Description
Grandma’s Chocolate Pie is a classic, rich and creamy dessert featuring a smooth chocolate custard filling made from cocoa, cornstarch, and egg yolks, all cooked gently on the stovetop to perfection. This nostalgic recipe yields a silky, decadent pie perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pie Crust (optional)
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the dry ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine ½ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup cornstarch, 1 ½ cups sugar, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate egg yolks. Add the 3 egg yolks to the dry mixture and blend them until smooth, creating a thick paste.
- Add milk and cook. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon, until it thickens and begins to bubble gently.
- Finish with vanilla. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
- Fill the pie crust and chill. Pour the warm chocolate filling into a pre-baked 9-inch pie crust. Smooth the top and cover it with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set.
- Serve. Once chilled and set, slice the pie and serve it as a delicious dessert. Optionally, add whipped cream or chocolate shavings on top.
Notes
- Use a whisk continuously while cooking to avoid lumps and scorching the custard.
- Pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface of the pie filling prevents a thick skin formation.
- For best texture, chill the pie for several hours or overnight.
- If desired, use a homemade or store-bought pre-baked pie crust to save time.
- This pie is delicious served with whipped cream or fresh berries.
