Name: Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 standard 1-crust pie dough (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup sugar; 3 Tbsp cornstarch; ¼ tsp salt; 2 ½ cups whole milk; 5 large egg yolks; 2 Tbsp butter (cut into small pieces); 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract; 4 ounces unsweetened baking chocolate, finely chopped (e.g., Baker’s); ¾ cup heavy whipping cream; Optional: 1 Tbsp sugar (for sweetened whipped cream); Chocolate for grating (any favorite chocolate bar)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 57 reviews

If you are on the lookout for the perfect dessert to impress your friends and family, this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe will become your new best friend in the kitchen. It boasts a luscious, silky chocolate custard filling nestled in a crisp, buttery crust, topped with cloud-like whipped cream and a sprinkle of grated chocolate for that irresistible finishing touch. This pie manages to be both rich and comforting without feeling heavy, making it a dessert that everyone will adore at any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white pot with a yellow creamy base inside, topped with many small dark brown chocolate pieces on one side and several small pale yellow butter cubes stacked over the chocolate. A woman's hand is holding a metal whisk, slightly mixing the ingredients. The pot is placed on a light brown wooden board with a dark cloth beneath it, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients is such a joyful part of creating this pie, and the beauty of this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe is that it uses simple, familiar ingredients that work harmoniously to create a dessert bursting with flavor and delight. Every ingredient plays its role, from giving the pie its creamy texture to that deep chocolate taste that lingers just right.

Sugar: Sweetens the custard perfectly without overpowering the chocolate flavor.
Cornstarch: The key to that custard’s smooth, thick texture so it holds beautifully in the crust.
Salt: A tiny pinch to balance and enhance all the flavors.
Whole milk: Provides the creamy base that makes this pie rich and dreamy.
Egg yolks: Essential for richness and to help thicken the custard as it cooks.
Butter: Adds silkiness and a luxurious mouthfeel when stirred into the hot custard.
Pure vanilla extract: Brings warmth and complexity that elevates the chocolate.
Unsweetened baking chocolate: The heart of the dessert, offering deep, intense chocolate flavor without extra sweetness.
Heavy whipping cream: Whipped on top to provide a light, airy contrast to the dense custard.
Chocolate for grating: For that final hint of chocolate aroma and elegant garnish.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Blind Bake the Crust

Start with a standard single crust pie dough—whether homemade or store-bought, it’s important to bake it blind first. This process ensures the crust stays crisp and sturdy enough to hold all that luscious filling without getting soggy. Line the crust with parchment and fill with pie weights or dried beans, then bake until golden. Let it cool completely before adding your chocolate custard filling.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients and Milk

In a medium heavy saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt until evenly mixed. Slowly add the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps, laying the foundation for the creamy custard that defines this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe.

Step 3: Incorporate the Egg Yolks

Beat your egg yolks well, then gradually whisk them into the milk mixture. This step requires a bit of patience and vigor to blend fully—no streaks of yellow should remain. This blending technique keeps the custard smooth and prevents curdling during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Custard

Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk vigorously as the mixture thickens. This usually takes about eight minutes, until you see bubbles forming. Once bubbling, continue cooking for another two minutes while stirring constantly. The consistent stirring ensures the custard develops that perfect thickness without scorching.

Step 5: Add Butter, Vanilla, and Chocolate

Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the butter, pure vanilla extract, and finely chopped unsweetened baking chocolate. Stir until everything melts into a wonderfully smooth, glossy custard. This step is pure magic—watch how that chocolate transforms the mixture into the heart of your Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe.

Step 6: Fill the Crust and Chill

Pour the custard into your cooled crust carefully. To prevent a skin from forming, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling. Then refrigerate until completely chilled and set, ideally for several hours or overnight. This patience will be rewarded with a perfectly firm, yet creamy pie.

Step 7: Whip the Cream and Final Touches

Whip the heavy cream until fluffy and just holds its peaks. For a touch of sweetness, add a tablespoon of sugar during whipping if you like your whipped cream slightly sweetened. Spread this cloud of cream over the custard and finish with a generous sprinkling of freshly grated chocolate, turning this dessert into a showstopper worth savoring.

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

A round pie with three visible layers sits in a white fluted pie dish on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is a golden brown crust with a crimped edge, rough in texture and slightly flaky. The middle layer is a dark chocolate filling, smooth and dense. The top layer is a thick, creamy white whipped topping, spread evenly but with natural swirls visible. Dark chocolate shavings are scattered across the whipped topping. Nearby, there is a white cup filled with more dark chocolate shavings and some silver forks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Beyond the classic grated chocolate, you can add chocolate curls, shaved chocolate, or even a sprinkle of cocoa powder to elevate the look and taste. A few fresh raspberries or a mint leaf can also add a pop of color and an unexpected bright note to your presentation.

Side Dishes

This pie shines beautifully on its own, but serving it alongside fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or a fruit compote, adds freshness that balances the richness. A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes it a decadent treat, while a light cup of coffee or espresso complements the chocolate notes perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress guests visually, serve individual slices topped with a dollop of whipped cream and an artistic chocolate drizzle. Alternatively, serve the pie in mini tart shells for bite-sized indulgence at parties. The Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe lends itself well to both casual family dinners and fancy gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. It will maintain its luscious texture and freshness for up to three days. Because of the delicate custard filling, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to savor the creamy, smooth texture fully.

Freezing

While freezing this pie is possible, it’s not ideal since custards can become watery or separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap the pie securely and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator overnight. Expect a slight change in texture, but the flavor will still be delightful.

Reheating

This pie is best served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. The custard and whipped cream lose their charm when warmed. Instead, enjoy it directly from the fridge for the perfect creamy consistency and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use milk alternatives in this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe?

Whole milk offers the richness that makes this pie so luscious, but you can try a creamy alternative like full-fat coconut milk. Just be aware it might slightly alter the flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to blind bake the crust?

Yes, blind baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the custard filling. This step is crucial for the perfect texture contrast in the finished pie.

Can I make this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use a gluten-free pie crust recipe or pre-made gluten-free crust to enjoy this pie without gluten concerns. The filling is naturally gluten-free.

How long can I keep the pie refrigerated?

Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Beyond that, the custard texture may start to degrade, and the whipped cream may lose its freshness.

Can I add flavor variations to the filling?

Yes, you can experiment by adding a dash of espresso powder for a mocha twist or a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Just keep it subtle so the chocolate remains the star in this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe a try—it’s a true crowd-pleaser that balances rich, silky chocolate with airy whipped cream in a perfectly crisp crust. Whether for a special celebration or just a sweet treat to enjoy anytime, this pie is sure to become a treasured favorite in your dessert rotation. Happy baking!