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Two homemade chocolate pies with smooth, glossy chocolate filling nestled in golden, crimped pastry crusts, cooling on a wire rack.

MawMaw’s Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Old-fashioned chocolate custard pie made with cocoa, sugar, milk, and egg yolks. Silky, glossy, and deeply comforting—just like the ones grandmothers used to make.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Servings: 2 pies
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 3 egg yolks lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 pre-baked 9-inch pie crusts

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan, whisk, 2 pre-baked 9-inch pie crusts

Method
 

  1. Whisk sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
  2. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and gently bubbling.
  4. Temper egg yolks with a little hot mixture, then whisk back into the pan.
  5. Cook 2 minutes more over medium-low heat until thick and glossy.
  6. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla until smooth.
  7. Pour into pre-baked crusts and smooth the tops.
  8. Cool 30 minutes at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 3 hours until set.
  9. Slice and serve cold.

Notes

Stir constantly to avoid scorching. Temper the yolks carefully. Whole milk gives the best texture. Chill thoroughly for clean slices. Store-bought crusts are traditional and perfect. Makes two pies—ideal for sharing or freezing one.