Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

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## **Instructions**

### **1. Prepare the Pie Crust:**
1. If you’re using a **store-bought crust**, follow the package instructions to bake it. If you’re making your own crust, **blind bake** it (bake the crust without filling) according to your recipe’s directions to ensure it stays crisp when the filling is added.
2. Once baked, allow the pie crust to cool completely while you prepare the chocolate filling.

### **2. Make the Chocolate Filling:**
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the **sugar**, **cocoa powder**, **cornstarch**, and **salt**. Gradually add the **milk**, whisking constantly to create a smooth mixture.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Once it begins to thicken (about 5-7 minutes), continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes.
3. **Temporarily remove the pan from the heat**. Slowly add a small amount of the hot mixture to the **beaten egg yolks**, whisking constantly (this is called tempering the eggs so they don’t scramble).
4. Once the egg yolks are warmed up, pour them back into the saucepan with the rest of the mixture. Return to heat, and cook for an additional **2-3 minutes**, stirring constantly until it becomes thick and pudding-like.
5. **Remove from the heat**, then stir in the **butter** and **vanilla extract** until smooth.

### **3. Assemble the Pie:**
1. Pour the hot chocolate filling into your cooled pie crust, smoothing the top with a spatula.
2. Cover the pie with plastic wrap, making sure the wrap touches the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least **4 hours** or overnight to let it set properly.

### **4. Serve and Garnish:**
1. Before serving, top the pie with a dollop of **whipped cream** or sprinkle **chocolate shavings** on top for a decadent finishing touch.
2. Slice and enjoy the creamy, chocolaty goodness!

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## **Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie**

✔ **Classic Flavor** – The combination of rich **chocolate**, **vanilla**, and a buttery **pie crust** offers the comforting, indulgent flavor we all know and love.

✔ **Creamy Texture** – The silky-smooth filling has the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, creating a satisfying bite in every slice.

✔ **Simple and Homemade** – While it’s a bit of a throwback, this pie is easy to make with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

✔ **Versatile** – Whether you top it with a creamy layer of whipped cream, a dusting of **cocoa powder**, or some **chocolate shavings**, this pie allows for easy customization.

✔ **Perfect for Any Occasion** – This pie is a timeless dessert that fits right in at family dinners, birthday celebrations, or just as a special treat after a weeknight meal.

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## **Tasty Variations**

🍓 **Berry Chocolate Pie** – Add a layer of **fresh berries** (like raspberries or strawberries) to the pie before filling it for an extra burst of flavor and color.

🍪 **Cookie Crust** – Switch things up by using a **cookie crust** made from crushed **Oreos** or **graham crackers** for a delicious twist.

🌰 **Nutty Chocolate Pie** – Sprinkle **chopped nuts** like **pecans** or **walnuts** into the filling or on top for some added crunch and flavor.

🍫 **Double Chocolate Pie** – For an even richer chocolate experience, add **chocolate chips** to the filling, or swirl them through the pie before setting it.

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## **Storage Tips**

🧊 **To Store** – Leftover pie can be kept in the **refrigerator** for up to **4 days**. Be sure to cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.

🧊 **To Freeze** – You can freeze the **unbaked pie** (before adding the filling) for up to **2 months**. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge before filling and baking as directed.

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## **Final Thoughts**

This **Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie** is more than just a dessert; it’s a slice of nostalgia, comfort, and joy wrapped up in a flaky crust and rich chocolate filling. Perfect for any occasion and simple enough for a weeknight treat, it’s a dessert that never goes out of style. Whether served plain or with a lavish topping, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone asking for seconds!

What’s your favorite way to enjoy **chocolate pie**? Let me know in the comments below! 🍫🥧