Double Chocolate Pie Recipe

4.91 from 11 votes

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This chocolate pie is rich, creamy, and layered with chocolate flavor in every bite. It’s smooth but still fluffy, deeply chocolatey without feeling heavy, and comes together with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. The combo of melted chocolate plus pudding plus whipped cream? That’s the move. It slices clean, holds its shape, and still melts in your mouth. Yes, it’s that good.



 

Ingredient Notes

  • Semisweet baking chocolate – Go with a quality bar here. It melts smoother and gives that deep chocolate flavor that sets this pie apart.
  • Heavy whipping cream – This gets whipped into a fluffy topping and folded into the filling for that light, mousse-like texture.
  • Vanilla extract – Just a little rounds out the chocolate and makes everything taste more balanced.
  • Instant chocolate pudding mix – Helps the filling set perfectly while adding another layer of chocolate flavor.
  • Cold milk – Make sure it’s cold so the pudding thickens quickly.
  • Powdered sugar (optional) – Adds a touch of sweetness to the whipped cream.
  • Pre-baked pie crust – A shortcut that works. A frozen crust baked and cooled is perfect here.
  • Chocolate shavings – Because we’re leaning all the way into chocolate… obviously.
easy chocolate pie

How to Make Chocolate Pie

This recipe comes together in layers, but nothing complicated. You’ll melt, whip, mix, and chill. That’s it. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements, see the printable recipe card down below. Here’s a quick overview:

Step 1: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, break the chocolate into pieces and microwave in short bursts, stirring every 20 seconds. Once mostly melted, stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.

Step 2: Whip the Cream

In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with vanilla extract and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix the Filling

In another mixing bowl, use a hand mixer to combine cold milk and pudding mix until smooth. Let it sit for 3 minutes to thicken.

Step 4: Add Chocolate

Stir the cooled melted chocolate into the pudding mixture. Scrape the sides and mix again briefly.

Step 5: Fold + Fill

Fold in half of the whipped cream gently. Pour the filling into your cooled pie crust.

Step 6: Finish + Chill

Top with remaining whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Cover loosely and refrigerate until set.

Pro tip: Give it at least 4 hours. Overnight is even better.

best chocolate pie

The Tools That Make This Recipe Easier

Before you start, grab a few basics so everything comes together smoothly.

  • Mixing bowls– You’ll need at least two. One for whipping cream and one for the filling. A lightweight set keeps things easy to manage.
  • Hand mixer– Helps whip the cream quickly and blend the pudding mixture until smooth.

Tips for Success

  • Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing, it blends better and keeps the texture smooth.
  • Use cold milk straight from the fridge so the pudding sets properly.
  • Fold gently when adding whipped cream to keep the filling light and airy.
  • Chill for at least a few hours before slicing for clean cuts.
  • Use a sharp knife and wipe between slices for bakery-style presentation.

What to Serve with Chocolate Pie

Chocolate Pie

Storage & Make Ahead

This chocolate pie holds up beautifully, which makes it perfect for planning ahead.

  • Refrigerator: Store covered in the fridge for up to 4 days. The filling stays smooth and the crust keeps its structure.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the pie up to 24 hours in advance and keep it chilled. The texture firms up even more, so slicing is easier.
  • Freezer: Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Serving Tip: For clean slices, use a sharp knife and wipe it between cuts.

FAQ

How long does chocolate pie need to set?

At least 4 hours in the fridge. Overnight gives the best texture.

Can I use homemade whipped cream instead of store-bought?

Yes, and you should. It holds better and tastes fresher.

Why add melted chocolate to pudding?

It deepens the flavor and improves the texture, making the filling richer and more stable.

Can I make this chocolate pie ahead of time?

Absolutely. It’s even better the next day after chilling.

Variations

  • Swap semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a richer flavor
  • Use a chocolate cookie crust instead of a traditional pie shell
  • Add a layer of crushed cookies or toffee bits for texture
  • Stir in mini chocolate chips for extra bites of chocolate

More Recipes to Try

This chocolate pie is smooth, rich, and exactly what you want when a chocolate craving hits. Make it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your rotation. The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends!

Chocolate Pie

Double Chocolate Pie Recipe

Katie Cooksey
In this case, the best chocolate pie is also the easiest with this Double Chocolate Pie recipe! With a tasty combo of melted chocolate and mousse! YUM.
4.91 from 11 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 511 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 9 inch "blind baked" pie shell I used a Marie Callender's frozen crust*
  • 8 oz. semisweet baking chocolate I used Ghiradelli chocolate
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar optional
  • 2 cups cold milk
  • 1 5.1 oz. package instant chocolate pudding
  • chocolate shavings for garnish

Instructions
 

  • For the filling, break baking chocolate into pieces into a bowl and melt slowly in the microwave, stirring every 20 seconds. Once melted 2/3rds of the way, continue to stir chocolate to melt the rest of the way. Set aside to cool.
  • In a large bowl, whip cream with vanilla and powdered sugar until stiff. Set aside.
  • In another large bowl using a hand mixer, whip milk with chocolate pudding mix until smooth. Sit 3 minutes to thicken. Whip in cooled melted chocolate. Scrape sides and mix again briefly. Fold in half of the whipped cream. Pour into cooled pie shell. Top with remaining whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Cover gently with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  • *Bake pie crust according to package directions and cool completely before filling.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Store your chocolate pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The texture stays creamy and sliceable.
You can make this ahead of time, it actually improves after chilling overnight.
Freezing works too. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 511kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 8gFat: 44gSaturated Fat: 25gCholesterol: 87mgSodium: 193mgPotassium: 389mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 975IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 140mgIron: 5.5mg
Keyword chocolate pie
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4.91 from 11 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Recipe Rating




46 Responses
  1. Judy Mantha Fairley

    Can’t wait to try this for family Christmas dinner. My grandson is in a wheelchair but boy does he love chocolate!

