Decadent Delight: Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe

Indulge your senses in a nostalgic treat with our Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe! Rich, velvety chocolate filling nestled in a flaky pastry crust – this classic dessert is a timeless favorite that brings back memories of simpler times. Whether served at family gatherings, holiday feasts, or cozy evenings at home, this pie is sure to delight chocolate lovers of all ages. So, let’s embark on a journey to the past and rediscover the joy of homemade chocolate pie!

Ingredients:

For the Pie Filling:

• 1 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Pastry Crust:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3 to 4 tablespoons ice water

Instructions:

For the Pastry Crust:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Gradually add the ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing gently with a fork until the dough comes together into a rough ball.
3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a disk. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.
4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface into a circle large enough to fit your pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the pie dish, pressing it gently into the bottom and sides. Trim any excess dough and crimp the edges as desired.
5. Line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake the crust in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment paper, then return the crust to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until lightly golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool while you prepare the filling.

For the Chocolate Filling:

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, flour, salt, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth.
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Gradually whisk in about 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture to temper the eggs.
4. Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining chocolate mixture, whisking constantly.
5. Return the saucepan to the heat and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the filling is thick and smooth.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the filling is well combined.
7. Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
8. Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours, or until set.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Whipped Cream Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, serve your chocolate pie with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. Simply beat heavy cream with a touch of sugar until soft peaks form, then spoon it over each slice just before serving.
• Garnish with Chocolate Shavings: Elevate the presentation of your chocolate pie by garnishing each slice with chocolate shavings or curls. Use a vegetable peeler to shave a bar of chocolate, then sprinkle the shavings over the whipped cream or directly onto the pie filling.
• Add a Hint of Espresso: For a sophisticated twist on the classic recipe, add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the chocolate filling. The subtle hint of coffee enhances the richness of the chocolate and adds depth to the flavor profile.
• Drizzle with Caramel Sauce: Take your chocolate pie to the next level by drizzling each slice with warm caramel sauce just before serving. The combination of chocolate and caramel creates a decadent flavor experience that’s sure to impress your guests.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

• Keto-Friendly: To make a keto-friendly version of this chocolate pie, substitute the sugar with a low-carb sweetener such as erythritol or stevia. Use almond flour or coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour for the crust, and unsweetened cocoa powder for the filling. Additionally, use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
• Low-Carb Twist: Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe or use a sugar-free alternative to lower the carb content further. You can also use a nut-based crust made from almond flour or crushed pecans for a low-carb option.

In conclusion, our Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert that never goes out of style. With its rich, creamy filling and buttery pastry crust, each bite is a heavenly indulgence that satisfies even the most discerning sweet tooth. Whether enjoyed as a special treat for a holiday celebration or a comforting dessert on a cozy evening at home, this chocolate pie is sure to bring joy to all who taste it. So, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of homemade goodness that’s guaranteed to delight!