Description
This classic Black Bottom Pie features a rich chocolate layer beneath a smooth rum-flavored custard, topped with light whipped dessert topping and optional shaved chocolate. A perfect chilled dessert that combines creamy textures with deep chocolate flavors, ideal for special occasions or indulgent treat times.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layer
- 1 cup Chocolate Chips
- 1 tsp Vanilla
- 19-Inch Baked Pie Shell
- 1 oz Unsweetened Chocolate (optional, for topping)
Rum Custard Layer
- 4 Eggs, separated
- 2 cups Milk, scalded
- 1 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 cup Sugar, divided
- 1 Envelope Unflavored Gelatin
- ¼ cup Cold Water
- 1 tbsp Rum
Topping
- 1 cup Whipped Dessert Topping
Instructions
- Prepare Chocolate Layer: Melt the chocolate chips in a heat-resistant bowl combined with 1 cup of hot scalded milk-based custard. Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly to integrate the flavors. Pour this warm chocolate mixture into the pre-baked 19-inch pie shell and then chill it until set, forming the pie’s chocolate base.
- Prepare Rum Custard Layer: Soften the unflavored gelatin in the cold water and then add it to the remaining hot custard mixture, stirring until fully dissolved. Mix in the rum to impart a distinctive flavor. Allow the custard to chill until it thickens slightly, prepping it for folding with the egg whites.
- Beat Egg Whites: Beat the egg whites with half the sugar (about ½ cup) until stiff peaks form, ensuring a light and airy texture. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the thickened rum custard mixture to maintain its fluffiness.
- Assemble and Chill: Pour the combined custard and egg white mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer in the pie shell. Refrigerate the assembled pie for about 1 hour or alternatively freeze for 30 minutes to allow it to set properly.
- Final Touches: Frost the set pie generously with whipped dessert topping and optionally garnish with shaved unsweetened chocolate to enhance presentation and add a slight bitterness balancing the sweetness.
Notes
- Use freshly scalded milk to prevent curdling when making custard.
- Ensure egg whites are beaten until stiff peaks form for a light and fluffy custard layer.
- Chilling time can be extended for a firmer set pie.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add a teaspoon of rum extract instead.
- The optional unsweetened chocolate shavings add a nice texture contrast and a slightly bitter flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (chilling time only)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
