Name: Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 9-inch pie crust, unbaked; 1/2 cup water; 1 1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate; 2/3 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup butter; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon vanilla; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; Whipped cream, for serving, if desired

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s as comforting as it is impressive, let me introduce you to my treasured Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe. It’s a delightful throwback to simpler times, blending rich chocolate, tender cake, and a buttery crust all in one beautiful pie. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it again and again – it’s that fan-freaking-tastic!

🤍

Why This Recipe Works

Two Layers of Flavor: The combination of chocolate and cake gives you a rich, multi-textured dessert that feels indulgent but homemade.
Easy Pie Crust Base: Starting with a chilled pie crust adds that flaky texture which perfectly complements the softer insides.
Simple Ingredients, Classic Taste: You’re using pantry staples in a way that feels nostalgic but still new every time you bake it.
Impressive Yet Approachable: This recipe looks like you went all out, but it’s straightforward perfect for busy weeknights or special Sundays.

Colonial Innkeeper's Pie, chocolate layered pie, vintage dessert, homemade pie recipes, rich chocolate cake dessert - A close-up view of a pecan pie in a clear glass pie dish showing one thick layer of golden-brown filling topped with many small pieces of pecans with a slightly shiny, textured surface. The crust edge is light golden and slightly crimped, visible around the pie. The pie is placed on a white marbled texture with a striped cloth underneath. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in the Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe has a role in balancing flavors and textures. From the silky unsweetened chocolate creating depth, to the chopped pecans adding that crunch, you’ll find these elements come together beautifully. When shopping, try to pick a fresh pie crust and quality chocolate—it makes all the difference!

Colonial Innkeeper's Pie, chocolate layered pie, vintage dessert, homemade pie recipes, rich chocolate cake dessert - Flat lay of whole unsweetened chocolate pieces, chopped pecans, a stick of softened butter, granulated sugar crystals, a fresh large egg, a small glass of whole milk, vanilla beans and a rolled unbaked pie crust, beautifully arranged with a small pile of sifted all-purpose flour and a teaspoon of baking powder placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Unbaked pie crust: Using a pre-made crust saves time, but if you love homemade, go for a buttery, flaky crust for best results.
Unsweetened chocolate: Gives a deep, rich chocolate flavor – melting it gently ensures smoothness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens both layers nicely without overpowering.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture; softened butter for the cake layer helps with a smooth batter.
Vanilla: Enhances all flavors, making the pie taste warm and inviting.
All-purpose flour: The base for the cake layer – sifting with baking powder and salt helps the cake rise and stay tender.
Baking powder: Keeps the cake portion light and fluffy.
Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor.
Egg: Binds the cake and adds structure.
Whole milk: Adds moisture and richness; don’t swap for skim if you want that true creaminess.
Pecans: Toast them lightly if you like an extra nutty aroma.
Whipped cream (optional): Just a dollop on top brings a lovely creaminess and makes it extra special when serving.

📝

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about the Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or have on hand. Don’t be scared to get creative – this pie welcomes little custom changes that still keep its soul intact.

Nut Variations: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds depending on what’s in the pantry, and each brings its own charm.
Chocolate Twists: Sometimes I add a sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder to the chocolate layer for a subtle warm kick that surprises everyone.
Dairy-Free Option: Using plant-based milk and margarine substitutes works well, just keep the ratios similar.
Crust Choices: Feeling fancy? Try a graham cracker crust for a more textured, sweet base.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe

Step 1: Chill That Crust

I always start by lining my pie plate with the unbaked pie crust, folding and fluting the edges just so. Then, pop it into the fridge to chill. This step is golden because it keeps your crust from shrinking or puffing up while the filling bakes. Trust me – a well-chilled crust makes all the difference!

Step 2: Melting the Chocolate Magic

Bring half a cup of water to a boil, then turn off the heat and stir in the unsweetened chocolate until it melts smoothly. Adding the sugar next, bring it back to a boil before removing it from heat again to stir in butter and vanilla. This process creates a rich, silky chocolate layer that contrasts perfectly with the cake beneath it.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In one bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Then, in a separate large bowl, cream softened butter and sugar using an electric mixer—go for about a minute until fluffy. Add your egg, mixing well, then alternate adding the milk and dry ingredients. Finally, stir in vanilla. This batter is the soft, tender base that balances the bold chocolate layer beautifully.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Pour your batter into the chilled pie crust and smooth it out gently. Stir your melted chocolate mixture once more, then pour it evenly over the cake batter. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top for that inviting crunch. Slide your pie into a 350°F oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Let your pie cool completely on a rack before slicing. Serving it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious, creamy touch that just finishes it perfectly.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

Chill the crust: Always refrigerate your crust before filling—it prevents shrinkage and keeps edges crisp.
Don’t rush the chocolate layer: Stir gently and make sure the chocolate melts completely for a smooth finish.
Nuts on top: Toasting pecans lightly before sprinkling them on adds a wonderful aroma and crunch.
Check your bake time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 40 minutes to avoid overbaking—which can dry out the cake layer.

How to Serve Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe

Colonial Innkeeper's Pie, chocolate layered pie, vintage dessert, homemade pie recipes, rich chocolate cake dessert - A pie with three clear layers is shown: the bottom is a dark brown crust, the middle is a thick, light yellow cake layer with soft texture, and the top is a crunchy, nutty layer with chopped pecans in brown and golden shades. A slice of the pie is placed on a white plate in the background, showing the same layers. The pie is inside a clear glass dish sitting on a striped cloth with a white marbled surface underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping this pie with a generous swirl of freshly whipped cream—it’s like the cherry on top that brings creaminess to every bite. Sometimes, I add a few pecan halves on top just for a rustic look and an extra nutty note.

Side Dishes

This pie pairs wonderfully with coffee or hot tea for an afternoon treat. If you want to round out a meal, a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream alongside is absolute heaven.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or celebrations, I’ve baked this pie in mini tart pans to serve individual portions—easy to plate and everyone feels extra spoiled. You can drizzle warm caramel or chocolate sauce for a dramatic finish too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pie stores beautifully in the fridge, covered loosely with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. I find it maintains its flavor and moist texture for up to 4 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of this pie wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture holds surprisingly well—perfect for prepping dessert in advance.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds to take the chill off without drying it out—then add fresh whipped cream for that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I make the Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the all-purpose flour in the cake layer for a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just keep an eye on texture, as some blends absorb more liquid, and consider adding a little xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t have it already.
What type of pie crust works best for this recipe?

A standard butter-based pie crust works beautifully, whether store-bought or homemade. The key is chilling it well before baking to ensure a crisp edge that contrasts nicely with the tender filling.
Can I use milk alternatives in the cake layer?

Yes, you can substitute whole milk with almond milk, oat milk, or other dairy-free alternatives. Just choose one that’s unsweetened and neutral in flavor to keep the pie’s balance.
Is it necessary to use unsweetened chocolate?

Using unsweetened chocolate is best because it provides that deep, rich flavor without extra sweetness, which balances the sugary cake layer. If you only have bittersweet chocolate, you can try it, but reduce sugar slightly in the chocolate layer to compensate.
How do I know when the pie is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. Don’t worry if the chocolate layer looks slightly glossy—that’s normal as it settles once cooled.

Final Thoughts

The Colonial Innkeeper’s Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s a delicious slice of history that’s just as comforting today as I imagine it was back then. It’s a reliable crowd-pleaser that’s straightforward enough for a weekday treat but elegant enough for holiday tables. I hope you’ll give it a try in your kitchen – bake it, share it, and enjoy the simple joy it brings. You deserve a delicious break, and this pie delivers exactly that.