The Best Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie You’ll Ever Eat

Indulge in a slice of nostalgia with this classic old fashioned chocolate pie. It’s an easy recipe that pairs a rich, creamy chocolate filling with a perfectly flaky crust—just like grandma used to make.

There’s something so comforting about a dessert that’s stood the test of time, and this old-fashioned chocolate pie is no exception. It is a timeless dessert that brings a sense of warmth and tradition to the table, whether you’re enjoying it with family or sharing it with friends. I promise you, this pie is going to become a beloved favorite in your home, just like it has for so many others.

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Old- Fashioned Chocolate Pie

This old fashioned chocolate pie recipe is well over 100 years old and has been passed down in my family for generations. It’s simple to make, and I promise you’re going to love it!

It’s my favorite dessert!

It was love at first bite…

I grew up eating homemade chocolate pie, and I believe that’s where my addiction to chocolate started. Ya’ll, the struggle is real!

My great-grandma made this old fashioned chocolate pie, and every time she’d serve it, she’d always say, “This chocolate pie probably ain’t fittin’ to eat,” but we all knew better. She was a wonderful cook, and she was known for making the best chocolate pie!

My grandma and mom made it all the time too. It seemed like there was always a chocolate pie around and you’ll still find it at most family gatherings. It was a win, win for me because of my chocolate addiction.

This chocolate pie recipe was the first one I baked by myself from start to finish. I remember it well because we were staying in an RV. We were off on a job with my dad and didn’t have an electric mixer, so I had to make the meringue by hand with a fork. Yes, a fork! It took forever, but it was worth it.

What Pinterest Users Are Saying About This Chocolate Pie

You don’t have to just take my word for it—Pinterest users are loving this old-fashioned chocolate pie! 

This is so close to the chocolate pie my Mother in love baked. We did not have recipe but I remember she always made it in a skillet. Thank you because it made my husband so happy!! Turned out perfectly.

This made me feel like my grandmother was helping me make it! It was absolutely perfect and exactly as my 9 year old self remembered it! Thank you for sharing it!

Just like grandma used to make! First time I’ve been successful in making chocolate pie.

I made this yesterday and it’s the best chocolate pie I’ve ever eaten! Instead of using meringue for the topping I made whipped cream instead! 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 1 tsp vanilla and 3 heaping tablespoons powdered sugar!

If you love cream pies, you may also want to check out my Coconut Cream Pie and Southern Lemon Pie!

Old Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie Ingredients

The wonderful thing about making a pie from scratch is you probably have all the ingredients in your kitchen right this minute. If you don’t, add them to your grocery list so you can make this recipe! You can thank me later. 🙂

• Prepared Crust– You can make a homemade pie crust or purchase a store-bought one. If you’re going to purchase one at the grocery store, I’d recommend the Pillsbury refrigerated pie crust. I know many people nowadays buy pre-made pie crusts because it saves a lot of time. It’s totally up to you! There is no shame in that. Your chocolate pie will still taste great, whichever route you take.
• Cocoa Powder: I use good ole Hershey’s cocoa powder.
• Salt: I use kosher gourmet salt for all my baking and cooking.
• Flour: All-purpose flour for thickening your pie filling.
• Sugar
• Milk: I believe whole milk makes this chocolate pie recipe better. It’s richer and creamier. You can use 2% milk. Just don’t use low-fat or skim milk. We want a rich, creamy chocolate pie. We don’t want it to be watered down.
• Eggs
• Vanilla Extract: Don’t forget the vanilla extract. It enhances the flavor of the chocolate pie. I make my own vanilla extract. Stay tuned because I’m going to share how I make it in an upcoming blog post.
• Butter: Kerrygold butter is our favorite but use what you have.
• Cream of Tartar: You will use this in the meringue. It works as a stabilizer in the egg whites, which creates a fluffy, glossy meringue. You can make it without if you need to, but I highly recommend using it.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Used

• Cast Iron Skillet– You can use whatever pan you’d like to make the pie filling, but my family has always made the chocolate pie filling in a cast-iron skillet. I’ve made it in other pans, but I feel like I’m cheating when I don’t make it in a cast-iron skillet. lol!
• Wire Whisk– I love a good wire whisk. I use it when I’m mixing the dry ingredients and as the chocolate pie filling cooks. It sure beats using a fork. 😉
• Kitchen Aid Mixer-I love my kitchen aid mixer. I named her Big Bertha. Please tell me I’m not the only one that names kitchen appliances. lol! She’s a beast in the kitchen and whips up an awesome meringue. It’s so much easier than using a fork. I also have this handheld mixer that I love too.
• Pie Pan– You’ll definitely need a pie pan for your chocolate pie. Pay no attention to my disposable pie pan. It’s a good one, by the way. My mom told me about them (you can find them at Walmart). She uses them for potluck dinners and when she gifts a pie to friends. I’m in the market for a new one. I really like this one and this one. I just haven’t made up my mind about which one to get. Do you have any suggestions?
• Measuring Spoons– I love this set of measuring spoons. I like that they fit nicely in spice jars. I also hang these inside my cabinet doors for easy access. That way, I don’t have to dig around searching for them.
• Measuring Cup– My mom doesn’t measure anything with a measuring cup, but I do. She was at my house one day making a pie (so I could get her recipe because she does it by memory), and she said I need a measuring cup, so I hand her this one. She said, “I can’t use that it won’t work. I need a different size.” So, I had to find her a larger mug for her to use so she could eyeball her ingredients. She does the same with measuring spoons. So, to figure out her recipe, I had to have her measure it in her big mug, then I poured it into my measuring cup, measured the amount, and documented it.

