Mocha Cream Pie Recipe

Perfect Mocha Cream Pie Recipe for Coffee Lovers

Crafting a delectable mocha cream pie brings pure dessert magic into your kitchen.

Rich coffee notes dance with smooth chocolate layers in this irresistible treat.

Chocolate lovers will absolutely adore the deep, complex flavors woven through each silky slice.

Delicate whipped cream crowns this elegant dessert, promising pure indulgence.

Pastry chefs and home bakers can master this simple yet sophisticated recipe.

Smooth custard and robust espresso create a dreamy combination that melts in your mouth.

Whip up this stunning pie and watch everyone’s eyes light with pure delight.

Store and Slice Mocha Pie Perfectly

  • Store the mocha cream pie covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the whipped cream topping fresh by adding it just before serving.
  • Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.
  • Always store the pie in the coldest part of the refrigerator and keep it away from strong-smelling foods to maintain its delicate flavor.
  • Consume the pie within 2 days for the best taste and texture, as the crust may become slightly softer over time.

What to Enjoy with This Pie

  • Complement the rich chocolate and coffee flavors with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, which enhances the dessert's deep, complex notes.
  • Create a sophisticated flavor experience by serving an espresso martini alongside the pie, amplifying the mocha's coffee undertones and adding a sophisticated cocktail element.
  • Layer vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso and drizzle caramel sauce to create a complementary dessert that echoes the pie's creamy and coffee-infused profile.
  • Offer a small glass of Frangelico to highlight the dessert's nutty and chocolate dimensions, providing a smooth, complementary liquid pairing.

Try These Mocha Pie Variations

  • Vegan Mocha Cream Pie: Replace dairy milk with almond or oat milk, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and swap chocolate with dairy-free dark chocolate. Substitute egg yolks with cornstarch or silken tofu for thickening.
  • Gluten-Free Coffee Chocolate Pie: Use gluten-free graham cracker or almond flour crust instead of traditional pie crust. Ensure all ingredients like cocoa powder and chocolate are certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Sugar Mocha Cream Pie: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa percentage and less sugar. Replace whipped cream with Greek yogurt for reduced sugar content.
  • Espresso Chocolate Mousse Variation: Transform the pie into a layered mousse by using same ingredients but creating lighter texture. Serve in individual glasses instead of pie pan, garnishing with chocolate-covered espresso beans.

Questions on Mocha Cream Pie? You Got It

  • Why do I need to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot mixture. By slowly adding hot liquid to the eggs while whisking, you gradually raise their temperature and create a smooth, silky filling without any lumps.

  • Can I use instant coffee instead of brewed coffee?

Yes, you can use instant coffee powder. Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee in the milk to achieve the mocha flavor. The key is to ensure the coffee dissolves completely and blends smoothly with the other ingredients.

  • How do I know when the mocha filling is thick enough?

The filling is ready when it coats the back of a spoon and leaves a clear line when you run your finger through it. It should thicken and start to bubble, which typically takes 5-7 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat.

  • What type of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor. Chopped chocolate melts more evenly than chocolate chips and provides a richer taste in the mocha filling.

Why Mocha Cream Pie Satisfies Every Time

  • Blend rich chocolate, coffee, and creamy textures that create an irresistible dessert perfect for satisfying serious sweet tooth cravings.
  • Prepare the pie in advance and chill for at least 4 hours, making it an ideal dessert for dinner parties, special occasions, or weekend treats without last-minute stress.
  • Customize the pie with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder dusting, or creative garnishes to match your personal taste or event theme.

What Makes Mocha Cream Pie Work

Pie Crust:
  • Homemade Pie Crust: A buttery base that provides a crisp foundation for the creamy filling.
Coffee and Chocolate Base Ingredients:
  • Sugar, Cocoa Powder, Salt: Core flavor enhancers that create depth and richness.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the filling and provide smooth texture.
  • Milk, Coffee: Liquid components that create the mocha flavor profile.
  • Egg Yolks: Adds richness and helps set the custard-like filling.
  • Chopped Chocolate: Intensifies the chocolate flavor and creates a silky texture.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, glossy filling.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor complexity.
Whipped Cream Topping:
  • Heavy Cream, Powdered Sugar, Vanilla Extract: Creates a light, sweet topping with classic whipped cream texture.
Optional Garnish:
  • Chocolate Shavings, Cocoa Powder: Decorative elements that add visual appeal and extra chocolate flavor.

How to Make This Pie with Coffee and Chocolate

Step 1: Craft the Delectable Crust

Grab your favorite pie crust (homemade or store-bought). If using homemade, bake it until golden and let it cool completely.

Step 2: Brew the Silky Mocha Filling

Ingredients for filling:
  • Sugar
  • Cornstarch
  • Cocoa powder
  • Salt
  • Milk
  • Coffee
  • Egg yolks
  • Chocolate
  • Butter
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt in a saucepan. Slowly blend in milk and coffee until super smooth. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles (about 5-7 minutes).

Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly drizzle hot mixture into yolks while whisking. Pour back into saucepan, return to heat, and cook for 2 more minutes.

Pull off heat and stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until completely melted and glossy.

Step 3: Assemble the Dreamy Pie

Pour mocha filling into prepared crust. Smooth top with a spatula. Cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation. Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours until perfectly set.

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Topping

Ingredients for topping:
  • Heavy cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Beat cream, sugar, and vanilla in a large bowl until stiff peaks form.

Step 5: Decorate and Devour

Spread or pipe whipped cream over chilled pie. Sprinkle with chocolate shavings or dust with cocoa powder. Slice and serve cold for maximum deliciousness.

Tips for a Smooth Mocha Filling

  • Prevent Crust Sogginess: Blind bake the pie crust for a crisp base that won't get mushy from the mocha filling.
  • Temper Eggs Correctly: Slowly add hot mixture to egg yolks while whisking to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth, silky filling.
  • Melt Chocolate Smoothly: Chop chocolate into small, uniform pieces to help it melt evenly and create a glossy, creamy texture.
  • Chill for Perfect Setting: Allow pie to refrigerate for at least 4 hours to achieve a firm, sliceable consistency that holds its shape.
  • Whip Cream Like a Pro: Use cold heavy cream and chill your mixing bowl beforehand for maximum volume and stable whipped cream peaks.
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Mocha Cream Pie Recipe

Mocha Cream Pie Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Silky chocolate and coffee converge in this irresistible Mocha Cream Pie, blending rich espresso notes with smooth chocolate ganache. Creamy layers and a buttery graham cracker crust promise a luxurious dessert experience you’ll savor with each indulgent bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust (graham cracker, Oreo, or traditional pastry)
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 3 ounces (85 grams) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) brewed strong coffee (cooled)

Sweeteners and Flavorings:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (unsweetened)

Thickeners and Seasonings:

  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream, cold
  • Chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Craft a pre-baked pie shell, ensuring it’s completely cooled and ready for the decadent mocha filling.
  2. In a saucepan, blend granulated sugar, cornstarch, cocoa powder, and salt into a uniform mixture. Gradually incorporate milk and coffee, whisking until silky smooth.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium temperature, stirring continuously until it thickens and bubbles emerge, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and gently temper egg yolks by slowly introducing a portion of the hot liquid while whisking vigorously to prevent curdling.
  5. Return the tempered yolk mixture to the saucepan, cooking for an additional two minutes while maintaining constant stirring.
  6. Eliminate heat and fold in chopped chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract until the filling transforms into a glossy, homogeneous substance.
  7. Transfer the luxurious mocha filling into the prepared pie shell, meticulously smoothing the surface with a spatula.
  8. Shield the filling’s surface with plastic wrap to prevent skin formation, then refrigerate for a minimum of four hours until completely set.
  9. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff, voluminous peaks develop.
  10. Adorn the chilled pie with billowy whipped cream, either spreading elegantly or piping decorative swirls.
  11. Embellish with delicate chocolate shavings or a light dusting of cocoa powder for an exquisite finishing touch.
  12. Slice and serve the pie thoroughly chilled for maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

  • Prevent crust sogginess by pre-baking and cooling completely before adding filling.
  • Temper egg yolks carefully to avoid scrambling by slowly incorporating hot mixture while whisking constantly.
  • Use high-quality chocolate and freshly brewed coffee for a richer, more intense mocha flavor profile.
  • Create dairy-free version by substituting milk with coconut milk and using dairy-free chocolate and butter alternatives.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 16g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 11g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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