Classic Chocolate Pie

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the flour and salt. Stir them together to ensure they’re evenly mixed.
2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.
3. Add the water: Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough begins to come together. You may not need all of the water.
4. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roll out the dough: Once chilled, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie dish. Carefully transfer the dough to the dish and trim the edges, leaving a small overhang.
6. Blind bake the crust: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place parchment paper or foil over the dough and fill with pie weights or dried beans. Bake for 10-12 minutes, then remove the weights and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Allow the crust to cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

1. Heat the milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the whole milk, sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Whisk together until smooth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it begins to steam but not boil.
2. Temper the eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add a small amount of the hot milk mixture to the eggs to temper them, whisking constantly. Slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, stirring continuously.
3. Cook the filling: Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to let the mixture boil, as it can cause the custard to curdle.
4. Add the chocolate and butter: Once the filling has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate (or chocolate chips), butter, and vanilla extract. Stir until the chocolate and butter are fully melted and the filling is smooth.
5. Fill the pie crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Use a spatula to spread the filling evenly.
6. Chill the pie: Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to fully set.

Step 3: Serve

1. Top with whipped cream: Before serving, top each slice of pie with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle with chocolate shavings for a decorative and indulgent touch.
2. Slice and enjoy: Serve chilled and enjoy the rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying taste of your homemade Classic Chocolate Pie.

Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Pie:

• For a smoother filling: Make sure to strain the filling through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps that might form during the cooking process.
• Add a twist: You can easily customize this pie by adding a teaspoon of espresso powder to the filling for a deeper chocolate flavor or a pinch of cinnamon for a subtle spice.
• Use quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star of this pie, choose good-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for the best results.
• No-bake option: If you’re in a hurry, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust or even a pre-made chocolate cookie crust to save time.

Conclusion

This Classic Chocolate Pie recipe is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. With a rich, velvety chocolate filling and a flaky homemade crust, it’s the perfect way to end any meal. Whether you make it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something indulgent, this pie is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy every bite of this decadent dessert!