Easy Chocolate Pie Recipe

This easy make-ahead chocolate pie recipe is perfect for when you need a delicious dessert but don’t have the time to bake one from scratch. It doesn’t take long to prepare and can be made beforehand, so it’s always ready when needed. Plus, it’s insanely delicious – rich, chocolatey, and with a flaky crust that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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Why you’ll love this easy chocolate pie recipe

• The way that buttery, flaky crust plays off the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth chocolate filling is just perfection.
• If you love chocolate pudding, you will LOVE this homemade pie; it’s just like grandma’s chocolate pie!
• You don’t need to be a master baker to enjoy it. Anyone can whip up this awesome chocolate pie.
• Perfect for Thanksgiving, family gatherings, and potlucks, but it’s not just for holidays. Chocolate pie is always a good idea, whether it’s a special occasion or just a regular Tuesday.
• You can jazz it up with all sorts of toppings – from a cloud of whipped cream to a sprinkling of nuts or berries.
• You can make it ahead, giving you more time on the big day.

Ingredients you’ll need

You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below. Made with simple ingredients, you’ll be able to find them all at your local grocery store.

A slice of the best chocolate pie with whipped cream that’s made with love, there’s nothing more comforting is there? And if it’s easy to make, it’s even better!

How to make a homemade chocolate pie with step-by-step instructions

It’s easy to make our delicious chocolate pie if you follow our simple instructions.

A full printable recipe and the US customary and metric measurements are available in the recipe card below.

Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.

You can either use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought; we have a super easy pie crust recipe for you.

Using a fork, poke holes in your pie crust and bake until it’s golden brown, approximately 20 minutes; remove it from the oven and leave it to cool completely.

Whisk flour, salt, sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, egg yolks, and whole milk in a medium saucepan. Then, over medium heat, cook until the flour mixture starts to bubble, stirring constantly.

Continue to cook until it thickens, approximately 5 – 10 minutes, beating out any lumps that appear.

Remove the chocolate mixture from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract until it is fully combined.

Pour the chocolate filling into your baked pie shell and use a rubber spatula to smooth the top of the pie filling.

Leave the pie to cool to room temperature and then place it in the fridge to chill for a minimum of 4 hours, but preferably overnight.

When ready to serve, garnish with swirls of fresh whipped cream (try this homemade whipped cream), or for total indulgence, add chocolate curls.

Enjoy your delicious old-fashioned chocolate pie!

Recipe notes and expert tips

• Pie crust:
  If you are using a store-bought pie crust, then buy a deep-dish pie crust.
• Substitute:
  Use a different pie crust, such as a Graham cracker crust or chocolate Oreo crust.
• Temper the Eggs:
  When adding eggs to the chocolate mixture, make sure they are at room temperature to prevent curdling.
• Don’t Rush Melting Chocolate:
  Melt the chocolate gently using a double boiler or the microwave with short bursts and frequent stirring to avoid burning.
• Mix Gradually:
  When incorporating the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, do it gradually and gently to prevent lumps.
• Thickness:
  We like a thin layer of chocolate pie filling; if you prefer yours a little fuller, increase the filling quantities.
• Repurpose:
  Don’t throw away your egg whites; make them into delicious meringues instead.
• Chill Thoroughly:
  Refrigerate the pie for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to set properly.
• Get Creative with Toppings:
  Don’t hesitate to add your personal touch with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or berries for extra flavor and flair.
• Storage:
  Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and freeze for up to 3 months.

Alternative pie crusts

You don’t have to use a plain pie crust; you can try these tasty crusts.

• Graham cracker crust
• Oreo pie crust
• Shortbread Cookie Crust
• Pretzel Crust
• Peanut Butter Cookie Crust
• Biscoff Cookie Crust

How to store leftover chocolate pie

This pie stores well; cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

If you have an airtight container that fits the pie, use it instead of plastic wrap or foil. Airtight containers provide an extra layer of protection against moisture and odors.

Can you freeze chocolate pie?

Yes, you can. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze it for up to 3 months.

The next time you’ve got the craving for your new favorite dessert, simply defrost it in the fridge overnight.

Avoid thawing at room temperature, as this can lead to uneven texture.

Chocolate pie topping ideas

• Vanilla ice cream
• Strawberries
• Chopped walnuts
• Chopped pecans
• Chocolate shavings

And if you’re a big fan of chocolate, why not try dark hot chocolate, chocolate chia pudding, or a delicious chocolate pound cake?

More easy pie recipes for you to try at home

If you like our chocolate pie, then why not try these pies?

• Reese’s pie
• Lemon pie
• Mississippi mud pie
• Apple pie
• Sweet potato pie

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