Chocolate Custard Pie Recipe
Chocolate custard pie is a delightful dessert that blends the rich flavors of cocoa and chocolate with the creamy texture of a traditional custard. The combination of a silky smooth filling and a flaky pie crust makes this dish an elegant yet simple treat to enjoy for any occasion. Here’s how to make this delicious pie from scratch.
Ingredients Overview
1 Pint of Milk: The milk serves as the base of the custard, providing richness and creaminess. Whole milk is ideal for this recipe, as it adds more body to the custard, but you can use 2% milk if you prefer a lighter version.
2 Tablespoonfuls of Cocoa: Cocoa powder gives the custard its deep chocolate flavor. Opt for unsweetened cocoa powder to control the sweetness, ensuring a balanced taste that’s not overly sugary.
4 Tablespoonfuls of Sugar: The sugar sweetens the custard, enhancing the chocolate’s natural flavor without overwhelming it. Feel free to adjust the amount slightly depending on your sweetness preference.
3 Eggs: The eggs are essential for creating that smooth, custard-like texture. They act as a thickening agent, helping the custard set as it bakes. The egg yolks are mixed into the filling, while the whites are saved for the meringue topping.
1 Square of Chocolate: A small square of solid chocolate adds depth and richness to the pie, complementing the cocoa powder for a more robust chocolate flavor.
Pinch of Salt: Just a pinch of salt helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate’s complexity.
1 Teaspoonful of Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds warmth and rounds out the flavors in the custard, giving it a smooth finish.
Pie Crust: A rich pie crust is the foundation for this pie. You can make your own from scratch or use a store-bought one. A buttery, flaky crust pairs beautifully with the creamy custard filling.
2 Additional Tablespoonfuls of Sugar: These are reserved for the meringue topping, giving it a subtle sweetness and helping it brown nicely in the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Custard Base
Start by separating the egg yolks from the whites. Set the whites aside for the meringue. Beat the egg yolks thoroughly in a bowl, then add in the sugar and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients until they’re well combined and smooth.
Step 2: Incorporate the Cocoa and Milk
In a separate small bowl, mix the cocoa powder with half a cup of warm milk. Stir until the cocoa dissolves completely, forming a smooth, lump-free mixture. Slowly pour this cocoa mixture into the egg yolk and sugar combination, stirring constantly to ensure everything is well blended.
Step 3: Add Chocolate and Vanilla
Melt the square of chocolate either in a microwave or on the stovetop, then stir it into the custard mixture. Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, add the vanilla extract. The vanilla enhances the flavor, making the custard even more indulgent.
Step 4: Prepare the Pie Crust
Line a deep pie plate with your pie crust dough. Whether you’re using homemade or store-bought dough, make sure it’s evenly rolled out and fits well into the dish, with a little edge pinched around the plate to give it that classic pie look.
Step 5: Pour the Custard and Bake
Pour the custard mixture into the pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Place the pie into a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake until the custard rises slightly and begins to set, which should take about 20-25 minutes.
Step 6: Make the Meringue
While the pie is baking, prepare the meringue topping. Beat the egg whites you set aside earlier until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add the two tablespoonfuls of sugar to the whites while beating, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely into the meringue.
Step 7: Add Meringue and Finish Baking
Once the custard is mostly set, take the pie out of the oven. Spread the meringue evenly over the top of the custard, making sure it reaches the edges of the crust. This helps seal the custard and gives the pie a beautiful, fluffy finish. Return the pie to the oven and bake for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly browned on top.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Once the pie is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool. This allows the custard to fully set, ensuring a clean slice when serving. You can serve the pie warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference. The combination of the creamy chocolate filling and the light, sweet meringue topping makes this dessert truly irresistible.
Approximate Calorie Count
A slice of Chocolate Custard Pie contains around 300-350 calories, depending on the size of the slice and the amount of sugar and milk used. The calories come primarily from the eggs, milk, sugar, and pie crust, with the chocolate and cocoa adding richness without significantly increasing the calorie count.