Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Instructions:

Prepare the Pie Crust:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the chilled butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing with a fork until the dough just holds together when pinched.
Shape the dough into a disk, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter. Carefully transfer the dough to a 9-inch pie dish. Trim and crimp the edges as desired. Prick the bottom and sides of the crust with a fork.

Line the pie crust with parchment paper or aluminum foil and fill it with pie weights or dried beans. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the weights and parchment/foil, then bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and let it cool completely on a wire rack.

Make the Chocolate Filling:

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and milk until smooth. Gradually whisk the egg mixture into the cocoa mixture in the saucepan.
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or whisk, until the mixture thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is melted and the mixture is smooth.
Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled pie crust, spreading it out evenly. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the filling to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the pie for at least 4 hours, or until completely chilled and set.

Make the Whipped Cream (optional):

In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
To Serve:

Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled pie. If desired, spread or pipe whipped cream over the top of the pie before serving.
Slice and serve the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie chilled. Enjoy the rich, creamy chocolate filling and buttery crust with a dollop of whipped cream if desired!