Description: A classic, comforting chocolate pie with a rich, decadent filling and a fluffy meringue topping. This recipe brings back memories of home-baked goodness with every slice.
Ingredients:
- 1 pre-made or homemade pie crust, baked and cooled
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted 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:
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust Bake your pie crust according to your favorite recipe or package instructions. Ensure it’s golden brown and completely cooled before adding the filling. This step is crucial for a stable base.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a medium saucepan, whisk together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and unsweetened cocoa powder. This ensures the cocoa powder is evenly distributed and prevents lumps in the filling.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure to incorporate it smoothly with the dry ingredients. Then, add the 3 large egg yolks and whisk until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Cook the Filling Place the saucepan over medium heat. Add the 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture begins to thicken and comes to a gentle simmer. Continue to cook and stir for about 2-3 minutes more, ensuring the filling is smooth, glossy, and has thickened to a pudding-like consistency. Be patient and stir constantly to prevent scorching.
Step 5: Add Vanilla and Pour into Crust Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This enhances the chocolate flavor. Pour the warm chocolate filling into the baked and cooled pie crust, spreading it evenly.
Step 6: Prepare the Meringue In a clean, grease-free bowl, beat the 3 large egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add the 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating well after each addition, until the meringue is glossy and holds stiff peaks.
Step 7: Top the Pie with Meringue Immediately spread the meringue over the warm chocolate filling, making sure to seal the edges to the crust to prevent the meringue from shrinking. You can create swirls and peaks with a spoon or spatula for a decorative touch.
Step 8: Bake the Meringue Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until the meringue is lightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 9: Cool and Refrigerate Remove the pie from the oven and let it cool completely at room temperature. Then, refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving. This allows the filling to set and the meringue to stabilize.
Why you will love this recipe
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a delightful treat that brings back nostalgic memories. The combination of a rich, creamy chocolate filling and a sweet, airy meringue creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. It’s a relatively simple recipe that yields impressive results, making it ideal for both novice and experienced bakers. The comfort and joy this pie brings make it a family favorite that will be requested time and time again. Plus, who can resist a classic chocolate pie?
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Medium
- Taste: Rich and Decadent
- Visual Appeal: Classic and Elegant
- Overall: 5/5 Stars
Serving Suggestions:
Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture. This pie pairs well with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion.
Tips:
- Ensure your pie crust is fully cooled before adding the filling to prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Stir the chocolate filling constantly while cooking to prevent it from burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and grease-free when making the meringue, as any trace of fat can prevent the egg whites from whipping properly.
- When spreading the meringue, be sure to seal it to the edges of the crust to prevent shrinking during baking.
- If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar for every 1/4 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate cocoa powder.
- If you prefer a less sweet pie, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the filling by 1/4 cup.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes Total Time: 1 hour (plus cooling and chilling time)
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximately based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 400-450
- Protein: 6-8 grams
- Sodium: 200-250 mg
Conclusion:
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe is a timeless classic that is sure to impress. With its rich, creamy filling and fluffy meringue topping, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re baking it for a holiday celebration or simply to satisfy a chocolate craving, this pie is guaranteed to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a slice of homemade heaven!
Questions and Answers about this recipe:
Q1: Can I use a store-bought pie crust instead of making one from scratch? A: Absolutely! Using a store-bought pie crust is a great time-saver. Just make sure to pre-bake it according to the package instructions before adding the filling.
Q2: My meringue sometimes weeps. How can I prevent this? A: Weeping, or “beading,” can be caused by undercooked meringue or high humidity. Make sure you beat the egg whites to stiff peaks and add the sugar gradually. Also, seal the meringue to the crust to prevent moisture from seeping out. Baking the meringue in a slightly cooler oven can also help.
Q3: Can I make this pie ahead of time? A: Yes, you can! In fact, it’s best to make it a day ahead to allow the filling to set properly. Store it covered in the refrigerator.
Q4: What can I do if my meringue starts to brown too quickly in the oven? A: If the meringue is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the pie with aluminum foil to protect it from the heat.
Q5: Can I add anything else to the filling to change the flavor? A: Certainly! You can add a pinch of cinnamon or a tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the filling for a different twist. Chocolate chips can also be added.
