Jim ‘N Nick’s Chocolate Cream Pie Recipe (Copycat Version)

Few desserts capture Southern comfort quite like Jim ‘N Nick’s famous chocolate cream pie. With its silky filling, buttery crust, and cloud of whipped cream, it’s a treat that has earned a loyal following at the restaurant and beyond.

Using simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be able to recreate the pie’s signature flavor and texture, making it perfect for holidays, gatherings, or whenever a chocolate craving strikes.

What is Jim ‘N Nick’s Chocolate Cream Pie?

Jim ‘N Nick’s Chocolate Cream Pie is a beloved Southern dessert known for its silky chocolate filling, flaky crust, and generous topping of whipped cream.

The story of Jim ‘N Nick’s dates back to 1985 in Birmingham, Alabama, when father‑and‑son duo Jim and Nick Pihakis opened their first barbecue restaurant. While the smoked meats drew crowds, their desserts—especially the chocolate cream pie—quickly became part of the tradition.

Tools You Need to Make Jim ‘N Nick’s Chocolate Cream Pie

You don’t need fancy equipment to make this pie—just a few reliable kitchen tools to help you achieve that silky filling and fluffy topping.

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Heat‑resistant spatula
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Electric mixer or hand mixer
• 9‑inch pie dish
• Plastic wrap or parchment paper
• Grater (for chocolate garnish)

With these simple tools, you’ll be ready to recreate the creamy, chocolatey indulgence of Jim ‘N Nick’s famous pie right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

A rich chocolate cream pie comes together with just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Crust

• 1 (9‑inch) pie crust, baked and cooled (homemade or store‑bought)

For the Filling

• ½ cup (100 g) sugar
• ¼ cup (30 g) cornstarch
• ½ tsp salt
• 4 large egg yolks
• 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup (240 ml) half‑and‑half (or light cream)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 7 oz (200 g) semi‑sweet chocolate (chips or chopped)
• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

For the Topping

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream, chilled
• 1 Tbsp sugar (or powdered sugar)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For Garnish

• Grated or shaved chocolate

These ingredients create a silky filling, a flaky crust, and a light whipped topping—everything you need for a pie that’s as indulgent as the restaurant classic.

How to Make Jim ‘N Nick’s Chocolate Cream Pie at Home

This Southern classic comes together with a silky chocolate filling, a flaky crust, and a cloud of whipped cream. Here’s how to recreate it at home.

1. Cook the base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Add the egg yolks, then slowly whisk in the milk and half‑and‑half until smooth.
2. Thicken the custard: Place over medium heat, whisking constantly. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
3. Melt in the chocolate: Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate and butter until the filling is glossy and smooth.
4. Fill the crust: Pour the chocolate mixture into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Cover the surface with buttered parchment to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until fully chilled.
5. Whip the topping: Just before serving, beat the cream with sugar and vanilla until soft peaks form.
6. Finish and serve: Spread the whipped cream over the chilled pie and garnish with grated chocolate. Slice and enjoy.

This pie is rich, creamy, and indulgent—the perfect ending to a hearty meal or a show‑stopping dessert for gatherings.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

This pie is rich and indulgent, so it’s helpful to know the approximate nutrition values per slice (based on 1/8 of a 9‑inch pie).

• Calories: 720 kcal
• Total Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 300 mg
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Carbohydrates: 72 g
• Sugars: 48 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g

These values are estimates and will vary depending on the crust, chocolate, and cream you use. Enjoy this dessert as an occasional treat—it’s a true Southern classic worth savoring.

Personalization & Tips

This pie is already indulgent, but a few small tweaks can make it perfectly suited to your taste or occasion.

• Chocolate choice – Use darker chocolate for a bolder flavor, or milk chocolate for a sweeter, creamier filling.
• Crust options – Swap the classic pastry crust for a graham cracker or Oreo crust for extra crunch.
• Flavor boost – Add a splash of espresso or a pinch of cinnamon to deepen the chocolate notes.
• Topping twist – Fold cocoa powder into the whipped cream for a double‑chocolate finish, or sprinkle with toasted nuts for texture.
• Make‑ahead tip – The pie can be prepared a day in advance; just add the whipped cream topping right before serving.

With these simple adjustments, you can turn the classic Jim ‘N Nick’s chocolate cream pie into a dessert that feels uniquely yours—whether you want it richer, lighter, or dressed up for a special occasion.