A typical slice of chocolate cream pie contains between 400-500 calories. The exact calorie count depends on the size of the slice and the specific ingredients used in the recipe.
What are the main ingredients in chocolate cream pie?
The main ingredients in chocolate cream pie are:
- Pie crust – A standard pie crust is made from flour, butter, shortening, salt, and water. It provides carbohydrates and fat.
- Chocolate pudding – The filling is made from milk, chocolate, cornstarch, eggs, sugar, butter, and vanilla.
- Whipped cream – Sweetened whipped cream tops the pie. Cream provides mostly fat calories.
Calories in pie crust
The pie crust contributes a significant number of calories:
| Serving | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1/6 pie crust (4-inch diameter) | 150 |
| 1/8 pie crust (4-inch diameter) | 113 |
As you can see, a typical slice of pie contains around 100-150 calories just from the crust alone. The larger the slice, the more crust and calories it will have.
Calories in chocolate pudding filling
The creamy chocolate pudding filling also adds a significant amount of calories:
| Serving | Calories |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup chocolate pudding | 200 |
| 1/4 cup chocolate pudding | 100 |
A slice of pie likely contains around 1/4 to 1/2 cup of chocolate pudding filling.
Calories in whipped cream topping
Finally, the whipped cream adds additional calories:
| Serving | Calories |
|---|---|
| 2 tablespoons whipped cream | 50 |
| 1 tablespoon whipped cream | 25 |
There is usually around 1-2 tablespoons of whipped cream on each slice.
Total calories per slice
Adding up the calories from a moderate serving of each component gives us a total around:
- Pie crust: 100-150 calories
- Chocolate pudding: 100-200 calories
- Whipped cream: 25-50 calories
So a full slice of chocolate cream pie generally ranges from **400-500 calories**, depending on the exact size and recipe.
Very large slices with more generous portions of filling and whipped cream can go even higher, up to 600+ calories. Smaller slices may clock in around 300 calories. But for a typical slice, 400-500 calories is a good general estimate.
Nutrition facts for chocolate cream pie
Here are some approximate nutrition facts for a 1/6 slice of chocolate cream pie:
| Amount Per Serving |
|---|
| Calories: 420 |
| Total Fat: 24g |
| Saturated Fat: 12g |
| Trans Fat: 1g |
| Cholesterol: 115mg |
| Sodium: 320mg |
| Total Carbohydrates: 51g |
| Dietary Fiber: 2g |
| Total Sugars: 30g |
| Protein: 5g |
As you can see, one slice provides over 20% of the daily value for fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol. The high sugar content is another concern.
So while an occasional slice of chocolate cream pie can be enjoyed as a treat, it may be best consumed in moderation due to the high calorie, fat, and sugar content. Savoring just a small sliver may help keep calories in check.
Ways to lighten chocolate cream pie
If you want to enjoy chocolate cream pie more frequently while limiting calories, there are some simple ways to lighten it up:
- Use a whole wheat or graham cracker crust
- Choose reduced-fat milk and limit egg yolks in the filling
- Use lighter versions of chocolate pudding and whipped cream
- Top with fresh fruit like banana slices or strawberries
With some simple substitutions and additions, you can still get all that delicious chocolate pie flavor for fewer calories per slice.
Conclusion
A typical slice of chocolate cream pie contains 400-500 calories, with around 100-150 coming from the crust, 100-200 from the chocolate pudding filling, and 25-50 from the whipped cream topping. The exact amount depends on the slice size and recipe. While an occasional slice can be enjoyed, moderation is advisable due to the high calorie, fat, sugar, and cholesterol content. There are also ways to lighten chocolate cream pie in order to enjoy it more frequently without overdoing the calories. So savor a little slice of chocolate pie as an occasional treat.