Give Our Pie With Chocolate Filling Recipe a Shot
Make a simple pie with chocolate filling from scratch, measure ingredients, mix crust and filling, assemble and bake safely with adult supervision.
About this activity
Make a simple pie with chocolate filling from scratch, measure ingredients, mix crust and filling, assemble and bake safely with adult supervision.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Ask an adult to preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Step 2
Measure 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar into a mixing bowl.
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Step 3
Cut 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add the cubes to the bowl.
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Step 4
Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
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Step 5
Add 3 tablespoons ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time and stir until the dough holds together then shape it into a flat disk and chill it in the refrigerator for 15 minutes.
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Step 6
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches across.
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Step 7
Gently lay the rolled dough into the 9-inch pie dish press it to fit and trim any extra edges.
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Step 8
Line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans.
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Step 9
Ask an adult to blind-bake the crust at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes then remove the weights and bake 5 more minutes and lower the oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Step 10
In a medium bowl whisk 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 2 tablespoons cornstarch and a pinch of salt then whisk in 2 beaten eggs and 1 cup milk until smooth.
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Step 11
Ask an adult to melt 1/4 cup butter then stir the melted butter and 1 teaspoon vanilla into the chocolate filling.
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Step 12
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked crust and ask an adult to bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes until the center is set.
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Step 13
Let the pie cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour so the filling finishes setting.
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Step 14
Share your finished creation on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I make a simple chocolate-filled pie with my child?
Start by preheating the oven and preparing a clean workspace. Measure flour, cold butter, a pinch of salt and a little sugar; cut the butter into the flour until crumbly, press into a pie pan for the crust and chill briefly. Melt chocolate with cream or butter, whisk in sugar, eggs (or substitute) and vanilla for the filling. Pour into the crust, bake until set, then cool completely. An adult should handle all oven work.
What materials and ingredients do I need to make a chocolate pie from scratch?
Ingredients: all-purpose flour, cold butter or shortening, sugar and salt for crust; baking chocolate or cocoa, cream or milk, eggs (or pasteurized/substitute) and vanilla for the filling. Tools: mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons, whisk, spatula, pastry cutter or fork, pie pan, rolling pin (optional), oven mitts, baking sheet and a timer. Optional toppings: powdered sugar, whipped cream, or fruit.
What ages is baking a chocolate pie suitable for and what supervision is needed?
Toddlers (2–4) can assist with stirring or sprinkling while closely supervised. Ages 5–7 can measure dry ingredients and press crust with an adult nearby. Children 8–12 can mix filling and assemble the pie, but an adult should manage oven use and any knife work. Teens 13+ can do most steps with guidance; adults still control hot pans and final baking. Adjust tasks to each child’s coordination and attention.
What safety tips should I follow while kids bake a chocolate pie?
Always supervise closely and let an adult handle preheating, oven use and removing hot pans. Use oven mitts, keep pot and pan handles turned inward, and teach safe knife handling. Avoid raw-egg risks by using pasteurized eggs or fully cooking the filling, and cool the pie before serving. Keep counters dry and clutter-free to prevent slips, watch for allergies, and have a basic first-aid kit nearby for minor cuts or burns.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
Can I substitute the 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter with something else?
You can use salted butter or margarine instead of the 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, but reduce or omit the 1/2 teaspoon salt in the flour and still cut the fat into small cold cubes for the right crust texture.
What should I do if the dough is too sticky or falls apart when I try to shape it into a disk?
If the dough is too sticky after adding the 3 tablespoons ice-cold water, dust the surface with extra flour and chill longer, and if it crumbles add another teaspoon of ice-cold water at a time until it holds together before chilling for 15 minutes.
How can I adapt tasks for different ages so kids can help safely with the recipe?
Let younger kids measure the flour, sugar, and cocoa and press the chilled dough into the 9-inch pie dish while an adult handles the oven and hot steps, and allow older kids to roll the 12-inch circle, blind-bake the crust, and whisk the chocolate filling with supervision.
How can we extend or personalize the chocolate pie once the filling is made?
Before pouring the filling into the pre-baked crust, stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso or chopped nuts, and after the pie cools for at least 1 hour, top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt before sharing on DIY.org.