  2. This week at the Brennan's | Lauren's Latest

    […] some other families from church who also don’t have family close by to celebrate with. I made this, this and this, but in sheet cake form. It was glorious. Once we hit 6:45pm, Eddie started fading […]

  3. Danielle Cooper

    5 stars
    Lauren, I looked all over for this recipe tonight and couldn’t find it! Tomorrow is my husbands birthday and he loves chocolate cream pie and I made yours 3 years ago. Couldn’t find thatcsanr recipe tonight and went with another recipe and yuck, it’s thick and clumpy and bumpy even! So…I searched and searched and knew it was you that published it and I am so happy I found it again!!! You are the best and have the best recipes and ideas! Thank you for saving the day! Sending you lots of love and appreciation for everything you do for all of us!!!

  4. Erica

    Hello! So I made this lovely pie (in a graham cracker crust) and while the taste was delicious, it didn’t set after several hours in the fridge. So when we cut into it, there was no shape – it was just a bunch of loose chocolate pudding/mousse on a crust. Any ideas of what I did wrong?

    1. Lauren

      The only thing I can think of is you used the cooking kind of pudding instead of the instant. It should be very thick when you add it into the pie shell.

  5. Pumpkin Cream Pie | Lauren's Latest

    […] holidays which I am all about…like every day of the week. {Did you catch last week’s chocolate pie? OMG so […]

  6. Gingerbread Cream Pie | Lauren's Latest

    […] to add to my “oh crap, what should I make for Thanksgiving dessert” archives next to my Super Speedy Chocolate Pie and my Pumpkin Cream Pie. It’s for all you folks out there who get wrapped up in the holiday […]

  7. Double Chocolate Chip Fudge Cookies

    […] you like these cookies, you should check out this recipe, this recipe or this recipe. Because, I’m a giver of all things delicious. You’re […]

  8. Brooke

    5 stars
    So I made this for thanksgiving and I was a little nervous about how my chocolate ???? seized up when I mixed it with the pudding BUT it left this light bit of chocolate flakes that made it seem like I did it on purpose, everyone loved and raved about this pie! Lauren’s latest is the first site I search for yummy recipes

  9. michelle

    i am making this for thanksgiving tomorrow on behalf of my sister who is craving chocolate while pregnant with my 3rd nephew! 🙂 happy thanksgiving!

  10. Sara

    Dear Laura,

    Yesterday I saw your post about the chocolate pie you had made for your husband (then boyfriend) the first time u had called him over. The recipe looked irresistible. The problem is I can’t seem to find it today. It’s nowhere on your Facebook page or your blog. Can you kindly share again. Thanku!!
    I love your blog

  11. This week at the Brennan’s | Lauren's Latest

    […] some other families from church who also don’t have family close by to celebrate with. I made this, this and this, but in sheet cake form. It was glorious. Once we hit 6:45pm, Eddie started fading […]

  12. Kristin

    I am making this for a get together with friends on Friday, how far in advance can I make it? Is the day before too early? Thanks!

  13. Mindy

    5 stars
    Hap;py Thanksgiving, hope you are feeling better! We made your Super Speedy Double Chocolate Pie as one of our pie selections, and what a huge hit! Delicious, decadent, and everyone is still talking about it. Thanks for sharing and I hope you get to rest and recover this weekend. The never ending virus is running through the Midwest as well, somehow I’ve avoided it – but my household has been fighting it, everyone is finally well, that day will come for you too 🙂

  14. Marina

    Best chocolate pie I’ve ever made, rave reviews from all who ate it today, thx for our new favorite holiday pie. Customized with some toffee bit sprinkles along with grated chocolate on top. For Christmas may try some crushed peppermint candies instead. Truly foolproof and outstanding recipe!

  15. PaMcJay

    Lauren, I made a similar pie this weekend! I made a cookie crust using Teddy Graham’s, then I made 1 pkg. each of Oetker dark and milk chocolate mousse. I spread the dark in first, then the milk chocolate and topped it with Cool Whip and finally shaved chocolate for garnish. Happy Birthday to my husband!!

  16. Marilyn Brennan

    Yeah, this does sound nummy! And easy. And BTW my husband never seems to catch things when I do, either. They must have good immune systems.

  17. Malinda @ Countryside Cravings

    This pie looks absolutely lovely!! I hate being sick on top of being pregnant, it’s just so much worse! Get well soon!

  18. Valerie | From Valerie's Kitchen

    5 stars
    I always like to include a chocolate pie on Thanksgiving. Such a nice change from all the pumpkin and pecan. This is a really smart shortcut!

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