Chocolate Cream Pie with Cinnamon & Ancho Chile

In my seventh grade home ec class, circa 1987, we churned out such memorable delicacies as turkey tetrazzini, purple cows (that would be a tall glass of Shasta grape soda with a scoop of vanilla ice cream dropped in) and hamburger macaroni. But my favorite of them all was chocolate pudding pie. It called for three ingredients: instant chocolate Jell-o pudding, a pre-made graham cracker crust and Cool Whip. I thought this was heaven.

In 2011, Chocolate Cream Pie with Cinnamon and Ancho Chile is way more my style.

I’m not so much of a food snob now that I’d necessarily run away from instant chocolate pudding…but homemade chocolate pudding slowly stirred on the stove with Scharffen Berger chocolate stops me in my tracks. Sure, I’ll bake pies with a store-bought pie crust every now and then…but a freshly baked graham cracker crust gently spiced with ancho chile powder and cinnamon is a thing of beauty. If a recipe insists on “frozen whipped topping” I’ll probably just go with it…but I’ll leave not a drop of vanilla-scented freshly whipped cream on my spoon.

This is the kind of dessert that, with its pillowy, mousse-like filling, “tastes light” even though you know it’s oh-so-decadent. But I made it for a very special occasion – my husband’s birthday – so it was well worth the indulgence. 🙂

Chocolate Cream Pie with Cinnamon & Ancho Chile

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12 Comments

  1. This was so good and yours look delicious!

    Posted 6.9.11 Reply
  2. Marla wrote:

    “Pillowy mousse like filling” with ancho chile?? I am sold – this chocolate cream pie would be great at summer parties.

    Posted 6.10.11 Reply
  3. I adore Scharffen Berger more than words can say. Your pie is beautiful! I just happen to have some Scharffen Berger kicking around in my baking cupboard. I think it’s chocolate pie for the weekend. 🙂

    Posted 6.10.11 Reply
  4. Colleen wrote:

    Ha, my husband didn’t get such a fabulously delicious treat for HIS birthday. Poor thing, I think he’s planning a trip to California for next year!

    Posted 6.10.11 Reply
  5. This recipe is divine! Love the creamy chocolatey filling and the crust with pecans. It is a stumble no doubt 😉

    Posted 6.10.11 Reply
  6. Mindy wrote:

    Delicious! This will definitely go into my to-make file!

    Posted 6.10.11 Reply
  7. Wow!! This has all the makings of a perfect pie!!

    Posted 6.11.11 Reply
  8. You had me at “pillowy, mousse-like filling.” There are several birthdays coming up in my family. I bet they would love to try this.

    Posted 6.11.11 Reply
  9. A purple cow?! Never heard of it but I LOVE grape soda and it sounds wonderful :). And happy b-day to your husband!

    Posted 6.17.11 Reply
  10. Dan wrote:

    Looks excellent – I’ve noticed a trend of recipes using chocolate and hot spices. Looks awesome.

    Posted 7.4.11 Reply
  11. I’ve made cakes and truffles with a peppers and cinnamon combo but never thought of a pie. Looks terrific!

    Posted 8.10.11 Reply