There's nothing quite like a slice of chocolate pie to satisfy a sweet tooth craving, especially when it's easy to make and requires minimal ingredients. This chocolate pie recipe is smooth, rich, and perfect for any occasion, from a family dinner to a cozy night in.
I first discovered this recipe when looking for a simple yet indulgent dessert that wouldn't take all day to prepare. With just a few basic steps, you'll have a luscious, creamy chocolate pie that's guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Chocolate Pie Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this effortlessly decadent chocolate pie! Not only is it a showstopper in taste, but it's also one of the simplest desserts you'll ever make.
First, this recipe requires only a handful of ingredients. Most of what you'll need might already be in your pantry, so there's no need for a special trip to the grocery store. Just gather some chocolate, cream, and a pre-made pie crust, and you’re almost there.
This pie is also quick to prepare. Unlike more complicated desserts, this one comes together in about 20 minutes. Just a little melting, stirring, and pouring, then let it chill in the fridge to set.
Another reason to love this chocolate pie? It’s universally adored. The creamy, chocolatey filling has a silky texture that's irresistible to both kids and adults alike. It’s a perfect go-to dessert for gatherings, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a bit of sweetness.
Plus, it’s a forgiving recipe. You can adjust the chocolate intensity to suit your taste, and the pie can be dressed up with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a sprinkle of sea salt for an added touch.
Ingredients Notes
This chocolate pie shines because of its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need to make this delicious dessert.
Chocolate: For a rich, intense chocolate flavor, I recommend using semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. If you’re a fan of milk chocolate, feel free to swap it in, but the pie may be a little sweeter. Aim for chocolate that's at least 60% cocoa for a deep, robust taste.
Heavy Cream: This is what gives the pie its luscious, creamy texture. The cream is melted with the chocolate to create a smooth filling. If you're looking for a lighter option, you could try using half-and-half, but the filling may not be quite as thick.
Pie Crust: A pre-made graham cracker crust works wonderfully for this pie, adding a slightly sweet and crumbly base. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make a homemade crust, but the store-bought ones save time without sacrificing flavor.
Butter: Just a small amount of butter adds a velvety finish to the chocolate filling. Make sure it’s unsalted, as this will allow you to control the saltiness of the pie more precisely.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances the chocolate flavor, giving it more depth and richness. A high-quality pure vanilla extract will make a difference here, adding a touch of warmth to each bite.
You won’t need any special equipment for this recipe, just a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler to melt the chocolate and cream. A whisk or spatula will help you blend everything smoothly.
How To Make This Easy Chocolate Pie
Making this pie is as simple as melting, mixing, and chilling. Here’s a step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect chocolate pie.
Start by preparing the filling. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and heavy cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. If you prefer, you can also use a double boiler on the stove for a gentler melting process.
Once the chocolate and cream are melted, add the butter and vanilla extract. Stir well until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture is glossy and smooth. The butter gives the filling its luxurious texture, so don’t skip this step.
Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, smoothing the top for a polished look. At this point, you can add toppings like a sprinkle of sea salt or a dusting of cocoa powder if you’d like.
Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set and firm to the touch. For best results, let it chill overnight. This will help the flavors meld together and make the pie easier to slice.
When ready to serve, remove the pie from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This step makes slicing easier and allows the filling to soften slightly for a perfectly creamy texture.
Storage Options
This chocolate pie is as easy to store as it is to make! Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
If you have leftovers, cover the pie tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to five days, so you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits.
For a longer storage option, you can also freeze the pie. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen, the pie will keep for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw a slice in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Reheating isn’t necessary for this pie, as it’s best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Just slice and serve!
Variations and Substitutions
This chocolate pie is incredibly versatile, so feel free to make it your own. Here are a few fun ways to change things up.
Different Chocolate Types: Swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter pie. You could even try a mix of milk and dark chocolate for a balanced flavor profile.
Add Toppings: To give your pie a professional finish, add a dollop of whipped cream or chocolate shavings on top. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt adds a gourmet touch and balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Change the Crust: While a graham cracker crust is classic, a chocolate cookie crust would add even more chocolatey goodness. A shortbread or Oreo crust also pairs well with the filling for an extra-decadent twist.
Liqueur for a Grown-Up Twist: Add a tablespoon of coffee liqueur, orange liqueur, or hazelnut liqueur to the filling for a sophisticated flavor. The alcohol will deepen the chocolate flavor and add a unique twist.
Dairy-Free Version: If you’re looking to make this pie dairy-free, use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a dairy-free butter substitute. Opt for dairy-free chocolate chips, and you’ll have an equally delicious pie!
Feel free to get creative and experiment with your own twists on this classic chocolate pie. It’s a versatile recipe that welcomes a little personal flair, so make it as unique as you’d like.
PrintEasy Chocolate Pie Recipe
This easy chocolate pie recipe combines rich, creamy chocolate flavors in a simple-to-make dessert. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this chocolate pie is a perfect indulgence for any gathering or dessert table. Enjoy a slice of smooth, chocolatey goodness!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (includes chilling time)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (9-inch) graham cracker crust
- Whipped cream (for topping)
Instructions
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
- Add sweetened condensed milk to the melted chocolate and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into the graham cracker crust, smoothing the top.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until set.
- Top with whipped cream before serving if desired.
Notes
- For an extra touch, sprinkle chocolate shavings or cocoa powder on top before serving.
- Keep pie refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
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