Homestyle Chocolate Chess Pie (Print Version)

Southern chocolate custard in flaky crust with airy whipped cream. Rich, easy treat perfect to share.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Pie Crust

01 - 1 unbaked 9-inch pie shell

→ For the Chocolate Chess Filling

02 - 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 3 large eggs
04 - 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
05 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
06 - 1/2 cup evaporated milk
07 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
08 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ For the Whipped Cream

09 - 1 cup heavy cream, cold
10 - 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the unbaked 9-inch pie shell in a 9-inch pie pan and crimp the edges. Set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and unsweetened cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Incorporate the melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt, whisking until all ingredients are fully integrated.
03 - Pour the prepared chocolate filling into the seasoned pie shell. Transfer the pie to the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. The center should be just set, with a slight wobble. Minor cracking on the surface is expected.
04 - Remove the pie from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
05 - While the pie cools, prepare the whipped cream. In a chilled mixing bowl, use an electric mixer or hand whisk to beat the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
06 - Once the pie has cooled, slice it and serve each portion with a generous dollop of the freshly whipped cream.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Ready in just 1 hour from start to finish
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients you likely already have
  • Perfect make ahead dessert for gatherings
  • No complicated techniques required even for beginners
  • Creates an impressive dessert with minimal effort
02 -
  • Perfect for make ahead desserts up to 24 hours in advance
  • Contains approximately 410 calories per serving
  • Creates 8 generous servings perfect for family gatherings
  • Achieves the perfect balance between chocolate intensity and sweetness
  • Can be served warm or chilled depending on preference
03 -
  • For the silkiest filling sift your cocoa powder before mixing to eliminate any lumps that might not incorporate fully during whisking.
  • The perfect chess pie has a slightly jiggly center when removed from the oven. If you wait until it seems completely set it will likely be overbaked and lose its signature fudgy texture.
  • When making the whipped cream chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for 10 minutes before whipping. The cold equipment helps achieve maximum volume in less time.

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