The microwave may not be your first thought when it comes to rich, creamy chocolate desserts, but this Easy Chocolate Cream Pie will change your mind in one bite. With a filling so silky and satisfying, no one will ever guess it took just minutes to make. Topped with fresh whipped cream and nestled in a buttery crust, it’s everything a chocolate lover dreams of.
Perfect for busy nights, holidays, or unexpected guests, this pie is both indulgent and approachable. Whether you use a store-bought crust or go homemade, the result is a stunning dessert that’s as delightful to make as it is to devour.
Full Recipe:
For the Filling:
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1/2 cup sugar
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1/3 cup cornstarch
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2 tablespoons Dutch-processed cocoa powder
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1/8 teaspoon salt
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3 cups whole milk
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3 large egg yolks
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4 ounces (about 3/4 cup) 60 to 70% chocolate baking chips or chopped chocolate
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 (9-inch) pie crust, pre-baked
For the Whipped Cream:
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 tablespoon sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Chopped chocolate, for garnish
Directions:
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In a medium microwave-safe bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt.
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Stir in 1/2 cup of milk and whisk until smooth. Add the egg yolks, then gradually mix in the remaining milk.
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Partially cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate. Microwave for 3 minutes. Remove and whisk well.
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Microwave again for 2 minutes. Whisk. Then microwave in 45-second intervals, stirring between each until mixture bubbles at the edges and thickens (about 6–8 minutes total).
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Add chocolate, butter, and vanilla to the hot mixture. Stir until smooth and fully melted.
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Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust. Let cool at room temperature for 1 hour, then chill uncovered for at least 4 hours until set.
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Just before serving, beat cream, sugar, and vanilla in a mixer until soft peaks form.
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Spread whipped cream over the pie and garnish with chopped chocolate. Serve immediately for best texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 584 kcal per serving | Servings: 8 servings
A Decadent Dessert Made Easy: The Story of Chocolate Cream Pie
Chocolate cream pie is a timeless dessert beloved by many, and for good reason. It’s a harmonious blend of silky, chocolatey goodness cradled in a flaky or crunchy crust, all topped with a cloud of whipped cream. What makes this version so special is the ease with which it comes together—no stove required, no complicated techniques. Thanks to a microwave method, this recipe saves time without compromising flavor, texture, or satisfaction.
Whether you’re a novice baker or a dessert enthusiast seeking convenience, this pie is an excellent choice for your repertoire. It’s also perfect for those last-minute events or weeknight cravings when you want something sweet and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
A Shortcut That Doesn’t Taste Like One
Many microwave recipes are dismissed as shortcuts that sacrifice quality, but that’s not the case here. This chocolate cream pie tastes every bit as indulgent and homemade as a traditionally prepared pie. The filling is rich and deeply chocolaty thanks to the combination of cocoa powder and quality chocolate, while the texture remains ultra-smooth due to the gentle thickening from cornstarch and egg yolks.
Microwaving the custard base in intervals allows it to thicken gradually without scorching, while the chocolate and butter added at the end melt seamlessly into the mixture. It’s a clever technique that takes the guesswork out of stovetop custards, giving you consistent results every time.
Customizing Your Crust
The base of this pie is just as versatile as its filling. You can use a classic flaky pie crust if you prefer a traditional finish, or go with a graham cracker crust for a slightly sweet and nutty contrast. Feeling extra decadent? Try a chocolate wafer crust that enhances the cocoa profile of the filling. Each option brings its own texture and flavor to the table, and all pair beautifully with the lush chocolate center.
Store-bought crusts can work in a pinch, especially when you’re short on time. But if you’re aiming for a more homemade touch, making your own crust allows you to control everything from the thickness to the flavor intensity. Either way, the crust serves as the perfect counterpoint to the creamy filling and soft whipped topping.
Whipped Cream: The Essential Finishing Touch
No chocolate cream pie is complete without a generous layer of whipped cream. The contrast between the cool, airy topping and the rich, dense filling is part of what makes this dessert so addictive. For the best results, use heavy cream whipped to soft peaks with a touch of sugar and vanilla extract. This gives the topping just enough sweetness to complement the chocolate without overpowering it.
You can pipe it on for a more elegant presentation or spoon it generously over the top for a more rustic look. A few chocolate shavings or curls sprinkled on top can add an extra flourish that takes the dessert from simple to show-stopping.
Ideal for Make-Ahead Desserts
One of the most convenient aspects of this pie is that it can be made ahead of time. The filling needs to set in the fridge for a few hours anyway, so it naturally lends itself to preparation in advance. This makes it a fantastic option for dinner parties, potlucks, or holiday gatherings where you want a stress-free dessert that’s ready when you are.
Just be sure to store the pie uncovered in the refrigerator while it sets, and only add the whipped cream shortly before serving to preserve its texture. Once assembled, leftovers will keep for a few days, although the crust may start to soften over time due to moisture from the filling.
Crowd-Pleasing and Kid-Friendly
This chocolate cream pie is a universal crowd-pleaser. Its familiar, comforting flavors appeal to both children and adults, and the ease of preparation means it’s a great recipe to involve kids in the kitchen. They’ll enjoy helping whisk the filling, watching it transform in the microwave, and, of course, licking the spoon afterward.
Because the recipe doesn’t require any complex cooking techniques or special equipment, it’s also a great confidence booster for novice cooks. The microwave method minimizes the chance of burning or curdling the custard, making it virtually foolproof.
Tips for Perfect Results
Although this recipe is easy, a few tips can help ensure your pie turns out perfectly every time:
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Use high-quality chocolate: Since chocolate is the star ingredient, its quality matters. Choose semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for a deep, satisfying flavor.
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Don’t skip the thickening check: Make sure the filling bubbles in the center during microwaving to activate the cornstarch properly. This step ensures the custard sets firmly and won’t be runny when sliced.
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Cool gradually: Letting the pie cool at room temperature before transferring it to the fridge helps prevent condensation from forming, which can lead to a soggy crust.
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Chill completely: For clean slices and a firm set, allow the pie to chill for at least four hours. Overnight is even better if you have the time.
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Whip the cream fresh: Whipped cream can lose its volume over time, so for the best texture and presentation, whip it just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate cream pie is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it with some easy enhancements:
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Drizzle with caramel or chocolate sauce for added flair.
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Top with fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries for a tart contrast.
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Add a sprinkle of sea salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the chocolate flavor.
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Serve with a side of espresso or coffee to cut through the richness.
The possibilities for customization are endless, and you can tailor it to your personal taste or occasion.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Every Home Cook’s Collection
We live in a time where convenience and quality often seem at odds. This chocolate cream pie bridges that gap beautifully. It shows that even with modern techniques—like using a microwave for what’s traditionally a stovetop custard—you don’t have to compromise on taste or texture.
Its rich, nostalgic flavor, ease of preparation, and beautiful presentation make it ideal for everything from casual family dinners to festive holiday tables. It’s not just a dessert—it’s a celebration of how deliciously simple baking can be.
Conclusion
This Easy Chocolate Cream Pie is proof that simplicity can still deliver a wow factor. With a luscious filling, customizable crust, and fluffy whipped topping, it hits all the right notes. The microwave method is a game-changer for busy bakers, and the end result is nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether you’re making dessert for a crowd or treating yourself to a midnight indulgence, this pie delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe that you’ll find yourself coming back to, not just for how good it tastes, but for how easy and satisfying it is to make.