VALENTINE’S DAY CHOCOLATE PIE RECIPE & VIDEO TUTORIAL
My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie recipe and video tutorial.
My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie always makes an appearance at holiday gatherings, it’s just one of those special holiday treats that everyone looks forward to!
A few commonly asked questions:
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- How do you make easy chocolate pudding pie from scratch? Let me show you how! With only seven ingredients you’ll be mixing one up in no time!
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- How long does it take to make chocolate pie? About 15-20 minutes for cook time and an hour of refrigeration.
- How do you store Chocolate Cream Pie? Simply cover with tin foil or plastic wrap and store in the fridge.
My great granny was a very resourceful woman…
Here is my step by step video on how to make a Chocolate Cream Pie
In which I show you how to make a simple Cocoa Cream Pie (also called Easy Chocolate Pudding Pie) and give you a few hints and tips.
And, if you’re like me and love finding a new homesteader to watch on YouTube, be sure and subscribe to our channel! We cover everything from adventures in simple, cozy living, recipes and tutorials and more! Also, leave a comment and tell me what your favorite pie is! I love hearing from y’all.
MY GRANNY’S COCOA CREAM PIE
My Granny’s Cocoa Cream Pie always makes an appearance at holiday gatherings, it’s just one of those special holiday treats that everyone looks forward to! Bonus: this creamy cocoa cream pie is so easy to whip up.
Ingredients
- ½ c. cocoa
- ¼ cup cornstarch or ½ c. all purpose plain flour
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 c. sugar
- ¼ tsp. salt
- 2 c. milk
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 Pre-baked pie crust
Instructions
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Mix cocoa, cornstarch, beaten egg yolks; then sugar and salt, and add milk gradually, while stirring in a pot over med-high heat on your stovetop.
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Cook until thick, whisking it until smooth.
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Cream Pies take some time to thicken, so stir for (10-15 min). Using a heavy bottom pan really helps. Just keep it up until it thickens, add vanilla in after you take the pan off the heat. Pour into a pre-baked pie shell. Put in the fridge to chill, add whipped cream if you like. Or use the leftover egg whites for a meringue topping!
Recipe Notes
Some people asked if you need to bake or freeze it… No, is the answer. It is an old-fashioned pudding. It thickens as you cook it and will firm up more when you chill it, but if you want to eat it warm by all means do! * I don’t recommend using arrowroot powder as a substitute for cornstarch or flour; it kind of makes it stringy and sticky. I had it as a gluten-free option, but took it out, because I did not like the outcome. Cornstarch is a perfect gluten-free option and was always my granny’s first choice when making cream pies.
*If making a deep dish pie you may want to double the recipe to fill it to the top. But, use your own discretion and experiment!
And here’s the printable recipe! Here’s another wonderful recipe, a Pumpkin Honey Cream Pie that is easy and delicious!
Are you looking for an easy pie crust recipe? Check out this great recipe from my friend, Cathy, at Original Homestead: Easy Homemade Pie Crust Recipe
-Abby Jo
I have this recipe and have used it for YEARS, but I don’t use cornstarch I use flour.
That’s wonderful, my mom always uses flour when making it too 🙂
I got it from older sister add a little butter , um um good!
Same amount as the cornstarch
Plain flour?
Yes, regular flour 🙂
I tried the recipe with flour and the flavor was delicious but the filling appeared chunky. What am I doing wrong?
Hmmm, it’s hard to say. Perhaps try whisking it consistently. Best of luck!
For the pie crust is plain flour used or self rising? I would assume plain but need to know.
Plain regular flour 🙂
Can I double the recipe?
I don’t see why not 🙂
Does anyone think I can use lactose free milk for the recipe?
Yes you can the first time I ever made this recipe I used a lactose free milk and it was delicious !!!
I used 3 cups of milk. Filled a deep dish pie crust.
I remember my mom making pudding the old fashioned way. I love a good chocolate pie. This looks delicious!
What a great recipe. Simplest desserts always let the best flavors shine through. Plus something about the smooth shiny top drew me in . Saving this one to try. Thank you and your great granny for sharing it.
I just made this pie and so far the pudding is delicious!!!
My grandma had a great recipe just like this but she used the squares of unsweetened baking chocolate. Somehow the last 2times I’ve made it the chocolate never incorporated as well as it used to. I’m def gonna try the cocoa powder instead! Thanks so much! Oh I hope it turns out as well as you all say. We use fresh whipped cream on top of it.
Can skip the coco powder and just make a vanilla pudding pie?
Hmmm, you could certainly try that! I would perhaps scrape the insides of a vanilla bean and add it with the sugar for extra “vanilla” flavor. Good luck!
Do you need to cover the pie filling with plastic wrap while it is chilling in the fridge?
I think it’s best too, as it keeps it from taking on any fridge odors.
