Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding Pie is the perfect nostalgic dessert that brings back memories of simpler times and classic homemade treats. With a rich, velvety chocolate pudding filling set in a buttery, flaky pie crust, this dessert is a true comfort food that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Topped with a fluffy layer of whipped cream, it’s the kind of pie that makes any occasion feel special—whether it’s a family gathering, a holiday celebration, or just a cozy night at home.

This pie is not only delicious, but it also boasts a timeless appeal. It combines the best of chocolate and cream, with the pudding filling providing a smooth, decadent texture that complements the crispness of the pie crust. Whether you bake it from scratch or use pre-made ingredients, this recipe is incredibly easy to follow and produces a dessert that will impress every time. Every bite of this pie delivers that perfect balance of sweetness and richness that will satisfy even the most discerning chocolate lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Comfort Food

This pie evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of comforting homemade desserts that were passed down through generations.

2. Creamy Chocolate Goodness

The rich chocolate pudding filling provides a decadent and creamy texture that will satisfy your chocolate cravings in the best possible way.

3. Easy to Make

With simple ingredients and easy steps, this pie is quick to prepare and doesn’t require any fancy techniques—just basic kitchen know-how.

4. Perfectly Balanced Flavors

The combination of the buttery pie crust, creamy chocolate pudding, and whipped cream topping offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

5. Versatile for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself to a sweet treat, this pie is versatile and can be served at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the pie crust:

All-purpose flour
Butter
Salt
Ice water

For the chocolate pudding filling:

Whole milk
Sugar
Cocoa powder
Cornstarch
Egg yolks
Butter
Vanilla extract
Salt

For the whipped cream topping:

Heavy cream
Powdered sugar
Vanilla extract

Variations

Use a Store-bought Crust: To save time, you can use a pre-made graham cracker crust or shortbread crust instead of making the pie crust from scratch.
Add a Twist of Coffee: For a mocha flavor, add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the pudding mixture to deepen the chocolate taste.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie: Swirl peanut butter into the chocolate pudding filling for a peanut butter-chocolate twist.
Mint Chocolate Pie: Add a few drops of mint extract to the pudding filling for a refreshing minty chocolate version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

If making the crust from scratch, combine the flour and salt in a bowl. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, one tablespoon at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. Roll the dough out on a floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie dish. Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until golden. Let the crust cool completely before adding the filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Pudding Filling

In a medium saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Over medium heat, cook the mixture, whisking constantly until it thickens and starts to boil. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot mixture to the egg yolks to temper them, then slowly whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Continue to cook and whisk for another 2 minutes, ensuring the pudding is smooth and thick.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth. Pour the pudding into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly. Allow the pie to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set.

Step 3: Make the Whipped Cream Topping

In a chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can turn the whipped cream into butter. Spoon or pipe the whipped cream on top of the chilled pie before serving.

Step 4: Serve

Slice the pie and serve chilled. Enjoy the creamy chocolate goodness with a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Avoid Lumps in the Pudding: Make sure to whisk the ingredients well before cooking, and constantly stir the pudding while it’s on the heat to prevent lumps from forming.
Let the Pie Cool Completely: Allow the pie to cool completely before refrigerating to ensure the filling sets properly.
Homemade Whipped Cream: For the fluffiest whipped cream, make sure the cream is very cold before whipping it.
Keep an Eye on the Pie Crust: If using a store-bought pie crust, be sure to follow the package instructions for pre-baking to avoid a soggy bottom.

How to Serve

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding Pie is best served chilled, with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. You can also top the pie with shaved chocolate, chocolate chips, or sprinkles for added decoration. Serve it alongside a cup of coffee or a glass of dessert wine for an extra-special touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pie in an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep the whipped cream separate and add it just before serving.

Freezing

While the pie is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the pie without the whipped cream for up to 1 month. To freeze, wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Whip the cream fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this pie, as it’s served cold. However, if you prefer your pie slightly warmer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust?

Yes, you can use a pre-made graham cracker or shortbread crust to save time. Be sure to pre-bake it as per package instructions.

2. Can I make the pudding filling without eggs?

Yes, you can make an egg-free version of the pudding by using cornstarch as the thickening agent and skipping the eggs. Just cook the mixture until it thickens.

3. How do I make the whipped cream?

To make the whipped cream, simply beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract together until soft peaks form. Make sure to chill the cream before whipping.

4. Can I freeze chocolate pudding pie?

Yes, you can freeze the pie without the whipped cream. Just wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

5. How long should I let the pie set in the fridge?

Allow the pie to chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the pudding filling fully set.

6. Can I add other flavors to the pudding?

Yes, you can add flavors like coffee, vanilla, or even orange zest to enhance the chocolate pudding. Just mix it in after the pudding is cooked.

7. Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder?

Yes, you can substitute dark chocolate for cocoa powder. Melt about 4 ounces of dark chocolate and add it to the milk mixture for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.

8. What should I do if the pudding is too thin?

If your pudding doesn’t thicken properly, you can whisk in a bit more cornstarch (dissolved in milk) and cook for another minute or two.

9. Can I use whipped topping instead of homemade whipped cream?

Yes, you can use store-bought whipped topping, but homemade whipped cream offers a fresher and more flavorful result.

10. How do I make the pie crust extra flaky?

For an extra flaky crust, use cold butter and ice water, and be careful not to overwork the dough. Chilling the dough before baking helps too.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pudding Pie is a timeless dessert that combines smooth, creamy chocolate pudding with a buttery, flaky crust for a comforting and indulgent treat. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this pie is sure to please everyone. With its rich chocolate flavor and simple, straightforward preparation, it’s a dessert that will become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection.