Let me tell you about a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day: my granny’s cocoa cream pie! This recipe is a treasure passed down through generations, and every time I whip it up, I’m transported back to her cozy kitchen, where the sweet aroma of chocolate filled the air. I can still see her, apron on, carefully stirring the rich filling on the stovetop, sharing stories and laughter while we waited for it to cool. What I love most about this pie is its velvety texture and deep chocolate flavor that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why this pie holds such a special place in my heart. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a treat just for you—because everyone deserves a little chocolate magic in their life!
Ingredients for My Grannys Cocoa Cream Pie
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the rich and creamy goodness of my granny’s cocoa cream pie:
- 1 pre-made pie crust: A classic choice to save time—just make sure it’s nice and flaky!
- 1 cup sugar: This will sweeten the filling to perfection.
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: The star of the show that gives it that deep chocolate flavor.
- 1/4 cup cornstarch: This helps thicken the pie, giving it that luscious texture.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness!
- 2 3/4 cups milk: Whole milk works best for that creamy richness.
- 3 large egg yolks: These add depth and richness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a touch of richness that melts in your mouth.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances all those chocolatey notes.
- Whipped cream for topping: Because what’s a cocoa pie without a fluffy cloud of cream on top?
How to Prepare My Grannys Cocoa Cream Pie
Let’s dive into the magic of making my granny’s cocoa cream pie! It’s a straightforward process, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in no time.
- First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your pie crust gets that perfect golden color.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed.
- Now, gradually add the milk while stirring continuously. You want to keep it smooth—no lumps allowed! Cook this mixture over medium heat and keep stirring until it thickens, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
- While that’s happening, crack those egg yolks into a bowl and whisk them up. It’s crucial to temper the yolks, so slowly add a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture to the yolks while whisking vigorously. This prevents the eggs from scrambling!
- Once mixed, pour the yolk mixture back into the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step adds richness to your filling.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Oh, that smell is heavenly!
- Carefully pour the luscious filling into your pre-made pie crust, smoothing out the top with a spatula.
- Now, it’s time to chill! Cover the pie and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for that perfect texture.
- When you’re ready to serve, top it off with a generous amount of whipped cream. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, chocolatey goodness: Every bite is a decadent experience that transports you to chocolate heaven!
- Easy to make: With simple steps and common ingredients, you’ll feel confident whipping this up, even if you’re a beginner.
- Nostalgic flavors: This pie is a comforting reminder of family gatherings and cherished memories in my granny’s kitchen.
- Chill factor: It can be made ahead of time and chilled, making it a perfect dessert for entertaining.
- Customizable: Dress it up with toppings like chocolate shavings or fresh berries for a personal touch!
Tips for Success
To make my granny’s cocoa cream pie truly shine, here are a few tips that I’ve picked up along the way:
- Use high-quality cocoa powder: A good cocoa powder makes all the difference in flavor. I love using Dutch-processed cocoa for its rich, smooth taste.
- Whisk continuously: When you’re cooking the filling, keep whisking to prevent lumps—trust me, it’s worth the effort!
- Don’t skip the chilling: Allowing the pie to chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight!) ensures the perfect texture and taste.
- Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like crushed cookies, caramel drizzle, or even a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist!
- Check for doneness: The filling should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon before you remove it from the heat.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional values for each slice of my granny’s cocoa cream pie. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portions:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Sugar: 24g
Enjoy indulging in this creamy delight while keeping these values in mind!
FAQ About My Grannys Cocoa Cream Pie
Got questions about my granny’s cocoa cream pie? I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear:
How should I store the pie?
Once it’s chilled, cover the pie with plastic wrap or a lid and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days—if it lasts that long!
Can I use a homemade pie crust?
Absolutely! If you’re feeling adventurous, a homemade crust adds a personal touch and is super delicious. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before adding the filling.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
No worries! You can substitute it with an equal amount of all-purpose flour, but be sure to cook the filling a little longer to achieve the same thickness.
Can I make this pie dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free milk like almond or coconut milk and dairy-free butter. It might slightly alter the flavor, but still delicious!
How can I make the pie more chocolatey?
If you’re a chocolate lover, try adding some chocolate chips to the filling or drizzle melted chocolate on top with the whipped cream. Yum!
My Grannys Cocoa Cream Pie: 7 Steps to Chocolate Bliss
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and creamy cocoa pie inspired by my granny’s recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made pie crust
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 3/4 cups milk
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Whipped cream for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually add milk, stirring until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until thickened.
- In a bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add a small amount of the hot mixture to the yolks, stirring constantly.
- Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Pour the filling into the pie crust.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Top with whipped cream before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Let the pie chill overnight for better texture.
- Feel free to add chocolate shavings for garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and Chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: my grannys cocoa cream pie, cocoa pie, dessert recipe