-Abby Jo
What type of coco powder?
Any will do 🙂 I like to use a dark high quality baking powder.
Made it a few days ago for thanksgiving and the hubby already requested another one, I have one chilling right now, only this time I 1 and a half the recipe to fill a deep dish crust
My grandmother would be proud, I’m glad you’re enjoying it.
Thank you so much for commenting!
-Abby Jo
Hi, what kind of cocoa do you use for this pie?
Whatever kind I have on hand! Preferably a darker cocoa, but that’s just me 🙂
HERSEYS BRAND.
If you use a double boiler, you don’t have to stir constantly. I have never made this recipe but I have made many cream pies.
True, I just know it seems these days a lot of people don’t have a double boiler, but great advice 🙂
I use my kitchenaid bowl over a small saucepan as my “double boiler” lol
You can also do this in the microwave! I mix all dry ingredients then add all the liquids except the vanilla and butter. Microwave at 1 minute intervals stirring after each minute until thickens, then add vanilla and butter.
how much butter do you add?
There is no butter in the recipe. 🙂
Can you substitute stevia for the sugar? My husband Would eat the whole thing so anything I can do to lessen his sugar intake is helpful!
You know, I have not used Stevia before. It’s worth a try 🙂
I’ve not had a chance to make this recipe, but 3 months ago I started to use Stevia in all of my baking. I was pleasingly shocked. Everything tasted wonderful & I could not tell the difference. I make alot of spicey things like pumpkin bread, cinnamon breads, spice breads. The Stevia is so much more healthy than the previous alternate sweeteners. It’s been used alot in other countries since 1970’s & reasearch has found it is not harmful. I would go with the Stevia for this recipe, or use half sugar & 1/2 Stevia. P.S. – Straight Stevia has a bitter taste in beverages but if you purchase a product that contains other new, healthy sugar alternatives + Stevia you will do away with the bitterness in beverages. Read about sugar alternatives on-line. I’ve been able to have some really great treats since I changed. Hope this helps. Take good care & have fun experimenting.
The Cookie Lady
Anyone ever added coconut?
Hello Sally, I do! Usually just a cup of unsweetened coconut 🙂
OMG!! THE best chocolate pie I have EVER had!!
Can you use almond milk instead of cows milk?
Absolutely 🙂
If you choose to make a meringue, do you put it back in the oven on the cooled pie? Does it make the pie watery?
You will want to make the meringue while the Filling/pudding is still warm put it on top and pop back into oven 🙂
What size of pie dish does this require?
Basic 9 inch pie pan 🙂
I wonder what I did. I followed the recipes but I feel like the filling only
Filled a quarter of the crust. Now I’m worried it won’t be “right”. Trying to decide if I should make more filling or just let it be
Hmmm, maybe you made a deep dish pie??? In that case, I would probably double the recipe if it only filled it a quarter of the way. I hope you have better luck next time! Thanks for letting me know! I’ll add that as a note to the recipe 🙂
What is your pie topped with in the picture?
Whipped cream and scraped chocolate! 🙂
I would like to make this for Thanksgiving can I make it 2 days in advance? Today is my pie day!
Yes, that should be fine 🙂
In the video you added 1 cup of sugar The written recipe says 1 1/2??? Help!
Sorry Cindy, I just saw this! You can use either, I will change the recipe soon! It has always been 1 1\2 cups, but over the years I realized I was only ever adding 1 cup and I liked it better 🙂
Egg substitute?
You know I don’t know, never had to use an Egg substitute before.
I cant wait to try this pie recipe! Do you have a pie crust recipe to recommend over store bought?
I do, I will add it to post soon 🙂 Here is a link to my all butter pie crust! I filmed on my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/wlW3KmpPrAw
Have you ever tried a graham cracker cust?
Yep, it tastes great!
What kind of sugar do you use? Caster; raw; white; etc?
I use organic sugar at Costco 🙂
Yummmmm
My momma made this pie, but let it cool on the counter while she made the meringue. Then popped it in the oven under the broiler and browned the pie. Then by the time super was done the pie was fully set yet still slightly warm.
She also made what she called “egg pie” which was the same pudding recipe minus the cocoa and vanilla and adding an amount of butter.
And as with many southern cooks she measured by sight and feel for she had learned it from previous generations
My Granny always made it with meringue too 🙂 My kids like it with whip cream 😉
So, seeing the comments about cornstarch vs flour, makes me wonder, which is better?
I use flour all the time, but I think cornstarch is suppose to make it smooth. I whisk mine the whole time and never have had problems with flour. Unless cornstarch is organic and GMO free I stay away from it 🙂
are you using plain flour or self rising flour?
