Description
Indulge in a masterpiece of textures and decadent flavors with this Layered Chocolate Cream Cheese Pie. From its buttery graham cracker crust to its tangy cheesecake base, silky chocolate pudding, and fluffy whipped cream topping, this pie is a true showstopper. While it looks like it came straight from a bakery, each layer is simple to create, making it a satisfying project for a spectacular dessert that’s perfect for any special occasion.
Ingredients
For the Graham Cracker Crust
15 whole graham crackers
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Cheesecake Layer
16 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 Tbsp all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Chocolate Pudding Layer
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks
4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
For the Whipped Cream Layer
1 1/2 cups cold heavy whipping cream
2 Tbsp confectioner’s sugar
1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, for shaving
Instructions
Prepare the Crust: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until combined. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie plate. Bake for 10 minutes. Let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Make the Cheesecake Layer: In a large bowl, beat the room-temperature cream cheese with a mixer until smooth and free of lumps. Mix in the sugar and flour. Add the eggs and egg yolk one at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined. Gently stir in the sour cream and vanilla.
Bake the Cheesecake: Pour the cheesecake batter into the cooled crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center has a slight wobble. To prevent cracks, turn off the oven, crack the door open, and let the cheesecake cool inside for 1 hour.
Chill the Base: After cooling in the oven, transfer the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until completely firm. This step is crucial for creating distinct layers.
Cook the Chocolate Pudding: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and cornstarch. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it begins to bubble and thicken.
Temper and Finish the Pudding: In a separate heatproof bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Slowly pour about one cup of the hot milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them. Pour the tempered yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, whisking continuously. Remove from the heat and stir in the chopped chocolate and butter until melted and smooth.
Assemble and Chill Again: Pour the warm chocolate pudding over the chilled cheesecake layer, spreading it into an even layer. Return the pie to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 more hours, or until the chocolate pudding layer is firm.
Top and Serve: Just before serving, beat the cold heavy cream and confectioner’s sugar with a mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipped cream over the pie and garnish with chocolate shavings.
Notes
Room Temperature Ingredients: For the smoothest cheesecake layer, ensure your cream cheese, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature to prevent lumps.
Clean Slices: For beautiful, clean slices, use a long, sharp knife. Run the knife under hot water and wipe it clean between each cut.
Patience is Key: Do not rush the chilling times. Allowing each layer to chill completely is the secret to a perfect layered pie that holds its shape.
Make-Ahead: This pie is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just add the whipped cream and chocolate shavings right before serving.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 1015
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 68
- Saturated Fat: 42
- Unsaturated Fat: 26
- Carbohydrates: 85
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 14
- Cholesterol: 350
Keywords: chocolate cream cheese pie, layered pie, cheesecake pie, chocolate pudding pie, graham cracker crust, no-crack cheesecake, holiday dessert, special occasion dessert, homemade pie