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Classic American Diner-Style Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe
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Classic American Diner-Style Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Diner Chocolate Cream Pie - Rich, silky and unapologetically decadent; this one always sits up straight behind the glass of the dessert case, daring anyone to resist. Make our Classic American Diner-Style Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe at home. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Chocolate Cream Pie will taste just like Classic American Diner-Style.
Prep Time45 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Chilling Time4 hours
Total Time5 hours 30 minutes
Course: Dessert, Kid Favorite, Pie, Sweet
Cuisine: American, Diner
Keyword: Chocolate, Pie Recipe

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 1/4 cups All-Purpose Flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter cold and cubed
  • 3 - 5 tablespoons Ice Water

Filling

  • 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1/3 cup Cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 1/2 cups Whole Milk
  • 4 ounces Semisweet Chocolate chopped
  • 2 ounces Unsweetened Chocolate chopped
  • 4 large Egg Yolks
  • 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Topping

  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • Shaved Chocolate or Cocoa Powder for garnish

Instructions

Crust

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
  • Cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture becomes crumbly.
  • Gradually add ice water, mixing just until the dough forms.
  • Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill for 30 minutes.
  • After chilling, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate.
  • Prick the bottom of the crust with a fork.
  • Bake for 25 - 30 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Allow to cool completely.
  • Alternately - Use a premade pie crust and prepare according to package instructions. ;)

Chocolate Custard Filling

  • In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  • Slowly whisk in the milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble.
  • In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks.
  • Slowly whisk in some of the hot milk mixture to temper the yolks, then return everything to the saucepan.
  • Continue to cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat and add the chopped semisweet and unsweetened chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • Add the butter and vanilla extract, and stir until glossy.
  • Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Assemble the Pie

  • Pour the cooled chocolate custard filling into the cooled pie crust.
  • Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until the filling is set.
  • Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping:
  • In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
  • Spread the whipped cream evenly over the chilled pie.

Garnish and Serve

  • Garnish the pie with shaved chocolate or a dusting of cocoa powder.
  • Serve cold with a cup of hot coffee, black and strong, for the ultimate diner experience.
  • Serving Tip: Diner Chocolate Cream Pie is best served cold, with a side of coffee or a glass of milk. Its rich, silky texture and decadent chocolate flavor make it the perfect treat to enjoy after a hearty meal or to share at a gathering.