Jack Skellington Black Cocoa Pie (Printable Version)

Dark cocoa pie with a creamy chocolate filling and striking Jack Skellington pastry decoration.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pie Crust

01 - 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
03 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
04 - 1/4 cup ice water, plus more as needed

→ Chocolate Filling

05 - 1 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/2 cup black cocoa powder or Dutch-processed cocoa powder
07 - 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
08 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 3 large eggs
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Decoration

13 - 1 egg yolk
14 - Black food coloring gel, optional
15 - Extra pie dough for Jack Skellington face cutouts

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Set oven to 350°F and allow to fully preheat.
02 - In a large bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add ice water, and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Divide dough in half, shape each into disks, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
03 - Roll out one chilled dough disk on a floured surface to fit a 9-inch pie pan. Transfer to pan, pressing gently, and trim excess. Return crust to refrigerator.
04 - Combine granulated sugar, cocoa powder, chopped chocolate, and butter in a saucepan. Melt over low heat with frequent stirring until smooth. Take the pan off heat, then whisk in heavy cream, eggs, vanilla extract, and salt until filling is glossy and uniform.
05 - Pour chocolate filling into the prepared chilled pie crust, smoothing the surface.
06 - Roll out the second dough disk. Using a stencil or freehand, cut large ovals for eyes, small holes for nostrils, and a stitched mouth shape. Place cutouts on parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, brush pastries with egg yolk mixed with black food coloring gel for enhanced color.
07 - Gently arrange facial cutouts atop the chocolate filling to mimic Jack Skellington’s iconic expression.
08 - Bake assembled pie for 45 minutes, or until the filling is set with a gentle wobble at the center.
09 - Allow pie to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing, letting the filling firm for clean portions.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy to decorate whether you are an expert baker or a beginner
  • Unique chocolate flavor thanks to black cocoa and bittersweet chocolate
  • Fun centerpiece for parties movie marathons or family bake sessions
  • Can be made ahead of time and looks even more striking after chilling
02 -
  • Vegetarian friendly and kid approved
  • Black cocoa adds real depth and a unique hue that classic cocoa cannot match
  • Perfect pie to bake ahead—the flavors deepen overnight
03 -
  • Use a light touch with the dough especially the face cutouts—they hold shape best when cold
  • Never skip chilling the dough before rolling or your crust will be tough not tender
  • Stir filling constantly and melt chocolate gently to avoid grainy or burnt flavor
  • Let the pie cool all the way before serving so the filling sets and the face stays crisp
  • Start decorating with a Jack Skellington stencil on parchment if you prefer accuracy or let kids freestyle for a spooky surprise

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