This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a nostalgic dessert that combines a velvety, rich chocolate filling with a perfectly golden meringue topping. It’s a beloved classic, often served at family gatherings and holiday feasts, with flavors that bring comfort and warmth to every bite
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Timeless Appeal: This dessert is a staple in traditional Southern cooking.
Rich Chocolate Flavor: The silky chocolate filling strikes the perfect balance between sweet and decadent.
Golden Meringue: A fluffy meringue topping adds visual appeal and a light, airy texture.
Ingredients
For the Pie Filling
1 pre-baked pie crust
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups milk (whole milk for richness)
3 egg yolks (save the whites for the meringue)
1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Meringue
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 tbsp sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cocoa powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the melted butter, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens
and begins to bubble, about 8–10 minutes.
Temper the egg yolks by whisking a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks. Then, add the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Assemble the Pie
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, smoothing it into an even layer. Set aside while you prepare the meringue.
Step 3: Make the Meringue
In a clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar with an electric mixer on medium speed until soft peaks form.
Gradually add the sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating until the meringue is glossy and stiff peaks form.
Step 4: Add the Meringue and Bake
Spread the meringue evenly over the chocolate filling, ensuring it touches the edges of the crust to seal in the filling. Use the back of a spoon to create decorative peaks if desired.
Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Allow the pie to cool to room temperature, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set.
Slice and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cocoa powder for added flair.
Tips for Recipe Success
Pre-Bake the Crust: Blind baking the crust ensures it stays crisp and doesn’t become soggy from the filling.
Tempering the Egg Yolks: This step prevents the yolks from scrambling when added to the hot filling.
Perfect Meringue: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of grease to achieve stiff peaks.
Sealing the Edges: Spread the meringue all the way to the edges of the crust to prevent it from shrinking during baking.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.
Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side for an indulgent treat.
Serve during holidays, Sunday dinners, or as a sweet ending to a special occasion.
Why This Recipe Works
Rich Filling: The butter, cocoa powder, and milk create a smooth, luscious filling that’s not overly sweet.
Light Topping: The meringue balances the dense filling with its fluffy, airy texture.
Classic Appeal: This pie has stood the test of time, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Variations
Chocolate Ganache Topping: Replace the meringue with a layer of ganache for a rich twist.
Whipped Cream: Skip the meringue and top with whipped cream for a simpler version.
Nutty Addition: Add a layer of chopped pecans or walnuts to the filling for extra texture.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration: Store leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Meringue doesn’t freeze well, but the filling and crust can be frozen without the topping for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 310
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Protein: 6g
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a timeless dessert that brings a touch of tradition to your table. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or indulging in a sweet treat just because, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!
