If you have a soft spot for rich, velvety desserts that feel like a warm hug in every bite, this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a luscious chocolate cream filling nestled in a crunchy Oreo crust, topped with cloud-like whipped cream—each mouthful perfectly balancing sweetness and sophistication. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving a little indulgence, this pie brings pure joy with every slice.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three steps of making a chocolate pie with a cookie crust. On the left, a woman's hand holds a red spatula stirring smooth, dark chocolate in a metal sieve over a glass bowl. In the middle, thick chocolate filling is poured into a black cookie crust in a white plate on a white marbled surface with a soft cloth nearby. On the right, the chocolate filling is spread evenly inside the crust in a white plate placed on the same white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

One of the reasons this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe is so beloved is how straightforward and essential its ingredients are. Each one plays a unique role, from adding texture and depth to infusing unbeatable flavor that makes the pie unforgettable.

24 Oreo cookies with filling, crushed into crumbs: Forms a rich, crunchy crust with a hint of chocolate and cream built-in.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled: Binds the Oreo crumbs together for that perfect crust texture.
2½ cups (600 ml) half-and-half: Creates a creamy base for the chocolate filling that’s lighter than heavy cream but still silky smooth.
Pinch salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
⅓ cup (66 g) granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the custard filling without overpowering it.
2 tablespoons (14 g) cornstarch: Thickens the filling to that ideal creamy consistency.
6 egg yolks, at room temperature: Adds richness and helps set the custard.
6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into 6 pieces: Adds silkiness and a glossy finish to the filling.
6 ounces semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped: Delivers deep chocolate flavor and complexity.
1 ounce unsweetened chocolate, finely chopped: Boosts intensity and balances the sweetness from other chocolates.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses warmth and rounds out the chocolate taste beautifully.
1½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream: Whips into the fluffy topping that crowns the pie.
⅓ cup (38 g) powdered sugar: Sweetens the whipped cream lightly and smoothly.
¾ teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle sweet aroma to the whipped topping.

How to Make Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oreo Crust

Start by crushing those Oreos into fine crumbs—this base is the secret to the pie’s texture contrast. Mix the crumbs with melted butter until everything looks like damp sand. Press this mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie pan, ensuring the edges are slightly upturned for a perfect crust. Pop it into the fridge to chill while you focus on the dreamy filling.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cream Filling

In a medium saucepan, whisk together half-and-half, a pinch of salt, and half the granulated sugar. Heat gently until it’s warm but not boiling. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with the remaining sugar, and then beat in the egg yolks. Slowly pour the warm half-and-half mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent scrambling.

Step 3: Cook the Custard

Pour the combined mixture back into the saucepan and cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly until it thickens to custard consistency and coats the back of a spoon. This step requires patience but trust me—it’s what creates that silky smooth texture you’ll dream about.

Step 4: Add Chocolate and Butter

Remove the custard from heat and stir in chopped semisweet and unsweetened chocolates. Mix until the chocolate melts completely. Then, add the cold butter pieces one by one, stirring each in until fully incorporated, giving the filling a beautiful sheen.

Step 5: Stir in Vanilla and Chill

Finish the filling with a splash of vanilla extract for aromatic depth. Pour the filling into your chilled Oreo crust, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight—to allow the flavors and textures to harmonize perfectly.

Step 6: Prepare the Whipped Cream Topping

When ready to serve, whip cold heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft peaks form. This topping is light and airy, providing a delightful contrast to the dense chocolate custard.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

Spread the whipped cream generously over the chilled pie, creating lovely swirls or peaks. Your Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe is now ready to wow friends and family!

How to Serve Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe

The image shows two side-by-side bowls on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is round and gray with a small spout. In the left bowl, there is a smooth, light cream liquid with small bubbles on the surface. Above it, there are two small gray cups, one filled with a dark amber liquid, the other with white granules. In the right bowl, the cream is whipped, thick, and airy with soft peaks and swirls. Above this bowl, the same two cups are visible, one containing a small amount of light brown powder and the other with white granules. The overall scene is simple and clean with natural lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the pie looks stunning just with whipped cream, adding a few garnishes can elevate it even more. Consider topping with shaved chocolate, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a handful of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries to add a burst of color and a hint of tartness.

Side Dishes

Because this pie is rich, pairing it with something light like fresh fruit salad or a simple espresso can be a delightful contrast. A crisp green salad with citrus dressing also complements the creamy texture beautifully after your slice of pie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the filling in individual glass cups layered with crushed Oreos and whipped cream. Another idea is to create mini chocolate cream pies using tart shells—perfect for parties or a fancy dessert table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the pie from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

If you want to save pie for later, you can freeze it. Wrap the pie securely in plastic wrap and then in foil to protect against freezer burn. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

This pie is best enjoyed chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you want softer whipped topping, gently let the pie sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before slicing.

FAQs

Can I use a different cookie for the crust?

Absolutely! While Oreo cookies provide a perfect flavor balance and texture, graham crackers or chocolate wafer cookies can also make delicious crusts for this Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, but with adjustments. Substitute half-and-half and heavy cream with coconut cream or another rich dairy-free alternative. Use dairy-free chocolate and butter substitutes to keep that creamy indulgence intact.

How do I know when the custard is thick enough?

The custard should coat the back of a spoon thickly—meaning if you run your finger through it, the line stays clear. Patience is key; keep stirring gently on medium-low heat until this happens.

Can I make this pie ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! This Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe tastes even better the next day as the flavors settle. Just make sure to finish with whipped cream topping shortly before serving to keep it fresh.

What’s the best way to slice the pie cleanly?

To get neat slices, use a sharp knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry before each cut. This warms the blade slightly and helps glide through the creamy pie smoothly.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that never fails to impress and comfort at the same time. Its perfect balance of crunchy crust, luscious filling, and fluffy topping makes it a true crowd-pleaser. I’m thrilled to share this with you and can’t wait for you to enjoy every scrumptious bite as much as I do.