There's something magical about a smooth and creamy homemade Chocolate Cream Pie. It’s the perfect dessert to celebrate special occasions, impress guests, or simply treat yourself to something extraordinary. With its buttery crust, velvety chocolate filling, and fluffy whipped cream topping, this pie is a slice of happiness on a plate. Best of all, while it looks impressive, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Follow this step-by-step guide and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Chocolate Cream Pie


Ingredients

For the Crust:

  • 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs (about 10-12 crackers)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Filling:

  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • ⅓ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Garnish (optional):

  • Shaved chocolate, chocolate curls, or cocoa powder

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crust:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated and the mixture resembles damp sand.
  3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, making sure to press it firmly into the bottom and up the sides. Use the bottom of a glass or measuring cup to smooth it out.
  4. Bake for about 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool completely.

2. Make the Chocolate Filling:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Slowly add the milk while whisking to ensure no lumps form.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and bubble. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl. Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking steadily to temper them. Then, pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan while whisking.
  4. Continue cooking the mixture for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is very thick.
  5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and vanilla extract. Mix until the chocolate is fully melted and the filling is smooth.
  6. Pour the filling into the cooled pie crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the filling directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

3. Whip Up the Cream Topping:

  1. While the pie is chilling, prepare the whipped cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overwhip!
  2. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the cooled and set chocolate filling.

4. Garnish and Serve:

  1. Add a decorative touch by sprinkling shaved chocolate, curls, or a light dusting of cocoa powder over the whipped cream.
  2. Slice up your pie, serve, and watch everyone’s faces light up as they dig in!

Tips for Pie Perfection

  • Crust Consistency is Key: Press the graham cracker mixture tightly into the pan to ensure it holds together well. If you prefer, you can use a traditional pie crust instead of a graham cracker crust.
  • Be Patient with the Filling: Take your time when cooking the chocolate filling. Stir it constantly to avoid lumps or scorching. Tempering the egg yolks is especially important to prevent scrambling.
  • Chill Thoroughly: The pie must chill completely for the filling to set properly. If you’re in a hurry, plan to make the pie the night before.
  • Make it Fancy: Look online for tips on making chocolate curls or swirls. They add an elegant touch without much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Cream Pie

Rich, chocolatey, and delightfully creamy, this dessert has just the right balance of flavors and textures. The buttery crust complements the silky chocolate filling, while the light and fluffy whipped cream adds an airy finish. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out in the kitchen, this Chocolate Cream Pie may become your new go-to dessert. Give it a try – your sweet tooth will thank you!

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