🍫 A Timeless Dessert That Brings Comfort in Every Bite
If there’s one dessert that has stood the test of time in Southern kitchens, it’s the Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue. With its rich, velvety chocolate filling, flaky homemade crust, and a cloud of perfectly toasted meringue on top, this pie tastes like childhood, family gatherings, and Sunday dinners all rolled into one.
This chocolate pie isn’t just about nostalgia — it’s about bold, real flavor. We're talking silky cocoa custard with a deep chocolate punch, wrapped in buttery pie crust and crowned with golden, fluffy peaks that melt in your mouth. Whether you're new to Southern baking or grew up on grandma's recipes, this pie delivers that warm, homemade feeling every single time.
🥧 Ingredients for the Chocolate Pie
For the Pie Crust:
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1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
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3–4 tbsp ice water
Tip: You can also use a store-bought pie shell to save time, but nothing beats homemade.
For the Chocolate Filling:
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1 cup granulated sugar
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3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
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¼ cup cornstarch
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¼ tsp salt
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2 ½ cups whole milk
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4 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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1 tsp pure vanilla extract
For the Golden Meringue:
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4 large egg whites (save from yolks above)
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¼ tsp cream of tartar
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6 tbsp granulated sugar
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½ tsp vanilla extract
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour and salt. Cut in butter until crumbly, then add ice water 1 tablespoon at a time until dough forms. Shape into a disc, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Roll out the dough and place it in a 9-inch pie plate. Trim and crimp the edges, then blind bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes using pie weights or dried beans. Let it cool completely.
2. Make the Chocolate Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens and bubbles.
Reduce heat and cook for 2 more minutes, then remove from heat. Temper the egg yolks by whisking a small amount of the hot mixture into them. Return all to the saucepan and cook 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until smooth. Pour the chocolate filling into the cooled crust.
3. Whip the Meringue
In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in vanilla.
Spread meringue over the hot chocolate filling, sealing edges to the crust to prevent shrinking.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12–15 minutes or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool at room temperature, then refrigerate at least 4 hours before slicing for best results.
✨ Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pie
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From-scratch filling – no pudding mix here, just rich homemade chocolate custard
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Golden, pillowy meringue – lightly sweet and perfectly toasted
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Classic comfort – the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug
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Perfect for holidays – or just because you need a chocolate fix
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Budget-friendly ingredients – with bakery-quality results
🧁 Pro Tips for Perfect Pie Every Time
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Use a glass or ceramic pie plate for even baking
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Don’t skip tempering the yolks — it prevents scrambled eggs in your custard
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Seal meringue completely to the crust to avoid weeping
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Cool completely before slicing for clean, firm slices
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Store in the fridge, loosely covered, up to 3 days
📝 Make It Your Own
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Add a dash of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor
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Swap meringue for whipped cream if you're not a fan of egg whites
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Use dark cocoa for a richer, bittersweet version
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Drizzle with caramel or chocolate ganache for extra indulgence
🧾 Nutrition Info (Per Slice – Approximate)
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Calories: 420
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Fat: 22g
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Carbohydrates: 48g
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Protein: 6g
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Sugar: 33g
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Fiber: 2g
Note: These values will vary depending on crust and portion size.
💬 What Readers Are Saying
“This pie reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen. The chocolate is so smooth and the meringue was perfect!” – Elaine M.
“Absolutely delicious and surprisingly easy. I’ll be making this again for Thanksgiving!” – Travis R.
“That filling… wow. Deep chocolate flavor without being too sweet. Loved it!” – Nina K.
📌 Final Thoughts: A Chocolate Dream Come True
There’s something magical about an Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue. It’s a dessert that doesn’t try to be trendy — it simply brings comfort, satisfaction, and a bit of old-school joy to the table. Whether you serve it on a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet and nostalgic, this chocolate pie delivers every single time.
The silky filling, golden topping, and flaky crust make it a triple threat in the best possible way. One bite and you’ll see why this Southern classic continues to win hearts across generations.
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