When the craving for something smooth and chocolaty creeps in, nothing else stands a chance beside a slice of chocolate custard pie. Honestly, the mere thought of a fork sliding through that glossy, creamy chocolate custard pie filling? Pure happiness. I’ve seen it on all sorts of tables — from holiday dinners to random Tuesday nights when the world needs a little cheering up. It isn’t just dessert; it’s an event. Some pies fade into the background, but this one, with its deep cocoa flavor and velvety bite, always gets noticed. The best part? You can tweak this chocolate custard pie recipe any way you please, from classic to vegan, and it never lets you down.

Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours
Servings: 8 generous slices

Ingredients

Here’s what I grab before even thinking about turning on the oven:

  • 1 pie crust, 9-inch (homemade if you’re in the mood, but nobody will judge a store-bought one)
  • 1 cup of dark chocolate, chopped or in chip form (darker = richer, trust me)
  • 2 cups of milk (regular, or oat/almond for the vegan chocolate custard pie crowd)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar (I go with white, but coconut sugar gives a nice twist)
  • 3 large eggs (or 1/4 cup cornstarch for the plant-based folks)
  • 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (don’t skimp on the cocoa, flavor’s everything)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (makes a difference)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (you’ll miss it if it’s gone)

Optional toppings:

  • Whipped cream or coconut whip for dairy-free days
  • Chocolate curls or shavings

Instructions

This is where the magic happens, and trust me, even if you’ve never made a custard before, this chocolate custard pie won’t trip you up.

Preparation

First things first — fire up the oven to 350°F. Lay the pie crust in your dish and do something fancy with the edges if you’re feeling artsy. Or don’t. Pie is pie. Set the crust aside, then put the chocolate on standby.

Cooking

Time to build some flavor. Mix milk, sugar, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan, then warm it over medium heat. Don’t let it boil. You just want it hot enough to melt the chocolate. Throw in those dark chocolate pieces and whisk until you’ve got a silky, shiny mixture.

Now for the eggs — or, if you’re on the vegan side, the cornstarch and a splash of milk. Beat them in a separate bowl. Slowly pour a bit of your hot chocolate milk into the eggs (or cornstarch mix), whisking like you mean it. This keeps things smooth. Pour that eggy chocolate mix back into the saucepan, whisking all the way. Add vanilla.

Let it cook over medium-low heat. Keep stirring until it thickens and clings to your spoon — usually takes five minutes, give or take. Pour it all into the crust.

Slide the pie into the oven. Give it about 35–40 minutes; you want the center just a bit wobbly. That’s the custard’s secret. Cool it down, then set it in the fridge for at least two hours. Temptation is real here.

Serving

Once the wait is over, slice up that chocolate custard pie. I love piling on whipped cream and tossing chocolate shavings on top — presentation matters, even if you’re eating it in pajamas. This pie goes with anything: coffee, milk, or nothing at all.

Nutritional Value Per One Serving

Nutrition Facts
Calories: 310
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 210mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 21g
Protein: 6g

Tips and Variations

Let’s be honest — recipes are guidelines, not rules. I switch things up all the time:

  • Bittersweet chocolate for drama; milk chocolate for mellow moods
  • Gluten-free crusts — almond flour or even pretzels for crunch
  • Drizzle extra melted chocolate or caramel over the top

For vegan chocolate custard pie, oat or almond milk is king, and the cornstarch swap is so easy you’ll barely notice.

Conclusion

If you’ve made it this far, you deserve a slice. This isn’t just the chocolate custard pie recipe best for impressing a crowd; it’s the one you’ll reach for when you want comfort. Every bite is a reminder that desserts don’t need to be complicated to be unforgettable. Whether you’re sharing or hiding the last piece for yourself (no judgment), this pie delivers — every single time.

For more delightful sweets recipes, check out our collection.