Grandma’s Chocolate Pie is a timeless dessert cherished in many families. Its rich cocoa flavor and creamy texture make it a delightful treat for any occasion. This recipe is straightforward and promises to deliver a delicious pie that will satisfy your sweet cravings.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cocoa
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Directions:
- In a pot over medium-high heat, mix cocoa, cornstarch, beaten egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla.
- Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
- Once thickened, remove from heat and pour the filling into a pre-baked pie shell.
- Place the pie in the refrigerator to chill and set.
Tips:
- To prevent lumps, gradually add the milk while stirring the cocoa mixture continuously.
- Be patient while cooking the filling to ensure it thickens properly.
- For added flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa and pure vanilla extract.
Conclusion:
Grandma’s Chocolate Pie is a classic dessert that never fails to impress. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a perfect choice for family gatherings or anytime you crave a delightful sweet treat. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness of this homemade pie straight from Grandma’s recipe book!
- Can I use alternative milk options in this recipe, such as almond milk or coconut milk?
- While the original recipe calls for regular dairy milk, you can indeed substitute alternative milk options such as almond milk or coconut milk. However, keep in mind that the flavor and consistency may vary slightly compared to using traditional dairy milk. Almond milk tends to be lighter in texture and may result in a slightly different taste profile. Coconut milk, on the other hand, adds a subtle coconut flavor to the pie. Experiment with different milk alternatives to find the one that best suits your taste preferences.
- What can I do if my chocolate filling turns out too thin or too thick?
- Achieving the perfect consistency for the chocolate filling can sometimes be tricky. If your filling turns out too thin, you can try cooking it for a few additional minutes over medium heat while stirring continuously. This will help thicken the mixture. Conversely, if your filling becomes too thick, you can gradually add a small amount of additional milk while stirring until you reach the desired consistency. Remember that the filling will continue to thicken as it cools, so keep this in mind when adjusting the thickness during cooking.
- Is it necessary to pre-bake the pie shell, or can I use a store-bought crust?
- Pre-baking the pie shell helps ensure that it maintains its crispness and structure when filled with the chocolate mixture. However, if you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of a store-bought crust, you can certainly use one instead. Keep in mind that store-bought crusts may vary in quality and thickness, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for baking, or consider pre-baking it slightly to ensure it holds up well with the creamy chocolate filling.
- Can I make the pie ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator?
- Yes, Grandma’s Chocolate Pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. In fact, allowing the pie to chill in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before serving can enhance its flavor and texture. Simply cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any odors from the refrigerator. Before serving, you can also garnish the pie with whipped cream or chocolate shavings for an extra touch of indulgence. Remember to store any leftovers in the refrigerator and consume them within a few days for the best taste and quality.
Grandma’s Chocolate Pie
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic dessert features a rich chocolate custard filling topped with a light meringue, all nestled in a flaky pie crust. It’s a timeless favorite that’s sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
-
For the Pie Filling:
- 4 tablespoons cocoa powder or 1 1/2 squares of baking chocolate
- 3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons (40 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
- 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust
-
For the Meringue Topping:
- 2 egg whites
- 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons (50 g) granulated sugar
Instructions
-
Prepare the Pie Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together the cocoa powder (or melted baking chocolate), sugar, flour, and salt.
- Gradually add the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens and begins to boil. Once it reaches a boil, continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the beaten egg yolks, mixing thoroughly.
- Return the saucepan to low heat and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat again and stir in the vanilla extract and butter until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the unbaked pie crust.
-
Prepare the Meringue Topping:
- In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with the kosher salt until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add the sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Spread the meringue evenly over the chocolate filling, ensuring it touches the crust all around to prevent shrinking.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned.
-
Serve:
- Allow the pie to cool to room temperature before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Crust Preparation: For a crispier crust, consider pre-baking it for 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding the filling.
- Meringue Tips: Ensure the bowl and beaters are free from any grease to achieve the best meringue consistency.