The Best Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe – Easy, Homemade & Classic Old-Fashioned Dessert
There’s nothing quite like a Classic Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cream Pie to bring the whole family running to the kitchen. I should know—I’ve got three kids who can sniff out a homemade dessert from a mile away. The moment they hear me stirring up a Chocolate Pie Filling Recipe, they start asking, “Is it ready yet?” (Spoiler: it never is. Good things take time, kids.)

This Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie has been a family favorite for years. It’s rich, smooth, and packed with deep cocoa flavor, all nestled inside a buttery crust and topped with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream. Whether you call it Choc Cream Pie Recipe, Chocolate Pudding Pie, or just Chocolate Pie, it’s pure comfort food. And honestly? I’ll take any excuse to make it—birthdays, holidays, or just a random Tuesday when I feel like we need something sweet.
What I love most about this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe Easy is that it looks impressive but is secretly simple to make. No weird ingredients, no complicated steps—just good old-fashioned pie-making like grandma used to do. You can even turn this into Chocolate Cream Pie Bars if you want to switch things up. And if you’re short on time? I’ve got a few shortcuts to make this Chocolate Cream Pie Easy without sacrificing flavor.
So if you’re looking for the Best Chocolate Cream Pie or just need some good Chocolate Pie Recipes, you’re in the right place. I’ll walk you through every step, from making the perfect Chocolate Pie Filling to whipping up that dreamy topping. Whether you want a Simple Chocolate Pie Recipe or a totally From Scratch Chocolate Cream Pie, this is the only Sweet Pie recipe you’ll ever need.
Let’s get baking, because trust me—this is one of those Cream Pie Recipes that won’t last long once it hits the table!
Ingredients
Before we start, let’s round up what you need. Nothing fancy, just simple ingredients that come together like magic.
For the crust:
- 1 ½ cups crushed graham crackers (or you can use a regular pie crust if you prefer)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 6 tbsp melted butter
For the chocolate filling:
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 egg yolks
- 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped (or use chocolate chips—no judgment)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the whipped cream topping:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, but highly recommended)
How to make Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
Step 1: Make the Crust

If you’re using a graham cracker crust, it’s as simple as mixing crushed graham crackers with sugar and melted butter, then pressing it into a pie dish. Use the back of a spoon (or your fingers, no shame) to pack it down firmly. Bake it at 350°F for about 8-10 minutes, then let it cool completely.
Now, if you’re more of a traditional pie crust person, you can use a store-bought one or make your own. Either way, it should be pre-baked and cooled before you add the filling.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

This part is easier than it sounds, I promise.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Keep stirring, so nothing sticks to the bottom.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Now, here’s the tricky part—slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm milk mixture into the eggs while whisking like crazy. This keeps the eggs from scrambling (trust me, nobody wants chocolate scrambled eggs).
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan and keep stirring over medium heat until it thickens—about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract. Keep stirring until it’s smooth, glossy, and basically looks like the richest pudding of your dreams.
Step 3: Assemble and Chill

Now the hard part—waiting.
- Pour the warm chocolate filling into the cooled crust.
- Smooth out the top, then press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface (this keeps that weird pudding skin from forming).
- Stick it in the fridge and let it chill for at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better if you have the patience (I usually don’t).
Step 4: Make the Whipped Cream
While your pie is chilling, make some whipped cream!
- Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large bowl.
- Add the powdered sugar and vanilla.
- Use a hand mixer (or a whisk if you’re feeling ambitious) and beat until soft peaks form. That’s when it’s fluffy but still holds its shape.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once your pie is fully chilled, it’s time for the fun part—decorating!
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chocolate layer. If you wanna get fancy, sprinkle some chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder on top.
- Slice and serve. Try to get a piece before your kids devour it.
FAQs About Chocolate Cream Pie
Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, a pre-made graham cracker or traditional pie crust works just fine. But if you have a few extra minutes, making your own crust gives it that extra homemade touch.
Can I freeze Chocolate Cream Pie?
Not really. The texture of the chocolate custard changes when frozen, so it’s best to just store it in the fridge and enjoy it fresh.
Can I turn this recipe into Chocolate Cream Pie Bars?
Yep! Just press the crust into an 8×8-inch baking dish instead of a pie pan, pour in the filling, and let it set. Then slice into bars before adding the whipped cream. Perfect for a grab-and-go treat!
Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut milk or almond milk for the filling and a dairy-free whipped topping, but the texture won’t be quite the same. If you experiment with substitutions, let me know how it turns out!
What’s the difference between Chocolate Cream Pie and French Silk Pie?
Both are chocolate pies, but the filling is different. Chocolate Cream Pie has a cooked pudding-like filling, while French Silk Pie is a rich, airy mousse made with whipped eggs and butter. Both are delicious, but if you want something lighter and fluffier, go for French Silk.
Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe Card

Chocolate Cream Pie
Ingredients
Method
- Mix crushed graham crackers, sugar, and melted butter until combined.
- Press firmly into a 9-inch pie dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes and let it cool completely.
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, heavy cream, sugar, cornstarch, and salt over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly whisk in ½ cup of the warm milk mixture to temper the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring constantly until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, then stir in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the warm filling into the cooled crust.
- Smooth the top, cover with plastic wrap (directly touching the surface), and chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Beat heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
- Spread or pipe the whipped cream over the chilled pie.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.
- Slice and enjoy!
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Do not freeze: The texture of the chocolate custard will change.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing quite like a Homemade Chocolate Cream Pie to bring everyone to the table—no reminders needed. Trust me, when I make this, my kids suddenly remember how to set the table without being asked. It’s just that good. Whether you’re looking for the Best Chocolate Cream Pie, a Choc Pudding Pie, or a Classic Old-Fashioned Cocoa Cream Pie, this recipe has you covered.
The best part? It’s a Chocolate Cream Pie Easy enough for busy moms like me but still tastes like a Chocolate Cream Pie From Scratch. You can even turn it into Chocolate Cream Pie Bars for a fun twist. No matter how you serve it, this pie is rich, creamy, and pure comfort in every bite.
So if you’re on the hunt for Recipes For Chocolate Pie, a Simple Chocolate Pie Recipe, or just an excuse to whip up a Sweet Pie, this one’s a winner. I hope you give it a try, and if your family fights over the last slice like mine always does—well, you know it’s a keeper.