A classic chocolate chess pie made with pâte sablée crust and a whisked cocoa custard that bakes into a smooth, sliceable filling with puffed edges and a clean, glossy center.
In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, salt, and cold butter. Mix on low until no visible butter pieces remain and the mixture resembles fine sand.
Whisk the whole egg and yolk together until fully combined. Add to the mixer and mix on low just until a smooth dough forms. Divide into two equal portions (approximately 275 g each), flatten into discs, wrap tightly, and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.
Roll out one disc, line a 9-inch pie pan, and refrigerate until firm.
Preheat the oven to 350°F convection or 375°F conventional. Line the chilled shell with crumpled parchment and fill with baking weights. Bake 10 minutes until the sides and bottom look matte. Remove the parchment and weights and bake another 5 minutes until the bottom just begins to color.
Reduce the oven to 350°F conventional. Whisk together the sugar, cocoa, and salt in a bowl. In a separate large bowl, beat the eggs, melted butter, evaporated milk, vanilla, and coffee extract. Add the sugar mixture and whisk until smooth with no lumps.
Pour the filling into the parbaked shell. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then reduce to 325°F and continue baking 25 to 40 minutes more, until the edges are set and puffed and the center is no longer liquid. Total bake time is 45 to 60 minutes.
Cool completely at room temperature before slicing, at least 2 hours. Serve at room temperature or cold.
Notes
Doneness cue: The edges should be fully set and puffed; the center will still have a slight jiggle. Start checking at 45 minutes and bake up to 60 minutes depending on your oven. The pie firms significantly as it cools. Weights: Do not remove the pie weights until the sides and bottom of the crust look fully matte. Pulling them early causes the sides of a butter-rich sablée to slump inward. Storage: Wrap well in plastic and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 2 months. The sablée crust holds its texture after thawing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Evaporated milk: Use the 5.33 oz small can. A full-size can adds too much liquid, and the filling will not set. If working from a larger can, weigh the milk on a kitchen scale.