To keep the prep time to an absolute minimum, this recipe uses instant pie filling mix and a refrigerated pie crust. One bite of this pie and you’ll wonder why so many people buy premade pies in the store. This recipe is super easy. Bake the crust, mix the filling, and fill the crust. Three easy steps that will create an amazing chocolate pie to satisfy even the most discriminating eaters in your tribe. The most difficult thing will be waiting for the pie to cool enough for you to enjoy it! The creamy texture and rich chocolate flavor make this pie perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, potlucks, or any time you need a simple dessert fast.
To give this pie a nice little flair, we’ve used a chocolate graham cracker crust. Technically it’s an Oreo crust but they’re not readily available everywhere. The recipe calls for a regular store-bought crust but feel free to substitute any premade crust you can find. If you can find them Keebler makes a few fairly amazing crusts including Mint Chocolate and Chocolate Cookie. Another possibility is the Pecan crust made by Diamond Foods.
For a super fluffy pie, substitute some or all of the cold milk with heavy or whipping cream. Be sure to use an electric mixer. This will produce an almost mousse-like texture that seriously brings out the desired flavor of the chocolate. This is one time you can see pie filling come to live. As the cream starts to whip into shape, you’ll notice the increased volume of the filling. Using just whipping cream will double the amount of filling going into your pie.
Making chocolate pie with instant pie filling and a refrigerated crust is super easy because both components are essentially ready to go the moment you open the packages. The instant filling needs only to be whisked with cold milk, so there’s no cooking, no tempering eggs, and no worrying about thickening on the stove—it sets up on its own in the fridge into a smooth, chocolatey custard. The refrigerated crust removes all the usual pie‑dough work, too; you just unroll it, press it into the pie dish, and bake it briefly to create a crisp shell that’s ready to hold the filling. With both steps requiring almost no technique, the pie comes together in minutes instead of hours.
It’s also incredibly easy because the process is almost impossible to mess up. The instant filling thickens reliably every time, the crust bakes evenly without fuss, and there’s no timing stress—once the crust is cooled, you simply pour in the chocolate mixture and let the refrigerator do the rest. Cleanup is minimal, the ingredients are inexpensive, and the result tastes like a classic, creamy chocolate pie with a flaky, golden crust. It’s the kind of dessert that feels homemade and comforting but requires so little effort that it’s perfect for weeknights, holidays, or any moment when you want something sweet without breaking a sweat.
What You’ll Need To Make This Pie
Tools & Equipment
Key Ingredients
- Refrigerated pie crust or other premade crust of your liking
- Cold Milk
- Chocolate instant pudding & pie filling
- Whipped topping or whipped cream
Quick & Easy Chocolate Pie Recipe
Utensils & Equipment
- 1 9-inch deep dish pie plate
- 1 large bowl
- 1 wire whisk
- 1 spatula or spoon
Ingredients List
- 1 Pillsbury pie crust
- 2 3/4 cups milk cold
- 2 boxes 3.9-ounce chocolate instant pudding & pie filling
- 1 cup whipped topping thawed
Instructions
Bake The Crust
- Preheat oven to 400℉.
- Allow the pie crust to stand at room temperature for 15 – 20 minutes or until slightly soft.
- Place the crust in the pie plate.
- Use a fork to prick holes evenly across the bottom and sides of the crust. This will prevent the crust from bubbling up while baking.
- Bake the crust for 10 minutes at 400℉ or until it is light brown.
- Allow to cool on wire cooling rack for at least 15 minutes. You can also place it in the refrigerator for 5 minutes.
Mix The Filling
- In large bowl mix together the pudding mixes and milk with a wire whisk. Beat for at least 2 minutes.
Fill The Crust
- Pour the pudding into the cooled crust.
Chill Out
- Chill the pie in the refrigerator for at least an hour or until the pudding has fully set.
Top Before Serving
- When ready to serve, top the pie with whipped topping.
Garnish
- If desired, top the pie with your favorite dessert topping such as crushed Oreos or broken pieces of peanut butter cups.
