This Chocolate Cream Pie is a classic holiday favorite—rich, silky, and irresistibly smooth. With its velvety chocolate filling, buttery crust, and snowy whipped cream topping, it's the perfect addition to any Christmas dessert table. Whether you're hosting a festive gathering or looking for a comforting treat to enjoy by the fireplace, this pie delivers both elegance and warmth. It’s easy to make ahead, incredibly satisfying, and guaranteed to delight chocolate lovers of all ages.

Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 15 mins
  • Chill Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hrs 35 mins
  • Servings: 8
  • Yield: 1 (9-inch) pie

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreo crumbs, without filling)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional if using sweet cookies)

Chocolate Filling

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup cornstarch
  • ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 ½ cups whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 4 large egg yolks
  • 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Optional: chocolate curls, cocoa dusting, crushed peppermint for Christmas

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar (if using). Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
  3. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
  4. Bake for 10 minutes, then allow to cool completely.
    • Tip: For a no-bake option, simply chill the crust in the freezer for 20 minutes instead of baking.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.
  2. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
  3. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until mixture thickens and begins to bubble, about 5–7 minutes.
  4. In a separate bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Slowly pour in ½ cup of the hot mixture while whisking to temper the eggs.
  5. Pour egg mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until thick, glossy, and pudding-like.
  6. Remove from heat; stir in chopped semi-sweet chocolate, butter, and vanilla until melted and smooth.
    • Best Practice: Whisk constantly to avoid lumps or scorching the chocolate.

Step 3: Assemble and Chill

  1. Pour the warm chocolate filling into the prepared crust.
  2. Smooth the top with a spatula.
  3. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming.
  4. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
    • Tip: This pie is an excellent make-ahead Christmas dessert since it sets beautifully with time.

Step 4: Add the Whipped Cream Topping

  1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
  2. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
  3. Garnish with chocolate curls, a dusting of cocoa, or festive crushed peppermint for a Christmas touch.

Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated Values

  • Calories: 435
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 16g
  • Cholesterol: 155mg
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 43g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Total Sugars: 29g
  • Protein: 6g

Conclusion

This Chocolate Cream Pie brings together everything we love about Christmas desserts—comfort, sweetness, and rich holiday flavor. With its silky chocolate filling and pillowy whipped cream topping, it’s a showstopper that requires surprisingly little effort. Whether served after Christmas dinner or enjoyed as a festive treat throughout the season, this pie is sure to become a cherished holiday tradition. Make it ahead, dress it up with seasonal garnishes, and enjoy every decadent slice!

RecipesHoliday RecipesChristmas Recipes