The Ultimate Chocolate Cream Pie

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: ricotta cheese

Ricotta provides a similar texture at a lower cost

chocolate cookies

🥗Healthier: oatmeal cookies

💰Cheaper: graham crackers

Graham crackers are often less expensive than specialty cookies

In a food processor, pulse 8 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar until broken down to pea-sized pieces.

In a small bowl, combine 1 egg yolk and 4 tablespoons of heavy cream, then add this mixture to the food processor and blend well.

Add 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt to the food processor, pulsing three or four times until a dough forms. Do not overwork it.

Pour the dough into a bowl, gather it together, wrap it in plastic wrap, and chill for about 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).

Spray a 10-inch false bottom tart pan with non-stick cooking spray.

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a rough 12-inch circle, larger than the tart pan.

Fit the dough into the tart pan, patch any cracks, and cut off excess dough by rolling a rolling pin over the top edges.

Prick the dough all over the bottom with a fork to prevent it from puffing up during baking.

Place the tart pan on a foil-lined sheet pan to catch any drips.

Place a piece of parchment paper inside the tart pan and fill it with pie weights or dried uncooked beans to prevent shrinking.

Bake the tart shell at 425°F for about 5 minutes, then lower the temperature to 375°F and continue baking for 10 to 15 minutes.

Remove the parchment and weights, return the tart shell to the oven, and bake for an additional 10 to 12 minutes until barely light brown.

Remove from the oven and immediately scatter 1/2 cup of chopped chocolate or chocolate chips over the bottom of the hot crust, spreading it with an offset spatula as it melts.

Allow the chocolate layer to cool and firm up before adding the filling.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens