Okay, Let’s Talk Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie!
As a busy mom, I know how much we all crave that little bit of comfort at the end of the day. It’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe with you. Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie isn’t just a dessert; it’s a warm hug on a plate, simple enough that even on the craziest days, you can whip it up and bring smiles to those little faces.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it’s evolved with me as I’ve learned a thing or two about shortcuts and flavor tweaks that make it extra special for my family. I hope this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie becomes a dinnertime win for your family too.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe first came into my life from my mother, where every special occasion was graced with its presence. I remember the way the aroma filled the kitchen, promising a sweet reward after a long day. But then, when I started making it myself, there was a constant need to modify to fit my family’s growing preferences and to align with the kind of ingredients I always have in my pantry.
The original recipe was amazing, but I needed to make it my own. That’s why I’m sharing this with you today. I want to give you that foundation, and then let you run with it and make it a favorite for your own family too.
Finding the right balance between a rich, decadent chocolate flavor and a texture that’s both creamy and sliceable was my initial challenge. Let’s be real, we all love a gooey chocolate mess, but for serving after dinner, a sliceable pie is a must. My biggest surprise? How much a little pinch of salt can amplify the chocolate notes. It’s a trick that has elevated my baking, and now this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, to a whole new level of deliciousness.
The great thing about this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is its simplicity, and I know that we need something that can be done quickly, and without a lot of complicated techniques.
It’s one of those sanity-saving comfort foods that never fails to bring everyone to the table with smiles. It’s a recipe I tweaked and perfected, learning from little kitchen mishaps and countless family taste tests, and now, I’m sharing it with you, my fellow comfort seekers! Because we all deserve a little slice of happiness, especially after a hectic day. So, let’s get baking and bring some simple comfort to our families.
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Here’s everything you’ll need to create this comforting Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. Remember, it’s all about simple comfort here.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: This brings the sweetness we crave.
- ⅓ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: For that rich chocolate flavor. You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store.
- ¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors!
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch: Helps thicken the pie to perfection.
- 2 ½ cups milk: I usually use whole milk, but any kind works. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive.
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten: Adds richness and helps with the custard texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a little extra comfort.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: For that classic comfort food flavor. My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash more.
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust: Store-bought or homemade, whatever works for you. Trust me, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!
No worries if you don’t have vanilla extract – I sometimes use a splash of coffee liqueur for an extra layer of flavor in my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. It gives it a subtle, grown-up twist that’s surprisingly comforting. Also, if you’re out of cornstarch, arrowroot powder works as a great substitute for a similar thickening effect. My mom uses it, and she swears by it for an extra smooth filling.
For a little more richness, try using half-and-half instead of milk. It makes the pie extra creamy and decadent. It’s a Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime. And if you’re feeling adventurous, a pinch of cinnamon can add a warm, cozy depth to the chocolate flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment and find what your family loves most!
Let’s Make it Happen!
Now, let’s dive into making this incredibly comforting Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie.
Steps to Bake
- Get Started: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and cornstarch. This step ensures everything is evenly distributed for a smooth pie.
- Add Milk and Egg Yolks: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Then, whisk in the egg yolks. Be sure to whisk constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook it Up: Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Here’s where I used to struggle with my Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie – learn from my experience! If it starts to lump, take it off the heat and whisk vigorously until smooth.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth. This adds that extra layer of richness and flavor. Your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie should smell amazing by now.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the chocolate mixture into your baked pie crust. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or until completely set. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie usually takes about 4 hours to chill properly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled, slice and serve! Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! Don’t worry if your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie looks a little wobbly at first; it will firm up as it chills.
While your Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family! I often use this time to tidy up the kitchen and put on some music. It makes the whole process more enjoyable. Also, a little tip: if you find your crust is browning too quickly while baking, you can cover the edges with foil.
Remember, patience is key here. The chilling time is essential for the pie to set properly and achieve that perfect sliceable texture. I know it’s tempting to dig in right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait! This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe is all about that perfect chocolate custard pie texture, and the chilling time is what helps you get there.
How We Love to Eat This!
Serving this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is where the real fun begins! It’s amazing on its own, but we also love to dress it up a bit. The kids devour this comforting Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie when I serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect combination of warm chocolate and cool creaminess. For a little extra indulgence, try sprinkling some chocolate shavings on top.
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! It’s also a great dessert to bring to potlucks or family gatherings. Everyone always raves about it! I like to make it ahead of time so it’s ready to go when we need it. For presentation, I love to use a pretty pie plate and dust the top with a little cocoa powder before serving.
Leftovers (if there are any!) are delicious straight from the fridge. But you can also warm them up slightly for a gooey, chocolatey treat. I’ve even been known to crumble leftover pie into milkshakes for a fun and decadent dessert. The kids love it! Seasonally, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a winner year-round, but especially comforting during the colder months.
