Simple Chocolate Cream Pie with Spirit

Last Updated on August 4, 2024 by Lisa Keys

This simple chocolate cream pie is truly extraordinary. A few great, but basic ingredients and easy no-fail techniques is what puts it over the top in my book. It's the perfect celebratory recipe.

The Back Story

On a flight to Philadelphia, an unexpected moment unfolded—a simple yet intricate conversation among three strangers. It began with me and the guy in the middle seat, but it actually started with me and the friendly, handsome young man in the aisle seat. He had commented with a hopeful, “We might get lucky and have the middle seat empty,” though that soon proved to be a fleeting thought.

Adjusting the window shade, the sunlight illuminated a dark-haired man in his thirties. He had sad eyes and muscular legs adorned with tattoos. I asked if the sunlight was too much, and he responded with a polite smile, “You’re the keeper of the window, so adjust it as you wish.” There was something about him that drew me in. We set aside our phones, and the conversation flowed.

He was on an emergency flight home, racing against time. He had made several trips back and forth to be with his mother, who was battling a rare form of cancer. His earlier request to the flight attendant for a seat closer to the front made sense now—he needed to get to the hospital as quickly as possible.

A Grief Conversation

Me: Tell me about you and your mom.

Him: I’m her baby. She’s always been selfless, taking care of me and everyone else. My mom always put others before herself. She worries about my sisters and loves to clean.

Me: You are lucky to have a mom like that. Why do you think she’s proud of you?

Him: She’s always said she doesn’t worry about me. I have a good job, pay my bills, and take care of myself. I think she’s proud that I’ve stepped up to help care for her these past few months, too.

Me: Your bond with your mother is special. You must be so grateful for that. Did you ever cook with her?

Him: Yes, she taught me to make meatballs, fried matzoh, and chocolate cream pie—some of my favorites.

Me: I imagine you will feel her presence in your kitchen. Be ready for that. To recognize that she is with you when you are cooking those recipes. Remember, she goes where you go. You carry her in your heart.

Feeling the presence

Our conversation came to an abrupt end when the flight attendant arrived with refreshments. Much to my surprise, the two guys beside me order nips of Jack Daniels. I can't shake the feeling that William, my guardian angel, has been sitting on my shoulder this entire time. A warm squeeze in my chest made me smile as they clinked their plastic cups of JD and soda.

Before the flight attendant moved this perfect stranger forward, I handed him my card. Remember you are not alone. The other gentleman, only 31 years old, had already lost his mom. He was incredibly empathetic in this situation. As we parted, all I could say to him was "you are a really good person". He looked at me and questioned, "We were all meant to sit together, right?"...

What is a chocolate cream pie

Let's celebrate a life and make a simple chocolate cream pie. My seat-mate described his mom's pie and his favorite dessert as just a pie crust, filled with chocolate pudding and covered in Cool Whip. Okay. I'm willing to buy the pre-made Oreo cookie crust, but let's make an elevated homemade, deliciously silky spirited chocolate custard filling topped with a not too sweet mascarpone whipped cream, instead. If you want an Italian inspired version of this treat you can also try my chocolate espresso cream pie.

Simple Chocolate Cream Pie ingredients

• Plus dark chocolate Oreo cookies for the most intense chocolate flavor crust, but you can use any flavor you like or even a pre-made crust.
• No alcohol No problem. Just skip it or substitute vanilla, but maybe just try to get into "the spirit" of things.
• I adore the darkest chocolate, but if you don't feel free to use semisweet chocolate or a mix with milk chocolate. The pie will be sweeter.

How to make a cookie crust

How to make the chocolate cream Filling

Mascarpone Whip Cream

• Place all the ingredients in a deep chilled bowl.
• Using a hand mixer with chilled beaters, start on low speed until all is blended.
• Gradually increase speed until whipped cream is thick, but still soft for dolloping or stiffer peaks for piping. Your choice.
• Chill until ready to assemble. The mascarpone makes this quite stable.