Description
This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue features a rich, silky chocolate custard nestled in a flaky crust and topped with a cloud of golden-browned meringue. It is a timeless dessert that balances deep chocolate flavor with light, airy sweetness.
Ingredients
1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 3/4 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 large egg whites
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
Instructions
- Whisk together 1 cup sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt in a medium saucepan.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbling.
- Lightly beat the egg yolks in a small bowl. Slowly whisk about 1/2 cup of the hot chocolate mixture into the yolks to temper them. Pour the tempered yolks back into the saucepan and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring continuously, until thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Pour the hot chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust and smooth the top.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spread the meringue over the hot filling, sealing it to the edges of the crust.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the meringue is golden brown.
- Cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
Add 1 tablespoon espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor.
Stir in melted semisweet chocolate with the butter for a richer filling.
Substitute whipped cream for the meringue after chilling if preferred.
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For best texture, allow slices to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
