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
Scale
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