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Easy Chocolate Pie

Easy Chocolate Pie - recipe card

A decadent yet simple chocolate pie with a silky, rich filling and a crisp, buttery crust. This no-bake dessert comes together in minutes, delivering deep cocoa flavor with a smooth, velvety texture that satisfies any chocolate craving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/4 cups (125g) chocolate wafer cookies, finely crushed (about 30 cookies)
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick / 57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup (20g) unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
  • 1/4 cup (30g) cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
  • 4 large egg yolks (reserve whites for another use)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, cold
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) powdered sugar

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the crushed chocolate wafer cookies with the melted unsalted butter. Stir with a fork until the mixture resembles wet sand and holds together when pressed. This ensures the crust will compact and hold its shape.
  2. Transfer the crumb mixture to a 9-inch (23cm) pie plate. Using the bottom of a measuring cup or a glass, press the crumbs firmly and evenly across the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Place the crust in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the filling, at least 10 minutes.
  3. In a medium saucepan off the heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, sifted cocoa powder, cornstarch, and fine sea salt until no lumps remain. This dry-mix step distributes the cornstarch evenly to prevent clumps in the pudding.
  4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk in a steady stream, making sure to scrape the corners of the pan to incorporate all the dry ingredients. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
  5. Add the egg yolks to the milk mixture and whisk thoroughly until fully combined. The mixture will look pale and slightly thickened. This emulsion is key to a silky texture.
  6. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, especially at the bottom and edges, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. This will take about 5–7 minutes. When it starts to bubble, continue whisking for 1 full minute to cook out the starch and ensure the pudding won’t turn grainy. You will see large, slow bubbles form.
  7. Remove the saucepan from heat and whisk in the vanilla extract. The pudding should be thick and smooth, coating the back of a spoon. Pour the hot pudding immediately through a fine-mesh strainer set over a clean bowl to catch any potential lumps if they formed.
  8. Pour the strained pudding into the chilled crust, spreading it evenly. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 3 hours, until fully set and cold.
  9. In a large chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream and powdered sugar. Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This should take about 2–3 minutes. Stop when the cream holds its shape but is still billowy.
  10. Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie. For a neat finish, use an off-set spatula. Return the pie to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the cream to firm up slightly.
  11. To slice, run a sharp, thin-bladed knife under hot water, dry it off, and cut cleanly through the pie. Wipe the blade between cuts for neat, professional slices.

Notes

Store leftover chocolate pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the pie (without whipped cream) for up to 2 months; wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To thaw, refrigerate overnight. The whipped cream is best added fresh before serving. To reheat individual slices as a warm dessert, microwave on low power (30%) for 15–20 seconds just until slightly warm, but not hot, to preserve the creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy chocolate pie, no bake chocolate pie, chocolate cream pie, simple chocolate dessert, quick chocolate pie, American dessert, chocolate pudding pie, homemade chocolate pie