Chocolate Cream Pie

Chocolate Cream Pie

This pie is a must for our family every Thanksgiving. It is rich and wonderfully creamy. Before you put this in the refrigerator, be sure to place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the pie to keep a skin from forming on the top. Serve with fresh whipped cream.
Plan ahead note: the crust needs to be refrigerated for 45 minutes and this pie is best if refrigerated overnight.
Course Thanksgiving
Servings 8 slices

Ingredients
  

Crust

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup shortening cold and cut into cubes
  • 3-4 Tablespoons ice cold water

Filling

  • 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • ¼ cup cocoa sifted
  • pinch salt
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 2 cups milk
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

Crust

  • Preheat oven to 425°.
  • Combine flour and salt in a food processor, add cold shortening and blend until coarse crumbs form.
  • With motor running, add cold water one tablespoon at a time just until all ingredients are moistened.
  • Shape into a ball on a lightly floured surface and chill for 45 minutes.
  • On a lightly floured surface, roll crust to fit into a 9" pie pan.
  • Crimp edges. Prick the crust with a fork, including the sides.
  • Bake at 425° for 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned.

Filling

  • Combine sugar, flour, cocoa, and salt in a saucepan.
  • In a separate bowl combine eggs yolks and milk.
  • Add to sugar mixture along with the butter.
  • Cook over medium heat until mixture thickens and boils. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
  • Spoon into pie crust. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.