Introduction

If you’re a fan of classic desserts, then this Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is bound to become a favorite in your household. This pie brings together a silky smooth, rich chocolate filling, nestled inside a buttery pie crust, topped with a perfectly fluffy meringue that’s golden brown. It’s the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in some nostalgic comfort food. With a handful of simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this old-fashioned treat will make you fall in love with homemade pies all over again.

Ingredients:

For the pie filling:

• 1 pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups whole milk
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the meringue topping:

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

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust

• Begin by preparing or pre-baking your pie crust. You can either use a homemade pie crust or a store-bought version. Pre-bake it according to the package instructions or recipe and allow it to cool completely while you prepare the chocolate filling.

Step 2: Cook the Chocolate Filling

• In a medium saucepan, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, and sugar to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
• Slowly stir in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps.
• Add the egg yolks, vanilla extract, and butter to the mixture. Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. This will take about 10-15 minutes. The consistency should be smooth, thick, and creamy, similar to pudding.
• Once thickened, remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool slightly.

Step 3: Pour the Filling into the Crust

• After the chocolate filling has cooled for a few minutes, pour it into the pre-baked pie crust. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the Meringue

• In a large, clean mixing bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar together using an electric mixer on high speed. Continue beating until soft peaks form.
• Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. The meringue should be glossy and hold its shape when you lift the beaters.

Step 5: Add Meringue to the Pie

• Carefully spoon the meringue over the chocolate filling, spreading it out to the edges of the pie crust. Be sure to seal the edges of the meringue to the crust to prevent it from shrinking during baking.

Step 6: Bake the Pie

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the pie in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 7: Cool and Refrigerate

• Remove the pie from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 1 hour. Once cooled, refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to let the filling set.

Cooking Notes

• Make sure to whisk the chocolate mixture constantly while cooking to avoid scorching, as it thickens quickly.
• Sealing the meringue to the crust is important to prevent it from shrinking away from the edges as it bakes.
• For best results, serve the pie chilled after it has had time to set in the fridge.

Serving Suggestions

This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is best served chilled, making it the perfect dessert to prepare ahead of time. Serve each slice with a dollop of whipped cream on the side, or drizzle it with a little bit of chocolate syrup for added decadence. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk for a classic dessert experience.

Tips

• If you prefer a softer meringue, bake it for less time (around 8-10 minutes), but keep an eye on it to ensure it browns evenly.
• To prevent the filling from becoming too runny, make sure to let the pie chill completely in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before slicing.
• If you don’t want to make meringue, you can leave the pie as a chocolate-only pie, and instead top it with whipped cream before serving.

Prep Time:

• 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

• 15 minutes (plus time to cook the filling)

Total Time:

• 1 hour 45 minutes (including cooling and refrigeration time)

Nutritional Information (per slice):

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg

Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is the epitome of comfort food with its rich chocolate filling and perfectly light meringue topping. It’s a dessert that brings back memories of family dinners, holiday gatherings, and classic American baking. The texture is silky and luscious, while the meringue adds a light, airy sweetness that complements the rich filling beautifully. Whether you’re a pie lover or just looking to try something new, this chocolate pie is sure to become a family favorite. Give this recipe a try, and watch how it becomes the star of any dessert table!

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