Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue

Introduction: An old-fashioned chocolate pie with golden meringue is a classic dessert that combines rich, creamy chocolate filling with a light, fluffy meringue topping. This pie is reminiscent of the comforting desserts often served in grandma’s kitchen—its deep chocolate flavor and delicate, golden meringue make it a beloved treat. The silky custard filling is thickened with cornstarch and a little bit of butter, and it’s crowned with a beautiful meringue that bakes to a golden perfection. If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that’s both nostalgic and delicious, this chocolate pie is the perfect choice.

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Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Custard Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed for a smoother flavor)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Meringue Topping:

• 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
• 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt

For the Pie Crust:

• 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust (9-inch)
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for greasing)

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Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the crust: If using a store-bought pie crust, follow the instructions on the package for pre-baking (usually 10-12 minutes at 375°F). If you’re using a homemade pie crust, fit it into your pie dish, then line the crust with parchment paper and fill it with pie weights or dried beans to keep the crust from puffing up while baking. Bake the crust for about 12-15 minutes, until lightly golden. Remove from the oven, and let it cool slightly. You can also brush the crust with a little butter to give it an extra rich flavor, but this is optional.
3. Cool the crust: Allow the crust to cool completely before filling it with the chocolate custard.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Custard Filling

1. Heat the milk and cream: In a medium saucepan, combine the milk and heavy cream. Place the pan over medium heat and heat until just about to simmer, stirring occasionally. Do not let it boil.
2. Whisk the dry ingredients and egg yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth.
3. Temper the egg yolks: Slowly pour a small amount of the hot milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly to temper the eggs and prevent them from scrambling. Gradually whisk the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the rest of the milk mixture.
4. Thicken the custard: Cook the mixture over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens and comes to a boil, about 5-7 minutes. Once the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, remove it from the heat.
5. Add butter and vanilla: Stir in the butter and vanilla extract until the butter is fully melted and incorporated.
6. Cool the filling: Pour the custard into the cooled pie crust and spread it evenly. Let the filling cool for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature while you prepare the meringue.

Step 3: Make the Meringue

1. Whip the egg whites: In a clean, dry mixing bowl, add the egg whites and cream of tartar. Using an electric mixer or a hand whisk, beat the egg whites on medium speed until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites will form peaks that gently bend over when the beaters are lifted.
2. Add sugar: Slowly add the granulated sugar, a tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites on high speed. Beat until stiff, glossy peaks form, and the meringue holds its shape.
3. Add vanilla and salt: Once the meringue is fully whipped, add the vanilla extract and salt. Give it one final mix to combine.

Step 4: Top the Pie with Meringue

1. Spread the meringue: Carefully spoon the meringue over the cooled chocolate filling, spreading it all the way to the edges of the crust to seal the edges. This helps prevent the meringue from shrinking during baking.
2. Create decorative peaks: Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to create swirls and peaks in the meringue for a beautiful finish.

Step 5: Bake the Pie

1. Bake the pie: Place the pie in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown and the tips of the peaks are slightly browned. Keep a close eye on the pie to ensure the meringue doesn’t over-brown.
2. Cool the pie: Once the meringue is golden and crisp, remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. The filling will continue to set as it cools.
3. Chill the pie: For best results, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the filling to firm up and to fully set the meringue.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Slice and serve: Once the pie has cooled and set, slice it into wedges and serve. The chocolate filling should be smooth and creamy, and the meringue should be light and airy with a slight crunch.
2. Optional garnish: For added flair, you can garnish the pie with chocolate shavings or a dusting of cocoa powder.

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Notes:

• Make-ahead: This pie can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s perfect for preparing the day before a special occasion or holiday.
• Meringue tips: To prevent the meringue from weeping (leaking liquid), make sure the meringue is spread all the way to the crust to seal the edges. Additionally, ensure your bowl and beaters are completely clean and dry when whipping the egg whites, as any trace of grease can prevent the meringue from forming properly.
• Cocoa powder: Using high-quality cocoa powder will make a big difference in the flavor of your filling. For a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, use a good Dutch-processed cocoa powder.
• Storage: If you have any leftovers, store the pie in the refrigerator to keep the meringue and filling fresh. However, the meringue may lose some of its crispness over time.

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Total Time:

• Prep time: 25 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Chill time: 2 hours
• Total time: 3 hours (including chilling)

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Conclusion: This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a timeless dessert that’s both decadent and delightful. The smooth chocolate filling pairs beautifully with the fluffy, golden meringue, creating a dessert that’s sure to impress at any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a sweet treat, this pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the rich flavors, and savor every bite!