Name: Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust; 1 cup granulated sugar (filling); 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 4 large egg yolks; 2 1/2 cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (filling); 4 large egg whites (room temperature); 1/2 cup granulated sugar (meringue); 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (meringue)

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Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a nostalgic, rich dessert that features a silky chocolate custard filling inside a flaky pie crust, all crowned with a billowy layer of golden, toasted meringue. It’s a timeless classic I love bringing to the table for holidays, Sunday dinners, or whenever I’m craving a slice of something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pie combines deep, velvety chocolate with the lightness of sweet, fluffy meringue. The contrast in texture and flavor makes each bite satisfying and balanced. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug—simple, comforting, and always a showstopper with its glossy, toasted top.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chocolate filling:

Granulated sugar
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Cornstarch
Salt
Egg yolks
Whole milk
Unsalted butter
Vanilla extract

For the meringue:

Egg whites (room temperature)
Granulated sugar
Cream of tartar
Vanilla extract

For the crust:

Pre-baked pie crust (store-bought or homemade)

Directions

I start by baking the pie crust until golden and letting it cool completely.
For the filling, I whisk sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt in a saucepan. I add the egg yolks and milk, then cook over medium heat, whisking constantly until thick and bubbly.
I remove the mixture from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth and glossy.
I pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust and set it aside while I make the meringue.
For the meringue, I beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. I gradually add sugar and beat until glossy, stiff peaks appear. I finish with a splash of vanilla.
I spread the meringue over the warm filling, making sure to seal it to the crust edges to prevent shrinking.
I bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes until the meringue is golden brown.
I let the pie cool at room temperature, then chill for at least 2 hours before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes one 9-inch pie, serving 8 people. It takes about 30 minutes to prep, 15 minutes to bake, and at least 2 hours to chill—ready in about 3 hours including cooling.

Variations

Sometimes I use dark chocolate for a richer filling or add a pinch of espresso powder to enhance the cocoa flavor. For a twist, I’ve stirred in orange zest or topped the meringue with a sprinkle of shaved chocolate after baking.

storage/reheating

I store the pie loosely covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep the meringue from weeping, I avoid wrapping it tightly. I serve slices cold or let them come to room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use a graham cracker crust?

Yes, I’ve used graham cracker crust for a different texture—it’s delicious and doesn’t need pre-baking.

How do I prevent a soggy crust?

I fully blind-bake the crust before filling and let it cool completely. This helps maintain a crisp base.

Why does my meringue weep?

Weeping can happen from overbeating or not sealing the meringue to the crust. I beat just to stiff peaks and spread it to the edges before baking.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, I make the pie a day ahead and store it in the fridge. I avoid covering it too tightly to keep the meringue intact.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

I use a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute to help stabilize the egg whites.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a classic that never goes out of style. With its silky chocolate filling and cloud-like meringue, it’s a dessert I always come back to when I want something rich, familiar, and beautiful. Whether it’s a family gathering or a quiet night in, this pie brings warmth and a little slice of joy to every occasion.