Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate Cream Pie
Description
This Chocolate Cream Pie features a buttery cookie crust filled with a silky-smooth, homemade chocolate custard, topped with fluffy whipped cream. Perfectly decadent, this pie is ideal for holidays, birthdays, or whenever you’re craving an indulgent dessert.
Ingredients
For the Crust
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1 ½ cups (150g) chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo, without filling)
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6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter, melted
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2 tbsp granulated sugar
For the Chocolate Filling
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2 ¾ cups (660ml) whole milk
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½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
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¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
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¼ cup (30g) cornstarch
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¼ tsp salt
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6 large egg yolks
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6 oz (170g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
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2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Whipped Cream Topping
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1 cup (240ml) heavy whipping cream
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2 tbsp powdered sugar
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Make the Crust
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
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Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
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Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
2. Make the Chocolate Filling
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In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
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In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with milk and cream until smooth.
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Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry mixture in the saucepan.
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Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick and bubbly (about 6–8 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
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Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
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Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin) and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set.
3. Make the Whipped Cream Topping
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In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
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Spread or pipe over chilled chocolate filling.
4. Serve
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Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.
Equipment Needed
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9-inch pie dish
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Mixing bowls
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Whisk
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Medium saucepan
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Electric mixer or hand whisk
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Rubber spatula
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Plastic wrap
Timing
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Prep Time: 25 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Chill Time: 4 hours
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Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
Serving Size
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Makes 8 servings
Chocolate Cream Pie

Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Medium saucepan
- Electric mixer or hand whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- For the Crust
- 1 ½ cups 150g chocolate cookie crumbs (like Oreo, without filling)
- 6 tbsp 85g unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the Chocolate Filling
- 2 ¾ cups 660ml whole milk
- ½ cup 120ml heavy cream
- ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
- ¼ cup 30g cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 6 large egg yolks
- 6 oz 170g bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp 28g unsalted butter
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- For the Whipped Cream Topping
- 1 cup 240ml heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Make the Crust
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until the texture resembles wet sand.
- Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, then set aside to cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Filling
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with milk and cream until smooth.
- Gradually whisk the wet mixture into the dry mixture in the saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick and bubbly (about 6–8 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour filling into the cooled crust and smooth the top.
- Cover with plastic wrap (touching the surface to prevent a skin) and refrigerate at least 4 hours or until set.
- Make the Whipped Cream Topping
- In a chilled mixing bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe over chilled chocolate filling.
- Serve
- Optionally, garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder before serving.
10 FAQs About Chocolate Cream Pie
1. Can I use a store-bought crust instead of making my own?
Yes, a pre-made chocolate cookie crust or graham cracker crust will work well and save time.
2. Can I make this pie without eggs?
Yes, replace egg yolks with an extra 2 tablespoons of cornstarch for thickening, though the texture will be slightly different.
3. What type of chocolate works best?
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (60–70% cocoa) gives the best flavor balance, but you can mix dark and milk chocolate for a sweeter taste.
4. How do I prevent lumps in the custard?
Whisk constantly and gradually heat the mixture. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve before pouring into the crust if needed.
5. Can I use non-dairy milk?
Yes, almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk can be used, but the pie may be slightly less creamy.
6. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling up to 2 days ahead, keep it covered in the fridge, then assemble with whipped cream before serving.
7. How do I get the whipped cream to hold its shape?
Beat until stiff peaks form and avoid over-whipping. You can also add 1 teaspoon of cornstarch or instant pudding mix to stabilize.
8. Can I freeze Chocolate Cream Pie?
Yes, freeze without the whipped cream topping for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before topping and serving.
9. Why does my filling have a skin on top?
If plastic wrap isn’t touching the surface during cooling, a skin may form. Always press the wrap directly onto the custard.
10. Can I make mini pies instead?
Absolutely! Use muffin tins or mini tart pans and reduce chill time to about 2 hours.
How To Store Chocolate Cream Pie
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In the Refrigerator:
Store covered with plastic wrap or foil for up to 4 days.
Keep the whipped cream topping separate if you want the best texture. -
In the Freezer:
Freeze without whipped cream for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge overnight before topping. -
Whipped Cream Topping Storage:
Fresh whipped cream will hold for about 24 hours in the fridge. For longer storage, stabilize with a bit of gelatin or instant pudding mix.