Rich Chocolate Pie

This rich Creamy Chocolate Pie is nestled in a sweet graham cracker crust and topped with fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings.  This delectable treat is one of our favorites.  If you are a chocolate lover then this is your pie!   You are going to love the rich decadent chocolate layered in the easy to make three-ingredient graham cracker crust.  It only takes about 15 minutes to make and it is so easy that even the novice chef can handle it.  This tasty pie needs to be refrigerated for about 24 hours so some advance planning is needed.

How do you make a Chocolate Cream Pie?

Make the buttery graham cracker crust

Start by combining the melted butter, graham cracker crumbs and a few tablespoons of sugar.  Press into a 9 inch pie plate and bake in a preheated oven for about 7-8 minutes.  Then simply remove from the oven and let cool while you make the filling.  In a small bowl whisk together 4 egg yolks.  Set that aside for just a few minutes.

Make the rich chocolate cream pie filling

Meanwhile in a large saucepan (at least 2.5 quart) whisk together sugar, cornstarch and salt.  Now add the milk, cream, bittersweet chocolate, and semi-sweet chocolate.  Turn medium heat and cook until the mixture boils whisking constantly.  Boil for 1-2 minutes or until mixture thickens whisking continuously.  Remove from the heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of the chocolate mixture to the egg yolks.  Whisking quickly to combine.  Repeat several times till the egg mixture has warmed.  Now turn the heat back on to medium low and whisk in the egg/chocolate mixture.  This technique is called tempering the egg.  Continue cooking on a low boil for 1-2 minutes stirring constantly as you do want the filling burning on the bottom of the pan.

Remove from the heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. Pour the chocolate cream filling into the pie crust and cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.  Chill to set overnight or up to 24 hours.  In stand mixer using whisk attachment beat whipping cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.

Tips for making Chocolate Pie

• This pie is equally delicious with a buttery flaky homemade pie crust.  No matter whether you choose a graham cracker crust or flaky flour crust prebake it.
• When cooking the filling stir constantly and cook over medium low heat.  It takes a little bit for it too boil and thicken and you certainly don’t want any of the filling burning to the bottom of the pan.
• Don’t skip the step on tempering the eggs.  It is a very important step for a cream filling.
• To prevent a skin from forming on the chocolate cream filling, cover the pie with plastic wrap after you add the warm filling to the crust.
• Chill the bowl and whipping attachment for 20-30 minutes prior to making the whipped cream.
• For best results, chill the pie overnight or up to 24 hours.  Do not prepare or pipe the homemade whipped topping until right before serving.
• For optimal flavor top the chocolate cream pie with freshly shaved chocolate.
• If you prefer use the egg whites to make a meringue topping.
• Store leftovers well covered in the refrigerator for up 3 days. 

How do you temper an egg?

With some recipes like pudding, custard, pie filling and some sauces it is very important to temper an egg.  By adding some of the hot mixture (in intervals) to the eggs yolks or eggs you bring up the temperature of the eggs gradually.  You will need to whisk in the hot liquid in small increments until you raise the temperature of the eggs.  I usually only add a few tablespoons at a time.  Once you have thoroughly warmed the eggs you can whisk the mixture back into the recipe.  This will ensure that your eggs (or egg yolks) incorporate without making a scrambled mess.

More pie recipes you will love!

Print

On the hunt for more delicious recipes?  Follow Small Town Woman on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram

https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf