How to Make Black Bottom Pie: A Delicious Journey to Chocolate and Cream Cheese Heaven

The black bottom pie, with its intriguing name and even more captivating flavors, is a true American classic. This decadent dessert, boasting a rich chocolate custard base and a tangy cream cheese layer, is sure to satisfy even the most discerning sweet tooth. Imagine sinking your fork into a buttery graham cracker crust, only to be met with a silky chocolate filling, followed by a bright burst of cream cheese—pure bliss!

This recipe takes you step-by-step through the process, ensuring a perfectly balanced and delicious black bottom pie. And who knows, you might just discover your new favorite dessert!

Unveiling the Layers: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Crust:

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the Chocolate Filling:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

For the Cream Cheese Layer:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Gathering Your Baking Arsenal: Tools You’ll Need

• 9-inch pie plate
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Mixing bowls (one medium, one small)
• Electric mixer (optional, but helpful for the cream cheese layer)

Crafting Your Masterpiece: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Foundation: Building the Crust

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix until well combined and the crumbs are evenly moistened.
3. Press the mixture firmly into the bottom and up the sides of your pie plate.
4. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is lightly golden. Set aside to cool completely while you prepare the fillings.

2. Indulge in Chocolate: Preparing the Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
2. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and whisk a small amount of the hot mixture into the egg yolk to temper it. Pour the tempered yolk back into the saucepan and whisk vigorously.
5. Return to heat and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until smooth.
7. Add the chopped chocolate and stir until melted and fully incorporated.
8. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust.