Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe: Grandma’s Sweet Gem

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through my classic chocolate meringue pie recipe, promising rich comfort in every delectable slice.

Layers of silky chocolate custard nestle beneath billowy clouds of toasted meringue, creating a dessert that whispers nostalgia.

Delicate egg whites whipped into glossy peaks tell a story of culinary tradition passed down through generations.

My grandmother’s treasured recipe combines simple ingredients with technique that elevates humble components into something magical.

Crisp pastry cradles a smooth chocolate filling that melts languidly on your tongue, revealing depths of cocoa intensity.

Modest yet magnificent, this pie delivers pure indulgence without unnecessary complexity.

Each forkful connects you to cherished moments of shared sweetness around the family table.

Come bake and savor a slice of timeless deliciousness that promises to become your own signature dessert.

Why Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe Is a Classic Dessert

• Craft a Family Favorite: This old-fashioned pie brings generations together with its rich chocolate filling and fluffy meringue topping, creating sweet memories around the dinner table.
• Master Simple Baking Techniques: Learn professional pastry skills like tempering eggs and creating a perfect meringue, boosting your confidence in the kitchen with each delicious slice.
• Impress Without Stress: Surprisingly straightforward recipe that looks and tastes like a complicated dessert, making you appear like a baking pro without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a special weekend treat that appeals to chocolate lovers of all ages, guaranteeing smiles and second helpings.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Pie Crust: A pre-baked base that provides a crisp foundation for the chocolate meringue pie.

• Unsweetened Chocolate: The primary flavor component that creates a rich, deep chocolate taste.
• Water, Sugar, Milk: Essential liquids and sweeteners that help develop the smooth chocolate filling.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the chocolate filling.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chocolate mixture.

• Egg Yolks: Add richness and help create a smooth, creamy texture for the filling.
• Butter: Provides additional richness and a silky finish to the chocolate filling.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and complexity to the chocolate flavor.

• Egg Whites: The primary structure for creating the light and fluffy meringue topping.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the egg whites and helps create a more consistent meringue.
• Sugar: Sweetens and helps create the glossy, stiff peaks of the meringue.

Instructions for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Pie Crust

Select a pre-made pie crust and bake it slightly less than package instructions recommend. This ensures the crust won’t overcook during final baking.

Step 2: Create Silky Chocolate Base

• Unsweetened chocolate
• Sugar
• Water

• Flour
• Salt
• Milk

Stir continuously over medium heat until mixture transforms into a rich, thick chocolate consistency, approximately 12-15 minutes.

Step 3: Integrate Egg Yolks Smoothly

Gently temper egg yolks by gradually introducing hot chocolate mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents egg scrambling. Return tempered yolks to saucepan and incorporate completely.

Step 4: Enhance Chocolate Filling

• Butter
• Vanilla extract

Pour smooth chocolate mixture into prepared pie crust.

Step 5: Whip Dreamy Meringue Topping

Beat egg whites until they become foamy. Add cream of tartar, then gradually incorporate sugar while continuing to beat until soft, billowy peaks emerge.

Step 6: Finish and Bake

Spread meringue evenly across chocolate filling, ensuring complete coverage and sealed edges. Bake at 375°F until meringue turns golden brown, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 7: Cool and Chill

Allow pie to reach room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to set and enhance flavor complexity.

Pro Tips for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Gentle Crust Baking: Reduce pie crust baking time to prevent over-browning, ensuring a perfect base for your chocolate meringue pie.
• Smooth Chocolate Technique: Whisk continuously while cooking chocolate filling to achieve a consistent, lump-free texture and rich brown color.
• Master Egg Tempering: Add hot chocolate mixture slowly to egg yolks, stirring constantly to prevent scrambling and create a silky smooth filling.
• Meringue Peak Perfection: Beat egg whites gradually with sugar until soft peaks form, creating a light, airy topping that browns beautifully.
• Seal and Protect: Spread meringue to completely cover filling, touching the crust edges to prevent shrinkage and create a beautiful seal.

