All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Who can resist the rich, creamy indulgence of a homemade chocolate cream pie? This timeless dessert combines a luscious chocolate pudding filling with a buttery pie crust, all topped with sweetened whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles or shavings. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a sweet treat to enjoy at home, this pie is sure to delight.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step to create the perfect chocolate cream pie, complete with tips to ensure success, variations for different tastes, and answers to common questions.

Ingredients for All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cream Pie

For the Crust

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust, homemade or store-bought

For the Pudding Filling

Dry Ingredients:

1/2 cup Hershey’s cocoa powder
1 1/8 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch

1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

3 cups milk
3 tablespoons butter (not margarine)

1 1/2 teaspoons good-quality vanilla extract

For the Topping

Sweetened whipped cream
Chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate bar

How to Make the All-Time Favorite Chocolate Cream Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

Homemade Crust: If making from scratch, prepare the dough, shape it into a ball, and roll it out to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Bake according to your recipe instructions and allow it to cool completely.
Store-Bought Crust: Follow the baking instructions on the package, and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients for the Filling

In a medium-sized saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until fully combined.

Step 3: Gradually Add Milk

Slowly pour the milk into the saucepan, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. This step ensures a smooth, creamy filling.

Step 4: Cook the Pudding Filling

Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, whisking constantly.
Continue stirring until the pudding thickens and begins to bubble. Let it boil gently for 1 minute to activate the cornstarch fully.

Step 5: Finish the Filling

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract. Whisk until the butter is fully melted and the mixture is silky smooth.

Step 6: Assemble the Pie

Pour the hot pudding mixture into the cooled pie crust, smoothing it out evenly with a spatula.
Cover the surface of the pudding directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

Step 7: Chill the Pie

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4-6 hours or, preferably, overnight. This ensures the pudding sets properly.

Step 8: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
Transfer the whipped cream into a pastry bag fitted with a star tip. Pipe rosettes around the top of the pie.
Garnish with chocolate sprinkles or shaved chocolate bar pieces for a decorative and delicious finish.

Tips for Making the Best Chocolate Cream Pie

Whisk Continuously: To prevent lumps in the pudding, whisk constantly while cooking.
Chill Properly: Allow enough time for the pie to chill fully—overnight chilling is ideal for the best results.
Prevent Crust Shrinkage: If making a homemade crust, blind bake it with pie weights to maintain its shape.
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sugar in the whipped cream topping to your taste.

Variations

1. Double Chocolate Cream Pie

Add a layer of melted chocolate or chocolate ganache to the bottom of the crust before pouring in the pudding for extra richness.

2. Mocha Cream Pie

Stir in 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the pudding mixture for a coffee-infused twist.

3. Nutty Chocolate Cream Pie

Sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans or hazelnuts over the whipped cream topping for added texture and flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of crust?

Yes! While a traditional pie crust works beautifully, you can substitute it with a graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust for a different texture and flavor.

2. Can I make the filling in advance?

Absolutely. You can prepare the pudding filling a day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Assemble the pie when ready to serve.

3. How do I prevent a soggy crust?

Ensure the crust is fully baked and cooled before adding the hot pudding. If using a homemade crust, blind bake it with pie weights for best results.

4. Can I use non-dairy milk?

Yes, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Almond milk or oat milk are good alternatives.

5. How long does chocolate cream pie last?

Store the pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

This all-time favorite chocolate cream pie is a dessert that’s bound to impress. Its smooth, rich filling paired with a buttery crust and fluffy whipped cream makes it a perfect choice for any occasion. Try it out, and don’t forget to savor every bite!