Hey friend, this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is pure comfort – a crisp, buttery crust cradling a luxuriously smooth chocolate filling that melts on your tongue with every bite. Sweet cocoa dances with velvety egg yolks and a whisper of vanilla, while the hint of butter adds that cozy richness. On top, a billowy golden meringue is lightly toasted until its edges are caramel-kissed, delivering that perfect crunch before giving way to soft, pillowy clouds. It’s the kind of dessert that warms the heart and sparks smiles at any gathering – no frills, just pure, dreamy indulgence!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Rich, creamy chocolate filling that melts in your mouth.
- Golden meringue topping that’s perfectly toasted and delightful.
- Classic recipe that brings nostalgia and comfort to every bite.
- Easy to make, yet impressively elegant for any occasion.
- Trust me, you’re going to love this sweet indulgence!
Recipe Snapshot
Feature | Details |
---|---|
Category | Dessert |
Cuisine | American |
Prep Time | 30 minutes |
Cook Time | 15 minutes |
Extra Time | 30 minutes (resting) |
Total Time | 75 minutes |
Dietary | Vegetarian |
Serves | 8 |
Best Served | Chilled and sliced |
Ingredients
Get ready to indulge in this delightful Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie topped with a dreamy golden meringue!

- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust – your favorite variety
- 1½ cups granulated sugar – sweetens the filling
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder – for that rich chocolate flavor
- ¼ cup cornstarch – thickens the filling
- ¼ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavors
- 3 cups whole milk – for creaminess
- 4 large egg yolks – adds richness to the filling
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter – for a smooth texture
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – boosts the flavor
- 4 large egg whites – for the meringue
- ½ cup granulated sugar – sweetens the meringue
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar – stabilizes the meringue
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – highlights the meringue
How to Make Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
This delightful Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie takes about 30 minutes to prepare, 15 minutes to cook, and an additional 30 minutes to chill. Get ready for a rich, creamy treat topped with dreamy golden meringue!

Step 1: Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
Step 2: Add Milk
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Step 3: Cook Mixture
Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Beat Egg Yolks
In a bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Temper them by adding a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture while whisking constantly.
Step 5: Combine Yolks and Mixture
Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan and cook for 1–2 minutes more until thickened.
Step 6: Add Butter and Vanilla
Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
Step 7: Pour Filling
Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust and let it cool at room temperature.
Step 8: Make Meringue
For the meringue, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
Step 9: Add Sugar
Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.
Step 10: Spread Meringue
Spread or pipe the meringue over the cooled pie, making sure to seal the edges well.
Step 11: Toast Meringue
Use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast the meringue peaks until they are golden brown.
Step 12: Chill and Serve
Chill the pie briefly, then slice and serve to enjoy your delicious creation!
Pro Tips for Making Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer flavor.
- Whisk the filling continuously to avoid lumps.
- Let the pie cool completely before adding meringue.
- Toast the meringue until golden for a beautiful finish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge to keep the meringue fresh.
How to Serve this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Top with fresh whipped cream for extra creaminess.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder for a touch of elegance.
- Pair with a side of fresh berries for a fruity contrast.
- Enjoy with a cup of hot cocoa or a warm cup of herbal tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can make this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie ahead and store it easily:
Storing Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Leftovers
- Cover the pie with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Keep meringue intact to maintain texture.
Freezing Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Wrap the pie tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
- Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cover the pie with foil to prevent over-browning.
- Heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan For cooking the chocolate filling.
- 1 Mixing Bowl For beating the egg yolks and egg whites.
- 1 Whisk For mixing ingredients.
- 1 kitchen torch or broiler For toasting the meringue.
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust Your favorite variety.
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar Sweetens the filling.
- 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder For that rich chocolate flavor.
- 0.25 cup cornstarch Thickens the filling.
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Enhances the flavors.
- 3 cups whole milk For creaminess.
- 4 large egg yolks Adds richness to the filling.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter For a smooth texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Boosts the flavor.
Meringue
- 4 large egg whites For the meringue.
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar Sweetens the meringue.
- 0.5 teaspoon cream of tartar Stabilizes the meringue.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Highlights the meringue.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt until well combined.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
- In a bowl, lightly beat the egg yolks. Temper them by adding a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture while whisking constantly.
- Return the tempered yolks to the saucepan and cook for 1–2 minutes more until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter and vanilla extract until melted and smooth.
- Pour the chocolate filling into the pre-baked pie crust and let it cool at room temperature.
- For the meringue, beat the egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar while continuing to beat until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Spread or pipe the meringue over the cooled pie, making sure to seal the edges well.
- Use a kitchen torch or broiler to toast the meringue peaks until they are golden brown.
- Chill the pie briefly, then slice and serve to enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 350 |
Fat | 15g |
Protein | 5g |
Carbs | 50g |
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. Can I use a store-bought pie crust for the Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save you time and still deliver a delicious pie. Just make sure it’s pre-baked according to the package instructions before adding the chocolate filling.
2. How can I prevent the meringue from weeping?
To prevent weeping, make sure to spread the meringue all the way to the edges of the pie crust, sealing it well. This helps to create a barrier that keeps moisture from getting in. Also, bake the meringue until it’s golden brown for the best texture.
3. Can I substitute the whole milk in the filling?
Yes, you can substitute whole milk with a combination of half-and-half or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind that the flavor and creaminess may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious!
4. How do I store leftover Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie?
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. It’s best enjoyed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness, but it can last up to a week!
Final Thoughts
Indulging in a slice of Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug! This delightful dessert is not only simple to make but also incredibly rewarding. So gather your loved ones, whip up this creamy, dreamy treat, and enjoy the nostalgic flavors that will surely bring smiles all around. Happy baking!