Silky and nostalgic, this Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie topped with golden meringue is a timeless dessert for Sunday dinners and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is in its simplicity; everyday staples unite to create an unforgettable dessert. Each ingredient plays a starring role, from adding richness to achieving that signature billowy meringue.
- Prebaked 9‑inch pie crust: Your crispy, buttery foundation—homemade or store-bought both work wonderfully.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup): Adds luxurious richness and shine to the chocolate custard filling.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Sweetens the custard and ensures it has just the right level of sweetness.
- All‑purpose flour (¼ cup): Gently thickens the filling—don’t skip it if you want the classic texture.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): The heart of that old-fashioned chocolate flavor; choose a good quality brand if possible.
- Milk (2 cups): Brings the custard together, infusing it with creaminess and body.
- Egg yolks (3): Provide color and silkiness, transforming the filling into smooth, custardy perfection.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Lends warmth and depth—the finishing touch that makes the chocolate sing.
- Egg whites (3, for meringue): Whip up into lofty peaks to form the pie’s iconic golden topping.
- Cream of tartar (¼ tsp, for meringue): Helps stabilize the meringue, so it holds its shape effortlessly.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup, for meringue): Adds sweetness and the perfect glossy finish to your meringue.
How to Make Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Begin with a fully baked and cooled 9‑inch pie crust; this is the stage where your crust shines, providing the perfect vessel for that decadent filling. If you’re making your own, let it cool completely before assembling, so the chocolate custard won’t melt the pastry.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Chocolate Filling
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk together sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and milk until smooth and lump-free. This is where patience pays off—steadily whisking stops any lumps from forming and ensures your filling is beautifully silky right from the start.
Step 3: Add Butter, Yolks, and Vanilla
Once your mixture is combined, add in the unsalted butter and three egg yolks. The butter melts into the filling, lending a rich, creamy consistency, while the yolks offer that lush, custardy texture Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is famous for. Don’t forget the vanilla extract—it effortlessly ties all the chocolatey flavors together.
Step 4: Cook Until Thick and Custardy
Stir the mixture constantly as it heats; in just a few minutes, you’ll see it transform and thicken into a rich, pudding-like consistency. This is your signal that it’s cooked through! Be sure to cook long enough for the raw flour taste to vanish, but don’t let it scorch.
Step 5: Fill the Pie Shell
Pour that gloriously warm filling right into your prepared pie crust, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula. Work quickly, as a warm custard bonds beautifully with the meringue topping.
Step 6: Make the Meringue
In a clean, dry bowl, beat the three egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the sugar, beating until the mixture holds stiff, glossy peaks—this is where the magic happens and your pie gets its golden “wow” factor.
Step 7: Top and Bake
Gently spoon the meringue onto the warm chocolate filling, spreading it carefully to the very edges so the meringue seals with the crust (no shrinking allowed!). Bake in a preheated 350 °F oven for 10 to 15 minutes, or until those peaks transform into a beautifully golden-brown crown.
Step 8: Cool and Chill
Let your Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue cool completely at room temperature; this prevents the meringue from weeping. Once cool, refrigerate the pie so it sets up perfectly and slices like a dream.
How to Serve Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue
Garnishes
Sprinkle a dusting of cocoa powder or add a few chocolate curls for an elegant finish right before serving. If you want to add a fresh pop, berries are a delightful accompaniment against the chocolatey richness.
Side Dishes
This pie shines on its own, but you can keep things classic by serving with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a generous handful of fresh raspberries. A hot cup of coffee or cold glass of milk pairs perfectly too, rounding out the comforting experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut into smaller portions for a dessert sampler platter, or serve each slice on a decorative plate with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprig of mint. For gatherings, you can even make individual mini Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue tarts using the same filling and meringue recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue refrigerated in a loosely covered container or under plastic wrap. The pie keeps well for up to three days and is just as delicious on day two!
Freezing
Because meringue can become weepy after freezing, I don’t recommend freezing slices if you care about presentation. However, you can freeze just the chocolate filling for up to a month, then assemble fresh meringue when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Serve this pie chilled or at room temperature—no reheating necessary! If you prefer a slightly warmer slice, let it stand at room temp for about 20 minutes before serving to achieve the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! A quality store-bought crust makes this Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue even more accessible, especially if you’re pressed for time. Just make sure it’s fully baked and cooled before adding the filling.
Why does my meringue sometimes weep?
Weeping can happen when meringue is spread on a cool filling or underbeaten. Always spread the meringue over warm filling and make sure you see those glossy, stiff peaks before topping your pie.
Can I make this pie a day in advance?
Yes! You can make Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue the night before; just store it in the refrigerator and wait until serving to add any garnishes.
What kind of cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened natural or Dutch-processed cocoa both work, but natural cocoa imparts that old‑fashioned, classic pie flavor most of us remember from childhood.
How do I know when the meringue is done baking?
Look for a light golden color and slightly firm peaks on the meringue. It usually takes about 10–15 minutes at 350 °F, but keep an eye on it—every oven is a bit different!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones, don’t let another day go by without making Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue. A celebration of simple ingredients and nostalgic flavors, this pie is the kind of recipe that just begs to be shared. So tie on that apron and create a homemade memory that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds!
More Vintage & Rich Dessert Recipes to Enjoy
If this Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue brought back memories, these other classic treats will keep the nostalgia going. Indulge in the gooey richness of our Fudgy Salted Caramel Pie — salty-sweet perfection. For a chocolate-caramel twist, the Mini Snickers Cheesecakes are bite-sized bliss. Keep it fruity and crumbly with the Apple Crumble Oatmeal Squares — perfect for breakfast or dessert. Add a little citrus brightness with the Easiest Ever Lemon Curd Bars. And if you’re after something fluffy and sharable, the Croissant Pull-Apart Bread Delight is buttery and crowd-pleasing.
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Old‑Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour (including cooling)
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a beloved classic that features a velvety, rich chocolate custard tucked into a flaky pie crust and crowned with a billowy, toasted meringue. Every bite delivers a harmony of deep cocoa flavor and sweet, creamy meringue—perfect for family gatherings and evoking comforting nostalgia.
Ingredients
For the Pie:
- 1 prebaked 9-inch pie crust
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups milk
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Meringue Topping:
- 3 egg whites
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Crust: Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Make sure your 9-inch pie crust is already baked and fully cooled, ready to receive the filling.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, whisk together the granulated sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and milk until you achieve a smooth mixture. Add the unsalted butter, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly to prevent scorching, until it thickens to a custard-like consistency (this typically takes about 8–10 minutes).
- Fill the Crust: Once thickened, pour the warm chocolate custard filling into the prepared pie crust, spreading it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Meringue: Place the egg whites in a clean mixing bowl. Add cream of tartar and begin beating on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating continuously until stiff, glossy peaks develop.
- Top with Meringue: Spoon the meringue evenly over the chocolate custard, making sure to spread it all the way to the crust’s edge to seal (this helps prevent shrinkage while baking).
- Bake the Pie: Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown on top and beautifully set.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Once cool, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving, allowing the custard to set fully.
Notes
- Ensure the pie crust is completely cooled before pouring in the warm filling to prevent sogginess.
- Spread the meringue to the crust’s edge to avoid shrinking and separating during baking.
- Let the pie cool fully at room temperature before refrigerating so the custard firms up properly.
- For clean slices, use a knife dipped in hot water and wiped dry between cuts.
- Pie is best the day it is made but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of pie)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg