Description
This classic Black Bottom Pie features a rich chocolate cookie crust layered with smooth, creamy chocolate custard and topped with a luscious whipped cream filling. Perfectly balanced between indulgence and elegance, this make-ahead dessert from the American South is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the crust:
- 1 1/2 cups chocolate cookie crumbs (such as Oreos, without filling)
- 1/4 cup melted butter
For the chocolate layer:
- 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 egg yolk
For the filling:
- 1 envelope (about 2 1/4 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
- 1/4 cup cold water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Instructions
- Prepare the crust: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a bowl, mix the chocolate cookie crumbs with melted butter until evenly moistened. Press firmly into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 8–10 minutes, then let cool completely.
- Make the chocolate layer: Combine chopped chocolate and milk in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat, stir in egg yolk, and return to low heat, whisking constantly for 1–2 minutes until thickened. Pour into the cooled crust and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to set.
- Prepare the custard filling: Sprinkle gelatin over cold water in a small bowl and let bloom for 5 minutes. In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add milk and egg yolks, then cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and stir in the bloomed gelatin and vanilla. Let cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.
- Whip and combine: Whip the cream to stiff peaks and gently fold into the cooled custard mixture. Pour over the chocolate layer in the crust and smooth the top.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Serve chilled, optionally topped with extra whipped cream or chocolate shavings.
Notes
- This pie can be made a day ahead and keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use dark chocolate for a richer base.
- Add a splash of bourbon to the custard for a grown-up twist.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake + Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