Bake your Pie Crust

This old fashioned chocolate pie recipe calls for a pre-baked pie crust. If you are new to baking pies, make sure to read your recipe to determine if you need to pre-bake your crust. Some recipes call for them to be unbaked. It’s always a good practice to read your recipe prior to baking/cooking.

Here is the pie crust recipe my mom has used all my life. It’s easy, simple, delicious, and you don’t have to roll it out with a rolling pin.

The first step, bake your crust for the recommended time and set it aside to cool.

 How to Make Chocolate Pie Filling

Okay, here comes the fun part, making the sweet, creamy chocolate filling.

I like to make my chocolate pie filling on the stove in a cast-iron skillet. You can also make it in the microwave in a large bowl. It’ll come out good either way.

This recipe can also be used to make chocolate pudding. When my sisters and I were younger and had chocolate cravings and wanted a sweet treat, we often made chocolate pudding using this recipe. There were a few times we made ourselves sick on it.

The first thing you want to do is whisk together all your dry ingredients in your skillet or pan of choice.

I take my wire whisk and stir really well to get all the flour and cocoa powder smooth.

Who wants flour or cocoa powder clumps in their chocolate pie filling? Not me!

Next, we separate the egg yolks. If you are planning on making a meringue, you want to save your egg whites. I like to place my egg whites in the mixing bowl that I’m going to make my meringue in. Be very careful when separating your egg yolks, you don’t want to get any yolk in your egg whites.

Place the yolks in a bowl and add your milk (sometimes I just mix it all in the skillet with the dry ingredients). Do it however you choose. Stir well and then add this mixture to your skillet of dry ingredients. Mix the wet and dry ingredients well.

Cook the filling over medium heat, while stirring. It’s important not to leave the chocolate pie filling unattended while it’s cooking. You must stir constantly. You don’t want it to scorch.

If making in the microwave, you will want to microwave on high for 3-4 minutes and stir. Repeat this until the mixture has thickened.

This old fashioned chocolate pie filling has a rich, creamy taste and texture that is similar to pudding. It may seem like it’s not thickening properly but don’t worry, it will almost immediately as you continue cooking it on the stovetop for a few minutes. Just keep stirring.

Okay, I think that’s thick enough!

You don’t want it to be too runny or else it will not set up properly in the pie dish and you’ll have a big old mess on your hands but sometimes it happens. I’ve had pies not set up before but guess what? We still ate them, they were still good.

Meringue or Whipped Cream for the Topping

The chocolate pie I grew up eating always had a classic fluffy meringue but some people make it without it.

If you are intimidated by the meringue or just prefer not to make one you can always top your chocolate pie with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. It’s totally up to you. No judgment here.

For the meringue, you will need

• 3 egg whites
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

In a small bowl, combine sugar and cream of tartar.

Beat egg whites and vanilla extract with a high-speed mixer until frothy.

Add the sugar mixture to the egg whites 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue to beat until stiff peaks form.

Now pour your old-fashioned chocolate cream pie filling into your cooled pie shell and spread it out evenly.

After you spread it out, make sure to lick the spoon but don’t burn your tongue the filling may still be warm. I always lick the spoon. I like to say I’m doing quality control. lol!

After stiff peaks have formed spread the meringue over the warm pie filling making sure the it attaches to the edges around the pie crust. This will help prevent your meringue from shrinking.

Use a spoon to spread the meringue and create soft peaks all over the meringue.

Bake until golden brown for about 15-20 minutes.

Transfer to a wire rack and let cool before serving.

Cut a big ole’ piece and Enjoy!

Final Thoughts

Some of my favorite desserts from childhood were old fashioned chocolate pies made by great-grandma, grandma and mom. I remember being so excited to get the chance to help them make this creamy chocolate custard and I always enjoyed licking the spoon that was coated with this chocolate goodness.

As an adult, I’m happy that I can carry on the tradition with my grandchildren!

If you’re a chocolate fan looking for something simple and easy to make with a rich, creamy, chocolaty flavor, give this old fashioned chocolate pie recipe a try. You won’t regret it! I promise you this is the best old-fashioned chocolate pie you will ever eat! What are some of your favorite desserts your mom or grandma made? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!