Name: Best Chocolate Pudding Pie
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 270 min
Ingredients: Crust:; 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs; 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted); 2 tbsp sugar; Chocolate Pudding Filling:; 2½ cups whole milk; ¾ cup granulated sugar; ¼ cup cornstarch; ¼ tsp salt; 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (finely chopped); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract; Topping:; 1½ cups heavy cream; 2 tbsp powdered sugar; Optional garnish: chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Introduction

Best Chocolate Pudding Pie is a classic, crowd-pleasing dessert featuring a silky chocolate pudding filling nestled in a crisp cookie or graham cracker crust and finished with clouds of whipped cream. Rich yet light, nostalgic yet timeless, this pie delivers deep chocolate flavor with a smooth, spoonable texture that sets beautifully without being heavy. Whether you make it fully from scratch or opt for a quick no-bake approach, this chocolate pudding pie is effortless, elegant, and always a hit.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Creamy, smooth chocolate filling
Simple ingredients with big payoff
Make-ahead friendly and stress-free
No-bake option available
Perfect for holidays, potlucks, and parties

Ingredients (serves 8–10)

Crust

1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs or graham cracker crumbs
6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp sugar

Chocolate Pudding Filling

2½ cups whole milk
¾ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

1½ cups heavy cream
2 tbsp powdered sugar
Optional garnish: chocolate shavings or cocoa powder

Essential Tools and Equipment

9-inch pie dish
Saucepan
Whisk
Mixing bowls
Hand mixer or whisk

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Prepare the crust

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking the crust. Combine cookie crumbs, melted butter, and sugar until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a pie dish. Bake 8–10 minutes, then cool completely. For a no-bake crust, chill 30 minutes instead.

2. Mix the pudding base

In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt until well combined. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and lump-free. This dry-first method prevents clumping.

3. Cook until thick

Place saucepan over medium heat and cook, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble—about 5–7 minutes. The pudding should coat the back of a spoon and hold a line when swiped.

4. Add chocolate and finish

Remove from heat and immediately add chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla. Whisk until fully melted and silky smooth. The pudding should look glossy and rich.

5. Fill the crust

Pour hot pudding into the cooled crust and smooth the top. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent skin from forming.

6. Chill to set

Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Proper chilling ensures clean slices.

7. Whip the topping

Just before serving, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar to soft, fluffy peaks. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.

8. Garnish and serve

Finish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder. Slice with a clean, warm knife for neat servings.

Mistakes to avoid

Not whisking constantly — leads to lumps
Undercooking pudding — won’t set properly
Skipping plastic wrap — forms a skin
Filling a warm crust — soggy bottom
Overwhipping cream — grainy topping

Variations of Best Chocolate Pudding Pie

No-Bake Version — use a store-bought crust
Dark Chocolate — Use 70% chocolate for a deeper flavor
Peanut Butter Swirl — swirl melted peanut butter into pudding
Mocha — add 1 tsp instant espresso powder
Mini Pies — portion into individual cups

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate covered up to 3 days
Add whipped cream just before serving
Do not freeze (texture changes)
Best flavor after overnight chill

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?
Yes, but chopped chocolate provides the smoothest texture.

Why is my pudding grainy?
The heat may have been too high, or the chocolate may not have been fully melted.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Use plant milk and dairy-free chocolate; the texture may be softer.

Does it slice cleanly?
Yes, once fully chilled and set.

Conclusion

Best Chocolate Pudding Pie is everything a classic dessert should be—creamy, chocolate-forward, and effortlessly comforting. With a silky pudding filling, crisp crust, and airy whipped topping, it delivers nostalgic flavor with polished presentation. Make it once, and it quickly becomes your go-to chocolate dessert for any occasion.