Description

This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a rich, velvety dessert with deep cocoa flavor, nestled in a flaky pre-baked crust and topped with a golden, airy meringue. The filling is creamy, luscious, and made from scratch—just like grandma used to make. Perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you crave a true Southern classic.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Pie Filling:

1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 cups whole milk
4 large egg yolks (save whites for meringue!)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Golden Meringue:

4 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/2 cup granulated sugar

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Instructions

Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure your pie crust is pre-baked and cooled.
Make the Chocolate Filling: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
Cook Until Thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble (about 8-10 minutes).
Temper the Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Slowly add about 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture, whisking constantly, then pour back into the saucepan. Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Finish the Filling: Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla extract. Pour the warm filling into the baked pie crust.
Make the Meringue: In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar on high speed until foamy. Gradually add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form.
Top & Bake: Spread the meringue over the warm chocolate filling, sealing to the edges of the crust. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.

Cool & Serve: Let the pie cool at room temperature for at least 1 hour, then refrigerate for 3-4 hours before slicing. Enjoy!

Notes

For a deeper chocolate flavor, use Dutch-process cocoa.
Sealing the meringue to the crust prevents it from shrinking.
Best served chilled, but allow it to sit at room temp for 10 minutes before slicing for a clean cut.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Per Slice
Calories: 320
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg