Coffee Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust

Coffee Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust is the ultimate indulgence for coffee lovers and dessert aficionados alike. A rich, chocolatey crust cradles a smooth, creamy coffee-flavored filling, topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a decadent finish.

This pie combines the bold flavor of coffee with the sweetness of chocolate, making it the perfect balance of bitter, sweet, and creamy textures. It’s ideal for special occasions, dinner parties, or whenever you crave a luxurious, homemade dessert.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it feels like a café dessert at home — the chocolate crust is rich and slightly crisp, while the coffee cream filling is silky, fragrant, and luscious. Every bite is a perfect blend of bold coffee flavor and creamy sweetness.

It’s satisfying to make, yet not overly complicated. The process of layering flavors, chilling the pie, and finally garnishing it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings is rewarding and makes for a stunning presentation.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This pie is a must-try because:

• It offers deep coffee flavor without being overpowering.
• Chocolate and coffee are a classic, irresistible pairing.
• The creamy texture contrasts perfectly with the slightly crisp crust.
• It’s elegant and versatile — perfect for any occasion.
• Easy to customize with toppings or liqueur for an adult twist.

It’s a dessert that’s both impressive and deeply satisfying — one that will have people asking for seconds.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes (for crust)
• Chilling Time: 3–4 hours
• Total Time: ~4 hours
• Servings: 8–10
• Calories: ~380 kcal per slice

Cuisine and Course

• Cuisine: American / Contemporary
• Course: Dessert

Ingredients

For the Chocolate Crust:

• 1½ cups chocolate cookie crumbs (chocolate wafers or Oreos, finely crushed)
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

For the Coffee Cream Filling:

• 1¼ cups whole milk
• ¾ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 tsp instant coffee granules (or 1 tbsp strong brewed espresso)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter

For the Whipped Cream Topping:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder, for garnish

Simple Cooking Directions

1. Prepare and bake chocolate crust.
2. Cook coffee cream filling until thickened.
3. Pour filling into cooled crust and chill until set.
4. Whip cream and top the chilled pie.
5. Garnish with chocolate shavings and serve.

Step-by-Step Recipe Preparation

Step 1: Make the Chocolate Crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine chocolate cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
4. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Cool completely before adding filling.

Step 2: Prepare the Coffee Cream Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until just simmering.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, remaining sugar, cornstarch, and coffee granules until smooth.
3. Slowly pour hot milk mixture into egg yolks, whisking constantly (tempering the eggs).
4. Return mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat, stir in butter and vanilla extract. Let cool slightly.

Step 3: Assemble the Pie

1. Pour coffee cream filling into the cooled chocolate crust.
2. Cover with plastic wrap (press gently onto surface of filling to prevent skin) and chill in refrigerator for 3–4 hours or until fully set.

Step 4: Prepare Whipped Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, whip heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled coffee cream pie.
3. Garnish with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

How to Serve

• Slice the pie with a sharp knife, wiping between cuts for clean slices.
• Serve chilled, optionally with a small drizzle of chocolate or coffee liqueur.
• Pair with espresso, cappuccino, or dessert wine for a luxurious experience.

Additional Recipe Tips

• For extra flavor, soak the crust lightly with a coffee liqueur before adding filling.
• Use high-quality chocolate cookies for a richer crust.
• Make sure the filling is thick before pouring into the crust to ensure it sets properly.
• Chill at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) for best texture.
• Avoid overwhipping cream to prevent it from turning buttery.

Variations

1. Mocha Pie: Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder to the cream filling.
2. Nutty Twist: Sprinkle crushed hazelnuts or almonds between crust and filling.
3. Caramel Coffee Pie: Drizzle caramel sauce over whipped cream topping.
4. Chocolate Ganache Topping: Replace whipped cream with a rich ganache layer.
5. Spiked Adult Version: Add 1–2 tbsp coffee liqueur to filling for a boozy twist.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for the whipped cream topping. The pie filling can be frozen for up to 1 month, but add whipped cream after thawing.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9-inch pie pan
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Electric mixer (for whipped cream)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use brewed coffee instead of instant granules?
Yes — use 1 tbsp strong brewed coffee in place of the instant coffee.

Q2: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes — assemble and chill overnight for best flavor.

Q3: Can I use a store-bought chocolate crust?
Absolutely! It saves time and still tastes delicious.

Q4: How do I prevent the whipped cream from deflating?
Whip cream just until stiff peaks form and add it right before serving.

Q5: Can I add chocolate chips to the filling?
Yes — fold in ¼ cup mini chocolate chips for added texture.

Conclusion

Coffee Cream Pie with Chocolate Crust is the perfect dessert for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. Its rich chocolate crust, silky coffee cream, and fluffy whipped cream topping make it elegant, satisfying, and utterly irresistible.

It’s a dessert that looks impressive, tastes luxurious, and is surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether served for a dinner party, holiday gathering, or a special weekend treat, this pie is guaranteed to delight everyone at the table.