Handwritten recipe for Chocolate Cream Pie
by: salvagedrecipes

Chocolate Cream Pie from Scratch

Chocolate Cream Pie
This classic Chocolate Cream Pie is a beloved vintage dessert made from scratch, blending milk, butter, sugar, cocoa, and egg yolks into a smooth, velvety custard. The recipe comes from an era when desserts were crafted with care and simplicity, focusing on rich homemade flavors rather than shortcuts. Its creamy chocolate filling is cooked gently until thick, poured into a flaky pie crust, and topped with whipped cream or meringue. This pie represents comfort, nostalgia, and the elegance of traditional American home baking, perfect for gatherings, Sunday suppers, or special occasions when you want to evoke warmth and timeless flavor.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 ½ tbsp butter
  • 1 ½ tbsp chocolate (grated, or 6 tablespoons cocoa)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ tbsp cornstarch
  • 3 egg yolks (beaten)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Heat the Base

  • Warm milk in a medium saucepan over medium heat until just hot, not boiling.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  • In a separate bowl, combine sugar, cocoa (or grated chocolate), and cornstarch.

Step 3: Cook the Custard

  • Gradually whisk the dry mixture into the warm milk. Add butter and stir constantly until thickened.

Step 4: Add the Eggs

  • Temper the beaten egg yolks by slowly adding a few spoonfuls of the hot mixture, whisking continuously. Then pour the eggs back into the saucepan.

Step 5: Finish and Flavor

  • Cook 2–3 minutes more, stirring constantly until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.

Step 6: Fill and Chill

  • Pour into a pre-baked pie shell. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate 2–3 hours until set.

Step 7: Serve

  • Top with whipped cream or meringue before serving.

Tips

  • Use whole milk for the creamiest texture.
  • Temper the beaten egg yolks by slowly whisking in some hot milk mixture before combining fully.
  • Stir constantly while cooking to prevent scorching.
  • Substitute grated chocolate with cocoa as written on the card.
  • Add whipped cream topping for a classic finish.
  • Pour filling into a pre-baked pie shell of your choice (pastry or crumb).
  • Chill thoroughly for clean slices.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance chocolate flavor.
  • Sprinkle shaved chocolate on top for presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 5gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.8gMonounsaturated Fat: 3.5gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 65mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 2gSugar: 38gVitamin A: 410IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword bakery-style, chocolate pie, classic dessert, cream pie, custard pie, homemade, old fashioned, vintage
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