Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a delightful dessert that brings back memories of simpler times. This pie is a classic treat, perfect for any occasion. Its rich chocolate filling and fluffy meringue topping make it a favorite among chocolate lovers. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or just want to enjoy something sweet, this pie offers comfort and satisfaction.

Why Make This Recipe

There are many reasons to make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie. It is easy to prepare and requires simple ingredients that you might already have in your pantry. This pie is not only delicious, but it also reminds many of their childhood or family gatherings. Sharing it with loved ones can create warm memories. Plus, who can resist a slice of rich chocolate pie topped with pillowy meringue?

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Making Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is fun and straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a scrumptious pie ready to enjoy.

Ingredients:

1 pre-baked pie crust
1/4 cup butter
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
2 cups milk
3 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
In a bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, and cocoa powder.
Gradually add this mixture to the melted butter, stirring to avoid lumps.
Slowly add the milk while stirring until the mixture is smooth.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the filling thickens.
Remove from heat. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and add a spoonful of the hot chocolate mixture to temper them.
Gradually stir the egg yolks into the saucepan.
Return the saucepan to heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the vanilla extract and remove from heat.
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked crust.
In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Add the sugar gradually and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
Spread the meringue over the chocolate filling, making sure to seal the edges.
Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown.
Allow the pie to cool completely before serving. Enjoy!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie is best served chilled or at room temperature. You can slice it into wedges and dish it up on dessert plates. It pairs nicely with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added delight.

How to Store Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

To store Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie, cover it with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before storing to avoid sogginess.

Tips to Make Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie

Make sure your pie crust is well-baked before adding the filling to avoid a soggy bottom.
Be patient when cooking the filling; stirring consistently helps achieve a smooth consistency.
For better flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
Make sure to seal the meringue edges to prevent it from shrinking away from the filling while baking.

Variation

You can make a peanut butter chocolate pie by adding a layer of peanut butter to the chocolate filling before topping it with meringue. This adds a delicious twist to the classic recipe.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meringue topping?

Yes, you can use store-bought meringue if you are short on time. Just follow the package instructions for spreading it over the filling.

What if I don’t have cream of tartar?

If you don’t have cream of tartar, you can substitute it with an equal amount of lemon juice or white vinegar when whipping your egg whites.

Can I freeze this pie?

Yes, you can freeze Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie without the meringue topping. After baking and cooling, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator and then add the meringue before baking it again.