Hot Chocolate Pie
This No-Bake Hot Chocolate Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream come true. It’s rich, creamy, and captures all the cozy flavors of a cup of hot chocolate—but in pie form! Best of all, there’s no need to turn on the oven, making it an easy dessert for any occasion.
This pie is perfect when you want a decadent dessert without the fuss. It’s great for holidays, family gatherings, or just because you have a chocolate craving. The combination of instant chocolate pudding, melted chocolate chips, and fluffy Cool Whip creates a luscious filling that’s hard to resist. Plus, the chocolate cookie crust adds an extra layer of chocolaty goodness that’s simply irresistible.
Why you’ll love this Hot Chocolate Pie
Chocolate Bliss in Every Bite:
In our house, this pie disappears almost as quickly as it’s made. The first time I served it, everyone went back for seconds. It’s become a family favorite because it’s so simple yet tastes like you spent hours making it. The combination of the crunchy chocolate crust and the silky filling is just irresistible.
Ingredients Needed for Hot Chocolate Pie
- Chocolate cookie crumbs: These form the base of the crust. You can use crushed chocolate sandwich cookies or any chocolate wafer cookies.
- Unsalted butter: Melted butter binds the cookie crumbs together for the crust.
- Instant chocolate pudding mix: Provides the creamy chocolate foundation for the filling. Make sure to use instant pudding, not cook-and-serve.
- Cold milk: Helps the pudding mix set properly.
- Semisweet chocolate chips: Melted and added to the filling for extra chocolate richness.
- Cool Whip: Gives the filling a light, airy texture. You can substitute with whipped cream if you prefer.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor of the pie.
How to make Hot Chocolate Pie
**For more detailed instructions, please refer to the printable recipe card below.**
Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl and press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened.
Fold in the melted chocolate chips and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is light, creamy, and fully combined.
Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Before serving, spread additional whipped cream, mini marshmallows, choclate shavings and serve with chocolate sauce.
Variations
- Mint Chocolate Pie: Add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the filling and garnish with crushed peppermint candies for a refreshing twist.
- Peanut Butter Chocolate Pie: Swirl in half a cup of creamy peanut butter into the filling for a delicious peanut butter flavor. Or try this Peanut Butter Pie for something different.
- Dark Chocolate Lover’s Pie: Use dark chocolate chips instead of semisweet for a richer, more intense chocolate experience.
- S’Mores Pie: Top the pie with mini marshmallows and broil for a minute until they’re toasted. Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers.
Serving Suggestions
- With Fresh Berries: Serve slices with a side of fresh strawberries or raspberries to complement the rich chocolate.
- Drizzled with Caramel: Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top for extra decadence.
- Ice Cream On The Side: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate dessert experience.
- Holiday Dessert: Decorate with themed sprinkles or candies for special occasions.
- Mini Pies: Make individual servings using a muffin tin for parties or gatherings.
Storage and Freezing
- How should I store Hot Chocolate Pie?
Store any leftover pie covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep it tightly wrapped to maintain freshness.
- Can I freeze Hot Chocolate Pie?
You can freeze the pie for up to 2 months. Wrap it securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
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Tips & Tricks
- Chill the crust: Make sure to chill the crust while preparing the filling so it sets properly and holds together.
- Melt chocolate carefully: When melting the chocolate chips, do so gently to avoid scorching. You can use a microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or melt them over a double boiler.
- Room temperature ingredients: Let the melted chocolate cool slightly before adding to the filling to prevent it from melting the Cool Whip.
- Use real whipped cream: For a homemade touch, whip heavy cream with a bit of powdered sugar instead of using Cool Whip.
- Decorate before serving: Add toppings like marshmallows or chocolate shavings just before serving to keep them fresh and appealing.
Recommended
More Sweet Treats
FAQ
Hot Chocolate Pie
Equipment
- 9-inch pie dish
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Crust:
- 1 ½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs about 24 chocolate sandwich cookies, finely crushed
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
For the Filling:
- 2 box instant chocolate pudding mix 3.9 oz each
- 2 cups cold milk
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips melted and slightly cooled
- 1 container Cool Whip 8 oz, thawed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Cool Whip or whipped cream
- Chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate cookie crumbs and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Stir until the crumbs are fully coated with butter. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Chill the crust in the refrigerator while you prepare the filling.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant chocolate pudding mix and cold milk until smooth and thickened (about 2 minutes).
- Gently fold in the melted chocolate chips and vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip until the filling is light, creamy, and fully combined.
- Pour the filling into the prepared crust and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, spread or pipe additional Cool Whip or whipped cream over the top of the pie, if desired. Garnish with chocolate shavings, mini marshmallows, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Slice and enjoy!