Just plain flour, I use unbleached organic white flour in this recipe 🙂
Thank you for this easy looking recipe. I have been looking for recipes to use up an overabundance of cocoa I currently have (don’t ask!). I was wondering if I could add a little peppermint flavoring and sprinkle the whipped cream with crushed candy canes for a holiday dessert.
That sounds yummy, I added mint once and it was really good 🙂
My pie did not gel properly. It was too liquidy. I kept it in the fridge overnight I thought I followed the directions. What did I do wrong?
I never had that problem, I am thinking you didn’t cook it long enough?? Because when you cook it all the way it makes a pudding and gets rather thick. Did you watch the video too?
I just found this recipe. I doubled it, made two pies and topped them with whipped cream. Wow! So smooth and chocolatey, and thick. This recipe is so delicious that next time, I’m going to skip the crust and serve as pudding, maybe folding in a bit of whipped cream. Thank you for sharing!!
I’m so glad you like it so much 🙂 I like to eat it as pudding too!
Hello! If I want to make the meringue topping, can I simply make the meringue and top the pie with it before putting it in the refrigerator to chill? Thank you!
Yes, you can 🙂
My pudding was lumpy! What did I do wrong?
Trouble shooting: did you have the heat to high? Lots of wisking, can’t leave it on the burner without stiring. Not sure what else to say??
I have used this recipe at least 20 times. Always turns out perfect. I use less cocoa sometimes. And. . .l always cook it in the microwave !!!! I stir it with a wire whisk every 2 minutes. Usually takes 6 minutes. Then… I add butter & vs la.
That’s awesome, so glad that you shared that 🙂 Thank you!
Do you have to refrigerate after it’s cooked?
Yes, I would.
My ex mother-in-law made this same recipe, and it is thee best! I bought the premade graham cracker pie crusts for the pie instead of making my own, and it is delicious.
Hi Abby Jo,
I want to thank you for answering the questions sent in. I really get frustrated when people have questions and the responses from the bloggers go unanswered for years if they are even answered at all.
I am making this scrumptious pie and appreciate your response to those that asked if subbing almond milk will work as my daughter has gone dairy free.
And thank you about the hint for when to top with meringue.
Can’t wait to get this in the oven. I will be back for more recipes!!
Thank you,
Terry
Your welcome! Thank you for leaving a comment 🙂
I just made it with canned organic unsweetened coconut milk and it’s fantastic.
Oh yum! I’m going to have to try that!
Hi Abby Jo! I’m so excited, and a little nervous, to try this pie. My husband has been begging for one, but I’m not much of a baker. He has more faith in me than I do, but I’m going to give it a try for his birthday.
I was wondering if you might have a recipe for meringue you could share also. I’ve never been fond of it myself, but my husband loves it.
I don’t have one on the blog at present, but I should do a video and post on it! You got this, tell me how it turns out 🙂
I just made this . It’s cooling in the refrigerator. I licked the spoon, I can tell you I won’t be purchasing boxed chocolate pudding again. I will add more milk for pudding. I can’t wait to enjoy this . Since it’s just me , I’m going to be cutting and freezing individual pieces . I’ll enjoy them partially frozen.
Thank you for a great recipe.
I’m thrilled you like it!!!
My granny would use 1 1/2 cups of milk and a 1/2 cup of coffee, so good
Sounds delightful!
Easy and delicious
Thank you for sharing
Thank you!
Is it possible to add avocado to it. I know sounds terrible but was told by my nutritionist that if I’m going to eat chocolate pie to make it from scratch and add that
I think that would work just fine, chocolate goes good with avocados 🙂
I just made this. It is AWESOME!!!!!
Thank you! So glad you like it 🙂
Do you think I could eliminate the cocoa and add a cup of peanut butter? And if I try butter scotch wonder how many chips I’d have to use?
I don’t see why not, I would use 1 to 1-1/2 cups of chips.
I’d like to know from whomever adds butter, just how much, in my world, butter makes everything better.
Love this recipe! I use the base for all kinds of creme pies: vanilla, banana creme, coconut creme.
So glad to hear that! That’s what my granny did too. In fact, I recently put up her recipe for Coconut Cream Pie too! So yummy.
Thanks for commenting!
I haven’t made the pie yet, it does sound yummy. My question is if I am making 1 1/2 , how many eggs would you use?
Hi Katie! Hmmm, good question. I would use 2 egg yolks! Hope that helps 🙂
Can I store brought crust?
I would check your store bought crust for info on that question! 🙂 Thanks for asking though!
Ypur photoshow the pie in a crust, but there is no mention of a crust in your ingredient list. You really should add it to you list.
Great tip! I’ll change that right now. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Is whole milk the best or does it work with 2%.?
I usually make mine with whole milk, but 2% should work just fine!
So excited to make this recipe!
I’ve read all the comments and they are so helpful! I’ll be making one pie with Almond milk and one regular dairy…can’t wait!
