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Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pie

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Pie - recipe card
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This decadent chocolate pie features a rich, velvety custard filling nestled in a flaky, buttery crust, topped with a cloud of sweetened whipped cream. The deep chocolate flavor is perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla, creating a smooth, luscious texture that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 9-inch unbaked pie crust (store-bought or homemade, chilled)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • For the whipped cream topping:
  • 1/2 cup cold heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F / 190°C. Place the unbaked pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish. Line it with parchment paper and fill with pie weights or dried beans to prevent the crust from puffing up during baking. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the weights and parchment and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, until the crust is lightly golden and set. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the filling.
  2. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Make sure there are no lumps; the mixture should look homogeneous and have a rich chocolate color.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, gently whisk the egg yolks. Slowly add the whole milk and 1 cup of heavy cream while whisking constantly to temper the yolks and prevent them from scrambling. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
  4. Gradually pour the milk-egg mixture into the dry ingredients in the saucepan, whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. This ensures the cornstarch is fully incorporated.
  5. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly with a whisk, for 8-10 minutes, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture coats the back of a spoon and a finger drawn through it leaves a distinct trail. Be patient—if you stop stirring, the custard can scorch on the bottom.
  6. Once the filling has thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Whisk in the butter one piece at a time, ensuring each is fully melted and incorporated. The butter adds richness and a glossy finish.
  7. Stir in the vanilla extract until the filling is smooth and fragrant. The mixture will look thick and silky.
  8. Pour the hot filling into the cooled pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Let the pie cool on a wire rack for about 30 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours, until completely set and firm.
  9. In a chilled bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract for the topping. Using an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes, until soft peaks form—the cream should hold its shape but still be creamy.
  10. Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie, or pipe it decoratively. Use a spatula to create swirls if desired.
  11. For the best flavor and texture, chill the pie for an additional 30 minutes after topping. Serve cold, sliced into 4 generous pieces.
  12. Optional: Garnish each slice with a few chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder for an elegant finish.

Notes

Storage: Store the chocolate pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to 3 days. Freezing: The baked pie (without whipped cream) can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving. To reheat individual slices, microwave on medium power (50%) for 20-30 seconds, just to take the chill off—do not overheat. The whipped cream topping is best added fresh, but the pie can be topped up to 2 hours before serving if kept refrigerated.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate pie, pioneer woman, chocolate custard pie, classic chocolate pie, homemade chocolate pie, easy chocolate pie, chocolate dessert, baked chocolate pie, southern chocolate pie, comfort dessert

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-chocolate-pie-recipe/