HOMEMADE PIE CRUST AND OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE PIE
I make several of these every Christmas because they are simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious. The pie crust is flaky and buttery, and the chocolate filling is rich, smooth, and comforting. Even if you don’t use it in a pie, this chocolate filling makes an incredible homemade pudding on its own.
HOMEMADE PIE CRUST RECIPE
Yields: 2 pie crusts
Serves: 8 slices per pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup butter or shortening (Crisco works great)
- 5 to 7 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
Step 1 — Prepare the Dough
Place the sifted flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the shortening or butter. Using a pastry cutter (or two forks), cut the fat into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add the salt and begin adding the cold water, one tablespoon at a time. Mix gently until the dough starts to come together and forms a soft ball. Do not overmix.
Step 2 — Shape the Crust
You can roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface with a rolling pin.
Or, for an easier method, place the ball of dough directly into the pie pan and press it evenly across the bottom and up the sides with your fingers.
Step 3 — Bake the Crust
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the crust until it turns a light golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool before adding the filling.
OLD-FASHIONED CHOCOLATE PIE
This classic chocolate pie filling is silky, rich, and deeply chocolatey. It thickens into a pudding-like texture that sets beautifully inside the pie shell.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1 — Make the Chocolate Filling
In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the cocoa powder, cornstarch, beaten egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract.
Slowly pour in the milk while stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Continue cooking and stirring without stopping. The mixture will begin to thicken and turn smooth and glossy. This usually takes several minutes. Keep stirring until it reaches a pudding-like consistency.
Step 2 — Assemble the Pie
Pour the hot, thickened chocolate filling into the pre-baked and cooled pie crust. Spread it evenly.
Step 3 — Chill Until Set
Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for several hours until fully set.
Optional Topping
You can add a fluffy meringue topping if you like, but this pie is perfectly delicious just as it is — rich, creamy, and full of chocolate flavor.