My family also enjoys this comforting Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with fresh berries on the side. The tartness of the berries cuts through the richness of the chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors. During the holidays, I sometimes add a splash of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist. You can link the berries with some whipped cream, and it’ll be a delightful treat that you and your family will not soon forget.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some common questions I get about making Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie, answered with you, my fellow busy mom, in mind.
- Is this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! It’s rich and satisfying, a small slice goes a long way. Plus, it’s packed with simple, wholesome ingredients that you can feel good about serving. I know that I am always looking for treats that are not only tasty but also do not have a lot of harmful additives and ingredients.
- What if my picky eater won’t try this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? Offer a small piece alongside something they already love. Sometimes just seeing everyone else enjoying it can encourage them to give it a try. I am always looking for ways to increase my children’s palettes, and this is a great way to start.
- Can I meal prep this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie for busy weeks ahead? Yes! It actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just be sure to store it properly in the refrigerator. You can have a treat waiting for you, for up to four days after you prepare it. It also freezes quite well, just ensure you wrap it up properly.
- Can I use a different kind of milk? Yes, you can use any kind of milk you prefer. Whole milk will give you the richest flavor, but 2%, 1%, or even non-dairy milk will work just fine. Try to avoid skim milk, as this will make it runnier.
- Can I use a store-bought crust? Absolutely! That’s my go-to for this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. It saves so much time. This is a great shortcut for busy moms who still want to have a treat ready for their families. I recommend blind baking your pie crust. I usually use a fork and prick it all over, and then use pie weights.
- Can I add a meringue topping? Yes! If you love meringue, feel free to whip up a batch and spread it over the top of the pie before baking for a few minutes until golden brown. Old-Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie – Spicy Southern Kitchen will give you great tips on how to approach this.
- What if my pie filling is too runny? Make sure you cook the filling until it’s thick enough. If it’s still runny after cooking, you can try adding a little more cornstarch. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then whisk it into the filling and cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- How do I store the Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie? Wrap it up and place it in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure that you wrap it properly, or it can dry out.
I hope these FAQs help! Making this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie should be a simple, comforting experience, not a stressful one. And remember, even if it’s not perfect, it’s still homemade with love, and that’s what really matters.
Final Thoughts:
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is more than just a dessert; it’s a way to create a little moment of joy and connection with your family. And let’s be honest, we all need a little more of that in our busy lives! Plus, it’s an easy win! Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, and this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie proves it. I love that this recipe brings family comfort while being so simple to make.
My Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Comfort Hacks
- Use quality cocoa powder: It makes a huge difference in the flavor. I recommend getting the highest quality cocoa powder that you can.
- Don’t skip the chilling time: It’s essential for the pie to set properly and achieve that perfect texture. I know it’s hard to wait, but trust me!
- Add a pinch of salt: It enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness. You can also add a little salt to the crust as well, for an extra boost of flavor.
Family-Tested Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Variations
- Peppermint Chocolate Pie: Add a splash of peppermint extract to the filling for a festive twist.
- Mexican Chocolate Pie: Add a pinch of cinnamon and a dash of chili powder to the filling for a warm, spicy kick.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie: Swirl a few tablespoons of peanut butter into the filling before pouring it into the crust. This pie reminds me of double chocolate banana bread.
My son loves the peanut butter version, while my daughter prefers the classic Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with whipped cream. My husband always says that it reminds him of Grandma’s chocolate pie | Homesick Texan and I think that’s what makes it special to me. Remember, the best part about cooking is making it your own. So, feel free to experiment and find what your family loves most. Looking for another delicious twist? Then try this dark chocolate chess pie.
I hope you give this satisfying Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie a try. It’s a simple, comforting dessert that’s sure to become a family favorite. For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out my recipe for Texas chocolate pecan pie. I know that dinner time can be hard, and it can be hard to find something that will please everyone in the family. Take the time and enjoy this experience with your family, and do not let the stress take over the moment.
So go ahead, fellow moms, embrace the cozy chaos, and create some sweet memories with this easy and delicious Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. And remember, good food doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most comforting and satisfying. This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a reminder that simple comfort, especially that from My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie – Forgotten Way Farms, My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie – Forgotten Way Farms is often the most beautiful. Happy baking!
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Indulge in a slice of classic comfort with this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie. This rich and creamy pie features a smooth chocolate filling in a flaky homemade crust, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- 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, salt, and cornstarch.
- 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 continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat. Gradually whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, then pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan.
- Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the baked pie crust.
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the filling 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 an extra rich flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder. Garnish with chocolate shavings before serving.