total dinnertime win: Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. This isn’t your fussy, complicated dessert. This is pure, unadulterated chocolate comfort, perfect for those days when you need a little extra love (and who doesn’t, right?). I still remember the first time I made this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie for my family and the way their eyes lit up was amazing!
I was on a mission to create a dessert that was rich, satisfying, and (most importantly) simple enough for even a sleep-deprived mom to handle. This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie hit all the right notes!
Kitchen Learning Opening
I remember the first time I tried to make Dark Chocolate Chess Pie. I was intimidated by the “chess” part – sounded fancy, right? Turns out, it’s one of the easiest pies you’ll ever bake! My first attempt was a bit too fudgy (if there is even such a thing!), but my family devoured it anyway.
That first Dark Chocolate Chess Pie attempt taught me the importance of baking time! A few minutes can make all the difference between fudgy and perfectly set. I also learned that my family strongly prefers dark chocolate (more flavor!). Now, I’ve perfected a version that’s consistently delicious. I’m sharing that creating simple comfort food can be possible!
This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie has become my go-to when I need a quick, comforting dessert. And because I know we are all busy, I’m sharing it with you! It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. It brings comfort to my family, and I can’t wait for it to bring comfort to yours! Let’s get baking, friend!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Trust me, this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! You probably have most of these on hand.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate, melted
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Don’t have unsalted butter? No worries, just omit a pinch of salt. For an extra depth of flavor, try using dark brown sugar instead of granulated. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
For busy families, I melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave to cut down on dishes. It works like a charm! The dark chocolate is the star here, so make sure it’s a brand you love. My family gets extra comfort when I add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the batter. It intensifies the chocolate flavor without being overpowering. This easy chocolate chess pie is really easy to customize!
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your pie crust is ready in the pie plate. I often grab a pre-made crust to save time, but feel free to use your favorite homemade recipe! We are here for simple comfort!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, melted butter, cocoa powder, and salt until well combined. This is where the magic begins! The batter will be thick and luscious.
- Stir in the vanilla extract. I love using a good quality vanilla – it adds a nice warmth to the Dark Chocolate Chess Pie.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This ensures everything is properly incorporated. Be sure to mix well between each egg!
- Gradually stir in the milk until the batter is smooth. Don’t worry if your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie batter seems a little thin. That’s perfectly normal!
- Gently fold in the melted dark chocolate until evenly distributed. Be gentle! You don’t want to deflate the batter. This is where your easy dark chocolate pie is going to get so rich and decadent!
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the unbaked pie crust. Now, you should get that chocolatey smell as you pour the mixture into the crust!
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Dark Chocolate Chess Pie usually takes about 48 minutes. Keep an eye on it. The perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie should smell amazing by now!
- Let the pie cool completely before slicing and serving. This is the hardest part, I know! But trust me, it’s worth the wait. The southern chocolate chess pie needs time to set up properly.
Here’s where I used to struggle with my Dark Chocolate Chess Pie – I’d pull it out too early and it would be too gooey! Learn from my experience! It will still taste great, but you need the patience to wait.
While your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is cooling, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! This recipe for fudgy chocolate chess pie really is that easy, even I couldn’t believe it!
How We Love to Eat This!
My family devours this comforting Dark Chocolate Chess Pie when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s the perfect complement to the rich chocolate flavor.
Sometimes, I sprinkle a few chocolate shavings on top for a fancy touch. This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a hit at potlucks and family gatherings. Everyone always asks for the recipe!
For a fun twist, try adding a layer of peanut butter to the bottom of the crust before pouring in the chocolate mixture. Peanut butter and chocolate? Yes, please!
If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), I love to crumble them over ice cream or use them as a topping for brownies. Leftover Dark Chocolate Chess Pie never goes to waste in our house.
During the holidays, I like to add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter for a festive touch. Guests always love the hint of spice. This comforting Dark Chocolate Chess Pie reminds me of another family favorite, our double chocolate banana bread! It’s another simple recipe that brings smiles to everyone’s faces!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Is this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The rich chocolate and eggs provide a good source of protein and energy. Plus, it’s so satisfying that a small slice is usually enough.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie? Try calling it “chocolate brownie pie” – that might pique their interest! You can also serve it with their favorite toppings, like sprinkles or fruit.
Can I meal prep this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie for busy weeks ahead? Yes, you can bake it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
I don’t have dark chocolate. Can I use milk chocolate instead? You can, but the flavor will be much sweeter. I recommend sticking with dark chocolate for the best depth of flavor.
Can I freeze this Dark Chocolate Chess Pie? Yes, you can freeze baked pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Is it ok if my crust is pre-baked before pouring mixture in? Yes it is, but keep an eye on your crust to ensure it doesn’t burn while you are baking the Dark Chocolate Chess Pie!
What if I don’t have cocoa powder? While this recipe calls for cocoa powder, you can use some extra melted dark chocolate instead! I recommend using 2-3 extra ounces to replace the cocoa powder.
Final Thoughts:
This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a symbol of comfort, love, and those sweet moments we share with our families. It supports my family’s comfort food goals because it is simple and easy to make. It’s perfect for all seasons and holidays!
Dark Chocolate Chess Pie Comfort Hacks
- Use a pre-made pie crust to save time.
- Melt the butter and chocolate in the microwave.
- Add a tablespoon of instant espresso powder for extra flavor.
My daughter loves it with raspberries on top, while my husband prefers a scoop of vanilla ice cream. I enjoy it plain, warm from the oven!
I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create a Dark Chocolate Chess Pie that your family will love. For another chocolate chess pie recipe, check out Chocolate Chess Pie – Southern Bite.
Remember, cooking doesn’t have to be stressful. It can be a joyful experience, a way to connect with your loved ones and create lasting memories. To get started with another fudgy dark chocolate chess pie, check out Chocolate Chess Pie aka Brownie Pie – Studio Baked!
If you’re looking for more comfort food recipes, I also recommend Nana Frances’s Chocolate Chess Pie.
So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and let’s bake some happiness! And don’t forget to check out our other recipes for more sanity-saving comfort food at MommiesMore! Here’s to many dinnertime wins and a happy, well-fed family! Enjoy your Dark Chocolate Chess Pie!
Dark Chocolate Chess Pie
This Dark Chocolate Chess Pie is a decadent and rich dessert with a fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor. It’s surprisingly easy to make and perfect for any chocolate lover.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 65 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 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and flour.
- Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Pour the mixture into the unbaked pie crust.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the center is set but still slightly soft.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Notes
Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.