Thank you for answering all the questions!!
I’m so glad to hear that! Well, thank you for leaving such a lovely comment.
I always love hearing from y’all!
Just made 2 pies for Easter tomorrow. So easy. We can’t wait Indulge. Note… I added 1/2 cup more milk for deep dish pies . Perfect amount! Pudding tasted amazing so I know they will be delicious.
Sounds so yummy! 🙂
Hi! I made this today and it was yummy!!! The only problem was after letting it chill for 3 hours it was runny when I cut into it! Help for next time please thanks for sharing!
Hmmm, the cornstarch should have thickened it sufficiently. The only other troubleshooting tip I have is to cook the pudding a little longer next time, make sure it is quite thick and pudding-like before you pour it into the pre-baked pie crust. Hope that helps! Better luck next time, thanks for leaving a comment!
My aunt made this and I love it! This recipe is so good – thank you for bringing back memories.
Yay! I’m so glad this recipe brought back memories. Thanks for commenting!
My mom used to make this pie but with meringue topping. It was my favorite growing up. I haven’t had it since she passed away, 47 years ago. I am going to try to make this. Thank you for the inspiration. Wish me luck.
That sounds like a lovely memory. Good luck!
I can’t find the subscribe button.
Thank you for the feedback!
My son is allergic to dairy, so so used unsweetened almond mild in place of milk. Other than that, I followed your recipe to the letter using corn starch. I doubled the recipe, just in case, because who wants a skimpy pie. It turned out fabulous. My son got to eat chocolate pie for the first time ever, and LOVED it. I had about 1cup of chocolate pudding left over, that I hid in the back of the refrigerator, for him to eat when the pie is gone. Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe.
I’m so glad to hear that your son enjoyed it! My daughter is allergic to gluten, so I know the joy of finding a delicious allergy-free alternative.
I love reading comments like yours, thank you for leaving one!
My mother said that she was craving a chocolate pie and wanted one for Thanksgiving. I told her that I would TRY to make one. I used this recipe and it turned out great. It was a hit. She had to put some away for herself before it was all gone!
Then last week my daughter asked me to make one for her. I obliged. She was very happy!
Awww, how sweet! I love hearing that!
Do you have the nutrition information
No, I don’t 🙂
Great recipe just like grandma’s
Thank you! 🙂
Taste is unbelievably fantastic! Oh my, me a chocoholic glad I made a double batch to fill the deep dish crust now, I have extra pudding to dig into at a later time when those cravings just hit. I used flour not cornstarch and a wisk is most important, stirring constantly for 15 minutes came out perfect. Thanks to your grandmother as they often have the BEST recipes and thank you for sharing, be blessed as you are a blessing to others.
So glad to hear that! Thank you so much for leaving such a lovely comment! 🙂
I made this today for my hubby’s Father’s Day gift. We love it. Beautiful flavor.
Is it possible to over thicken a pie? I used flour and cooked until it was thick, similar to how video showed. It’s so thick, it’s almost like fudge consistency and a little on the dull side (in look definitely not in flavor!). It’s not lumpy at all, just super thick.
My 10 yr old is quite a critic on desserts and even with the peculiar texture I got, she says it’s her new favorite dessert ever!
Hmm, well, I’m glad to hear that your family enjoyed it!
If you find the texture too thick for your liking I would suggest taking it off the heat sooner before it’s reached that thickness. 🙂
I loved making this pie. My husband’s grandmother always made it. Wow. I couldn’t believe how easy it was. Thanks for sharing the recipe
You are so welcome! I’m glad to hear that 🙂
Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe! The taste is awesome! However, I had the same problem as a few others…my pie was too thin/runny. I followed the directions to a “T” using plain flour and cooked it until it was as thick pudding…for about 15 minutes. Is there a certain thickness we should be striving for? Should it be more jell-like before removing from the heat? Any additional tips?
As long as it’s a pudding-like consistency before you remove it from the heat, it should thicken reasonably. Perhaps try letting it cool and set in the fridge! 🙂 I hope that helps!
When using flour are you using 1/2 or 1/4 cup? I ask because recipe says 1/2 but comments seems to indicate the same as corn starch. Thanks in advance.
I use 1/2 cup of flour 🙂 But, if I want to make it gluten-free I use 1/4 cup of Cornstarch.
Made your pie for a friend who wanted a chocolate pie, I must say we really enjoyed it, I didn’t have whole milk so I added 1/2 cup heavy cream, turned out great! Thanks for posting❤
Thank you, Vicky, for the great review! So glad to hear that you enjoyed it 🙂
My grandchildren are allergic to milk. Can you use soy milk with this?
I’ve personally never tried it with soy milk, but many people have told me that they’ve had great success with milk substitutes! Perhaps try almond or coconut milk for a creamier milk substitute 🙂