Variation Ideas for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Vegan Chocolate Dream Pie: Replace eggs with aquafaba, use coconut milk instead of dairy milk, and swap butter for coconut oil. Use dark chocolate without milk solids for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Chocolate Heaven: Substitute wheat flour with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use gluten-free pie crust made from almond flour or graham cracker alternative.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Silk Pie: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content and minimal added sugars for a healthier option.
• Keto Chocolate Indulgence: Swap regular sugar with erythritol, use heavy cream instead of milk, and incorporate almond flour for the crust. Add unsweetened cocoa powder for intense chocolate flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich chocolate filling's deep, intense flavors.
• Enhance Coffee Experience: Serve a strong, freshly brewed espresso or dark roast coffee alongside the pie to highlight the chocolate's complex notes and provide a delightful contrast.
• Create Creamy Counterpoint: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to balance the pie's sweetness and provide a cool, smooth texture against the warm meringue and chocolate layers.
• Recommend Sweet Dessert Drink: Mix a chocolate martini or Irish cream liqueur to echo the pie's chocolate essence and create a decadent after-dinner indulgence.

Storage Advice for Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Store leftovers in an airtight container or cover pie loosely with plastic wrap. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meringue stays fresh and texture remains intact.
• Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that meringue might slightly separate upon thawing, affecting its pristine appearance.
• Warm individual slices in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes. Cover edges with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Avoid microwave, which can make meringue soggy and ruin delicate texture.
• Remove pie from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop and restore optimal taste and texture.

FAQs About Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

• Why do I need to temper the egg yolks?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to hot liquid. By slowly introducing hot chocolate mixture to egg yolks while whisking, you gradually raise their temperature without cooking them instantly.

• Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Unsweetened chocolate works best for this recipe because it allows you to control the sweetness. Other chocolate types might alter the filling’s texture and flavor balance.

• What does cream of tartar do in the meringue?

Cream of tartar stabilizes the egg whites, helping them maintain their volume and creating a smoother, more consistent meringue that holds its shape better during baking.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Grandma’s classic Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie delights with silky chocolate custard nestled in a buttery crust and topped with pillowy meringue. Rich chocolate layers promise comfort and nostalgia in each delectable slice you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Chocolate Filling Ingredients:

• 2 ounces (57 grams) unsweetened baking chocolate
• 2 cups (473 milliliters) milk
• 3/4 cup (150 grams) sugar
• 3 large eggs, separated
• 6 tablespoons (48 grams) flour
• 1/3 cup (79 milliliters) water
• 1 tablespoon (14 grams) butter
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt

Crust Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust

Meringue Topping Ingredients:

• 3 large egg whites
• 3 tablespoons (37.5 grams) sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) cream of tartar

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and carefully blind bake the pie crust at a slightly lower temperature, ensuring a light golden color that will withstand additional baking later.
2. Create the rich chocolate base by melting unsweetened chocolate with sugar and water in a large saucepan, developing a smooth consistency over medium heat.
3. Gradually incorporate flour, additional sugar, salt, and milk into the chocolate mixture, stirring continuously until the filling transforms into a thick, deep brown texture, approximately 12-15 minutes.
4. Carefully temper the egg yolks by slowly introducing hot chocolate mixture while whisking vigorously, preventing potential scrambling and ensuring a silky smooth filling.
5. Integrate the tempered egg yolks back into the chocolate mixture, stirring until fully combined, then fold in butter and vanilla for enhanced depth of flavor.
6. Transfer the luscious chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust, creating an even surface for the meringue topping.
7. Prepare the meringue by whipping egg whites until they become frothy, then gradually introduce cream of tartar and sugar while continuing to beat until soft, glossy peaks form.
8. Artfully spread the meringue across the chocolate filling, ensuring complete coverage and a seal along the crust edges to prevent shrinkage.
9. Bake the pie at 375°F for approximately 10 minutes, watching carefully until the meringue achieves a golden brown, caramelized appearance.
10. Allow the pie to cool completely at room temperature, then refrigerate for several hours to set the filling and enhance the flavor profile.

Notes

• Bake the pie crust carefully to prevent over-browning, as it will return to the oven later with the filling and meringue.
• Constantly stir the chocolate filling to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, even texture during the thickening process.
• Tempering eggs is crucial to prevent scrambling; slowly introduce hot mixture while whisking vigorously to raise egg temperature gradually.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check chocolate filling’s consistency, aiming for a thick pudding-like texture around 180-185°F.
• Create decorative meringue peaks by using the back of a spoon or a piping bag for a professional-looking finish.
• Achieve perfectly golden meringue by watching closely during the final baking stage and rotating the pie if needed for even browning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 203 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 104 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg