🥧 Chocolatey Black Bottom Pie Made Simple

black bottom pie ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4.9 from pie lovers and vintage dessert fans)
🍫 Chocolatey | 🍮 Creamy | 🧡 Show-Stopping

If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that feels both decadent and nostalgic, Black Bottom Pie is the answer. With its silky chocolate “black bottom,” creamy custard filling, and fluffy whipped topping on a crisp cookie crust, it’s the kind of pie that wows at holidays, dinner parties, or anytime you want something truly special.

Perfect for celebrations, potlucks, or cozy family gatherings.

Why You’ll Love Black Bottom Pie

⏱️ Prep Time: 25 minutes
🍳 Chill Time: 4–6 hours
🍽️ Serves: 8–10 slices
💰 Budget-Friendly: Around $10–12
✨ Flavor: Rich chocolate, velvety custard, and light whipped cream
🧡 Perfect For: Holidays, vintage dessert fans, chocolate lovers

Ingredients – Rich and Creamy

the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups chocolate wafer or graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

the Filling:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 large egg yolks
• 3 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp dark rum (optional, for a traditional touch)

the Topping:

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

How to Make Black Bottom Pie

Step 1: Make the Crust

Mix cookie crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom and sides of a 9-inch pie dish. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes. Let cool.

Step 2: Prepare the Custard

In a saucepan, whisk sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened.

Step 3: Temper the Eggs

Whisk egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly add some of the hot custard to temper, then return to the pan. Cook 2 more minutes, stirring, until thick.

Step 4: Make the “Black Bottom”

Remove half the custard and stir in chopped chocolate and 1 tbsp butter until smooth. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. Refrigerate for 15 minutes to set.

Step 5: Add the Light Custard Layer

To the remaining custard, stir in rum (if using), 1 tbsp butter, and vanilla. Spread gently over the chocolate layer. Chill pie for at least 4 hours.

Step 6: Whip and Top

Beat cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form. Spread or pipe over chilled pie. Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

Serving Ideas for Black Bottom Pie

• Dust with cocoa powder for a simple finish
• Pipe whipped cream rosettes for a vintage look
• Add shaved chocolate curls for elegance
• Pair with after-dinner coffee or cocktails

What Everyone’s Saying About Black Bottom Pie

“So rich and creamy—this pie was the star of our dinner party.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Anna K.

“The chocolate bottom is so decadent, and the rum custard makes it extra special.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – James L.

“A little retro, a lot delicious. This recipe is a keeper!”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Maria T.

Black Bottom Pie – A Creamy, Chocolate-Layered Southern Classic

Black Bottom Pie is a beloved Southern dessert that combines a buttery graham cracker crust, a rich layer of chocolate custard (the “black bottom”), a fluffy rum- or vanilla-flavored custard, and a billowy whipped cream topping. Elegant yet comforting, it’s perfect for holidays, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving a slice of creamy indulgence.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 slices

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: Southern American

Calories: 370

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs about 12 crackers
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter melted

For the Chocolate Custard Layer (Black Bottom):

• 4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Vanilla (or Rum) Custard Layer:

• 1 ¼ cups whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 tbsp dark rum

For the Topping:

• 1 cup heavy cream chilled
• 2 tbsp powdered sugar
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Chocolate shavings optional garnish

Equipment

• 9-inch pie pan
• Mixing bowls
• Saucepan
• Whisk
• Electric mixer

Method

 

Make the crust

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter until evenly coated.
3. Press firmly into the bottom and up the sides of a 9-inch pie pan.
4. Bake for 8 minutes, then let cool completely.
5. Make the chocolate custard layer
6. In a saucepan, heat milk until warm but not boiling.
7. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
8. Slowly whisk warm milk into yolk mixture, then return to saucepan.
9. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
10. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate and vanilla until smooth.

Spread into the cooled crust, smoothing into an even layer.

1. Chill in the fridge while you make the next custard.

Make the vanilla (or rum) custard layer

1. Repeat the same custard method as above, omitting chocolate.
2. Stir in vanilla extract or dark rum at the end.
3. Pour carefully over the chilled chocolate layer and smooth the top.
4. Chill at least 4 hours, or until fully set.

Make the whipped cream topping

1. In a chilled bowl, beat heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
2. Spread or pipe over the chilled pie.
3. Garnish with chocolate shavings if desired.

Serve

1. Slice into wedges and enjoy cold.

Notes

For a shortcut, you can use a store-bought graham cracker crust.

Add a splash of coffee liqueur to the chocolate layer for extra depth.

This pie must be chilled at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) to firm up.

FAQ – Black Bottom Pie

This Black Bottom Pie is creamy, chocolatey, and the perfect blend of indulgence and nostalgia — a dessert that never goes out of style. If you love rich and satisfying sweets, you’ll also enjoy these Nutter Butter Bars, another decadent, layered treat that’s simple to make and absolutely irresistible.