Chocolate Pudding Pie – Creamy Chocolate Pie with a Crunchy Crust

Chocolate Pudding Pie Creamy Chocolate Pie with a Crunchy Crust

Why You'll Love This Chocolate Pudding Pie

This Chocolate Pudding Pie is the epitome of comfort food. The contrast between the silky chocolate filling and the crisp crust makes it a memorable dessert for all ages. It's a perfect blend of textures and flavors, with the sweetness of the chocolate balanced by the slight saltiness of the crust. Whether you're a chocolate lover or just someone who enjoys indulgent desserts, this pie is a must-try!

The Ingredients You'll Need

This recipe for Chocolate Pudding Pie calls for simple ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens. The key to this pie is the perfect balance between the creamy filling and the crunchy crust. Here's what you'll need:

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups of graham cracker crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

For the Chocolate Pudding Filling:

• 1 ¾ cups of whole milk
• 1 cup of heavy cream
• ¾ cup of granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cubed

How to Make Chocolate Pudding Pie

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

Start by preparing the pie crust. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, granulated sugar, and salt. Stir in the melted butter until the mixture becomes moistened and holds together. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish to form an even crust.

Bake the crust in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes, or until it's golden brown and set. Once done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Whisk together until smooth and well combined. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent any scorching.

Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and cornstarch together until smooth. Once the milk mixture is simmering, gradually pour a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents them from scrambling. Slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.

Continue to cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, continue whisking for another 2 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter cubes until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

Once the chocolate pudding filling has cooled slightly, pour it into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even layer of filling. Cover the pie with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the pudding to prevent a skin from forming.

Place the pie in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is firm and set.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Once the pie is fully chilled and the pudding has set, it's time to serve! Garnish the top with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or fresh berries for an added touch of flavor and decoration. Slice the pie into wedges and serve chilled for the best texture and flavor.

Why This Chocolate Pudding Pie is So Special

This pie stands out because of its rich, creamy chocolate pudding filling and the delightful contrast of the crunchy, buttery graham cracker crust. Unlike many other chocolate pies, this one is made with whole ingredients, resulting in a smooth, flavorful filling that truly stands out.

1. Simple Ingredients, Maximum Flavor

The recipe uses simple ingredients that are easy to find, yet they come together to create a luxurious dessert. The combination of heavy cream, milk, and unsweetened cocoa powder gives the pudding its deep, rich chocolate flavor, while the graham cracker crust adds a satisfying crunch that complements the silky filling.

2. Versatile Garnishes

Although this pie is delicious on its own, it's also versatile enough to be customized with various garnishes. A dollop of whipped cream adds a light and airy contrast, while chocolate shavings can enhance the dessert's richness. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries add a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of color, making the pie even more inviting.

3. Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a birthday party, or a holiday gathering, this Chocolate Pudding Pie is sure to be a hit. It's a crowd-pleasing dessert that both children and adults will enjoy. Plus, it's easy to make ahead of time, allowing you to focus on other dishes while the pie chills in the fridge.

4. Make It Your Own

Feel free to experiment with this recipe! If you're not a fan of graham cracker crusts, you can use a traditional pie crust or even an Oreo cookie crust for a fun twist. You can also adjust the chocolate flavor by adding more or less cocoa powder to suit your taste. And if you prefer a thicker pudding, simply reduce the amount of milk and cream slightly.

Storage and Serving Tips

This Chocolate Pudding Pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh. When ready to serve, let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature for the best texture.

If you have leftovers, this pie makes for an excellent dessert the next day. The flavors continue to meld as it sits in the fridge, making it even more delicious when served chilled.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Pudding Pie is the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. With its smooth, creamy filling, crunchy graham cracker crust, and versatile garnish options, it's a treat that will satisfy every sweet tooth. Whether you're making it for a special occasion or just as a delicious indulgence, this pie is sure to impress your friends and family.

Looking for more amazing dessert recipes? Explore our collection of delicious desserts and gluten-free options to find your next favorite treat!