Chocolate Pudding Pie

Craving a delicious, creamy dessert with a touch of chocolate indulgence? Look no further than this Chocolate Pudding Pie. With a rich chocolate filling and a buttery graham cracker crust, this pie offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

The decadent pudding filling, made with real chocolate and a smooth custard base, pairs perfectly with the crunchy graham cracker crust. This is an easy-to-make yet impressive treat, ideal for any occasion, from casual family dinners to holiday feasts.

Ingredients List

Creating a delightful Chocolate Pudding Pie requires a few key components to achieve the perfect flavor balance. Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious pie:

Crust Ingredients (Homemade Option)

• 12 full-size graham crackers, crushed or processed into fine crumbs
• ¼ cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted

Pudding Filling Ingredients

• 1 (5 ounce) package Jell-O Cook & Serve Chocolate Pudding & Pie Filling (do not use instant pudding mix)
• 1 ounce unsweetened Baker’s Chocolate
• 3 cups milk (2% works well, but whole milk is also a great option)
• 1 prepared graham cracker crust (store-bought is fine, but homemade is extra special)

Optional Garnish

• Whipped cream or Cool Whip

Required Kitchen Tools

When preparing this Chocolate Pudding Pie, having the right tools on hand will help you achieve the perfect results. Here are the essential tools you will need:

1. Medium Saucepan: A saucepan is necessary to cook the pudding filling and ensure it thickens properly.
2. Whisk: A whisk will help you stir the ingredients and keep everything smooth while cooking.
3. 9-inch Pie Dish: You’ll need a pie dish to shape and set the pie. This can be a standard pie dish or a deep-dish option depending on your preference.
4. Food Processor or Rolling Pin: A food processor will make crushing graham crackers into crumbs effortless, but a rolling pin can also do the job if you don’t have one.
5. Cooling Rack: Use a cooling rack to let your crust cool completely before filling it.

Crust Preparation

The foundation of this Chocolate Pudding Pie starts with the crust, which adds a satisfying crunch that perfectly complements the creamy filling. You can use a store-bought graham cracker crust, but making your own from scratch adds a special touch and guarantees freshness.

Homemade Graham Cracker Crust Preparation

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, mix together the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Stir until all crumbs are evenly coated in the buttery mixture. If you have a food processor, you can pulse the graham crackers into fine crumbs and add the sugar and butter to the processor to combine quickly.
2. Press into Pie Dish:
   Press the crumb mixture into the bottom and up the sides of a deep-dish 9-inch pie dish. Use your fingers or the back of a spoon to pack the crumbs tightly to create a solid crust.
3. Bake the Crust:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the crust for 8-10 minutes, or until it turns golden brown. This step helps to firm up the crust and enhances its flavor.
4. Cool the Crust:
   Once baked, let the crust cool completely before filling it. This ensures that your filling won’t melt the crust or cause it to become soggy.

Pudding Filling Preparation

The star of this pie is undoubtedly the rich, creamy chocolate pudding filling. The combination of the Jell-O pudding mix and melted Baker’s Chocolate creates a decadent base that’s smooth and velvety. Follow these steps to make the filling:

Making the Pudding Filling

1. Combine Ingredients:
   In a medium saucepan, whisk together the dry Jell-O Cook & Serve Chocolate Pudding & Pie Filling mix, milk, and Baker’s Chocolate. The addition of the unsweetened Baker’s Chocolate will elevate the flavor and add a rich depth to the pudding.
2. Cook the Filling:
   Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a full boil, whisking constantly. Be sure that the Baker’s Chocolate fully melts and integrates into the pudding. Keep stirring to avoid any lumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
3. Thicken the Filling:
   Once the mixture reaches a full boil, continue to whisk for another 1-2 minutes. The pudding should begin to thicken. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
4. Cool the Filling:
   After removing the filling from the heat, let it sit for about 5 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep it smooth. The filling will continue to thicken as it cools. If any skin forms on the surface, simply whisk it back into the pudding.
5. Pour the Filling into the Crust:
   Once the filling has thickened, pour it into the cooled graham cracker crust. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Refrigerating and Serving the Pie

The final step to making this Chocolate Pudding Pie is allowing it to set properly, giving you that smooth, indulgent texture that makes every bite so satisfying. Be patient and let the pie chill in the refrigerator for the perfect consistency.

Chilling the Pie

1. Refrigerate the Pie:
   Once the filling is poured into the crust, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 3 hours, or for best results, refrigerate overnight. This allows the pudding to set completely, making the pie easier to slice.
2. Optional Garnish:
   Once the pie is set, you can top it with whipped cream or Cool Whip for an added layer of creaminess. Feel free to add a decorative swirl or a sprinkle of reserved graham cracker crumbs on top for a little extra texture and flavor.
3. Slice and Serve:
   When ready to serve, slice the pie into generous portions and enjoy! The pudding filling will be creamy and smooth, while the graham cracker crust offers a perfect crunchy contrast.

Conclusion

This Chocolate Pudding Pie is a timeless dessert that’s both easy to make and sure to impress. With its creamy, chocolatey filling and the delightful crunch of the graham cracker crust, it’s the perfect treat for any occasion.

No matter if you’re serving it for a holiday, a family gathering, or just to satisfy your chocolate cravings, this pie will definitely be a hit. Make sure to store any leftovers in the refrigerator to keep the pie fresh. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, though it’s so tasty, it might not last that long!