If I’m feeling wistful, I thumb through her recipes and musings, but I also search through them for dining inspiration, especially for desserts. My 15-year-old son enjoys cooking, so he also likes looking through her recipe cards, and together, we recently discovered Granny’s Party Pie.

The title intrigued us—who wouldn’t want a party in a pie? But really, it was the simplicity of the ingredients that had us sold. It required just five: chocolate, marshmallows, cream, milk, and a graham cracker crust—so it was an easy decision to try it out since we already had everything at hand.

Granny’s recipe called for milk chocolate with almonds, but we opted to use regular milk chocolate instead, and it turned out just fine. In fact, the second time we made it with the chocolate containing almonds, we found that the nuts sank to the bottom of the pie crust. It still tasted great, so feel free to use either type, but we prefer the plain (sorry, Granny!).

No matter what kind of chocolate you choose, it results in a richly decadent pie. Thick, chocolatey, and reminiscent of s’mores, this dessert is sure to elevate any gathering into a celebration.

Tips for Making Granny’s Party Pie

• Don’t skip the cooling time: One time, we skipped cooling the melted chocolate mixture before folding it into the whipped cream. The pie turned out soupy and a bit flat, proving that Granny really does know best. When followed correctly, the filling will mound beautifully in the pie shell.
• Make it ahead: I believe this pie tastes even better the second day, as the longer chilling time allows the flavors to meld. Consider preparing it in advance for your next party.
• Make a “party pie in a glass”: You may have a little bit of filling leftover after filling the pie crust, so I like to create a “party pie in a glass”: just transfer the extra filling to a serving glass and top with crushed graham crackers for a single-serving treat.

Easy Tweaks

• Change up the chocolate: This recipe is very forgiving, allowing you to use whatever chocolate you prefer. I found it to be outstanding with dark chocolate, while my son is eager to try it with white chocolate next time.
• Add vanilla: We enhanced the original recipe by adding vanilla extract, which brings out the chocolate flavors. It’s optional, but I highly recommend it!
• Add a splash of alcohol: If I weren’t making this with my son, I might consider adding a bit of rum or whiskey to the mix, both of which pair beautifully with chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dark chocolate for this pie?

Absolutely! Dark chocolate adds a rich depth of flavor and works beautifully in this recipe.

How long should I chill the pie?

It’s best to chill the pie for at least 4 hours, but overnight is even better for the flavors to meld together.

Is there a way to make this pie healthier?

You can substitute low-fat cream and use fewer marshmallows to reduce the calories without sacrificing too much flavor.

What types of gatherings is this pie suitable for?

This pie is perfect for birthday parties, holiday celebrations, or any casual get-together with friends and family.

Can I make this pie without the crust?

Yes, you can serve the filling on its own as a no-crust dessert or in individual serving glasses.

What is a good way to store leftovers?

Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze this pie?

Freezing is not recommended, as it can alter the texture of the filling. However, if necessary, ensure it’s well covered in plastic wrap or foil.