Chocolate Cream Pie is a rich and creamy dessert featuring a chocolate cookie crust, a luscious chocolate custard filling, and a fluffy whipped cream topping. With a texture that blends chocolate mousse and pudding, this indulgent pie is perfect for any chocolate lover.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Oreo Cookie Crust:

• 25 Oreo cookies (with filling intact)
• 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2/3 cup caster (superfine) sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups milk (whole or reduced fat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 150g (5 oz) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), finely chopped
• 75g (3 oz) milk chocolate, finely chopped

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Grated chocolate (for garnish, optional)

Directions

Making the Oreo Cookie Crust:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a food processor, blitz Oreo cookies into fine crumbs. Mix with melted butter until the mixture resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish, covering the base and sides evenly.
4. Bake for 10 minutes, then let cool while preparing the filling.

Making the Chocolate Filling:

5. In a saucepan, whisk cornstarch, sugar, and salt. Add milk, cream, and egg yolks, whisking until smooth.
6. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally. Once steaming, reduce to medium-low and whisk constantly as the mixture thickens.
7. When slow bubbles form, cook for 45 seconds, then remove from heat.
8. Stir in butter, vanilla, and both chocolates until melted and smooth.
9. Pour the filling into the cooled crust, smoothing the top.
10. Cover with parchment paper to prevent a skin from forming. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 12 hours.

Making the Whipped Cream Topping:

11. Beat the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form.
12. Remove the parchment paper from the pie, then spread or pipe the whipped cream on top.
13. Garnish with grated chocolate, if desired.

Nutrients (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 521
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 114mg

The Origins of Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie is a variation of classic cream pies, which have been a staple in American and European baking for centuries. Cream pies, such as banana cream, coconut cream, and vanilla custard pies, typically feature a baked crust with a rich, creamy filling topped with whipped cream.

The concept of custard-based desserts dates back to medieval times, but it wasn’t until the 19th and 20th centuries that cream pies became a household favorite. Chocolate Cream Pie gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, when chocolate became more widely available and home cooks began experimenting with custard-style fillings.

Today, it remains a beloved dessert in bakeries, diners, and family kitchens, with countless variations that include different types of chocolate, crusts, and toppings.

Why You’ll Love Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie is an irresistible dessert that appeals to all chocolate lovers. Here’s why this recipe stands out:

• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The bittersweet chocolate custard pairs beautifully with the slightly sweet Oreo crust and fluffy whipped cream.
• Silky and Creamy Texture: The chocolate filling is smooth and velvety, with a rich, pudding-like consistency that melts in your mouth.
• Crispy, Buttery Crust: The Oreo cookie crust provides a satisfying crunch, offering a delicious contrast to the creamy filling.
• No-Fuss Preparation: This pie is easy to make, requiring only a quick bake for the crust, a stovetop custard, and refrigeration.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Since the pie needs at least 12 hours to chill, it’s perfect for preparing in advance for parties, holidays, or special occasions.

Secrets to the Perfect Chocolate Cream Pie

While this pie is straightforward to make, a few key techniques ensure perfect results every time.

1. The Best Crust for Maximum Crunch

• Using whole Oreo cookies (with the filling intact) in the crust helps create a rich, chocolatey base with just the right amount of sweetness.
• Blending the cookies into fine crumbs ensures an even, compact crust that holds together well when sliced.
• Baking the crust for just 10 minutes helps firm it up while maintaining its crunch.

2. Achieving the Silkiest Chocolate Custard

• Cornstarch is the key thickening agent, creating a smooth, creamy texture without eggs scrambling or curdling.
• Cooking the custard over medium-low heat while constantly stirring prevents lumps and ensures a velvety consistency.
• Using a mix of dark and milk chocolate creates a well-balanced chocolate flavor that’s not too bitter or too sweet.

3. The Importance of Refrigeration

• The pie needs to chill for at least 12 hours to fully set—this ensures that the custard is firm enough to slice cleanly.
• Covering the filling with parchment paper while cooling prevents a skin from forming on the surface.

4. Light and Fluffy Whipped Cream Topping

• Using cold heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl helps the whipped cream whip faster and hold its shape longer.
• Beating until soft peaks form creates a light, airy texture without over-whipping.
• A touch of sugar and vanilla extract enhances the flavor, complementing the rich chocolate custard.

Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie is delicious on its own, but adding a few extra touches can make it even more indulgent.

Classic Garnishes

• Grated or shaved chocolate sprinkled on top adds a decorative, elegant finish.
• Chocolate curls or cocoa powder dusting enhances the visual appeal and flavor.
• Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, provide a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the richness.

Pairing with Drinks

• A glass of cold milk enhances the chocolatey richness.
• Espresso or cappuccino complements the deep cocoa notes in the filling.
• Dessert wines like Port or a rich red wine (such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) provide a sophisticated pairing option.

How to Store and Make Ahead

Chocolate Cream Pie stores well, making it a great dessert to prepare in advance.

Storage Tips

• Keep the pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store the whipped cream topping separately and add it just before serving for the freshest texture.

Freezing Instructions

• You can freeze the pie without the whipped cream topping for up to 1 month.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
• To serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh whipped cream before serving.

Variations of Chocolate Cream Pie

This classic recipe can be customized in several ways to create new flavor profiles.

1. Triple Chocolate Cream Pie

• Use a mix of dark, milk, and white chocolate in the custard for a layered chocolate experience.

2. Mocha Chocolate Cream Pie

• Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the custard for a coffee-infused chocolate flavor.

3. Salted Caramel Chocolate Cream Pie

• Drizzle homemade salted caramel sauce over the filling before adding the whipped cream.

4. Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Pie

• Add ½ cup of peanut butter to the chocolate custard for a rich, nutty twist.

Conclusion

Chocolate Cream Pie is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers, combining a crunchy Oreo crust, silky chocolate custard, and light whipped cream topping. This pie is decadent yet balanced, offering a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

Its make-ahead convenience and no-fuss preparation make it perfect for holidays, celebrations, or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques, this pie delivers bakery-quality results right from your own kitchen.