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There’s something undeniably heartwarming about a classic dessert, and this Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is no exception. Rich, creamy, and wrapped in buttery pie crust, it’s the kind of dessert that makes you slow down and savor each bite. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or just indulging in a slice on a quiet evening, this pie will quickly become a favorite in your dessert repertoire.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Chocolate Filling: The silky, smooth filling is a chocolate lover’s dream, combining cocoa powder with a velvety custard base.
- Versatile Crust: Use a pre-made crust for ease, or make your own from scratch for an extra homemade touch.
- Optional Meringue: The fluffy meringue topping adds an airy contrast to the rich chocolate filling—perfect for those who love traditional Southern pies!
- Nostalgic Comfort: This pie brings back the taste of old-fashioned, homemade desserts. It’s like a bite of your grandmother’s kitchen.
So, let’s dive into this delicious chocolate creation and bring a bit of nostalgia to your table.
Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
The Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Meringue (Optional but Traditional):
- 4 large egg whites
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie
Step 1: Prepare the Pie Crust
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out your pre-made or homemade pie crust and gently press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Trim the edges and crimp them as desired for that beautiful, rustic look.
Bake the Crust: Blind bake the crust for 10-12 minutes, or until it turns a light golden brown. This helps keep the crust crisp and prevents it from becoming soggy when you add the chocolate filling. Once baked, remove it from the oven and set it aside to cool.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
In a medium saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt until fully combined.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks and milk until smooth. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming.
Cook the Filling: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir continuously as the mixture heats up. After about 7-10 minutes, it will start to thicken and bubble. Once it reaches this stage, remove it from the heat.
Finish with Butter and Vanilla: Stir in the unsalted butter and vanilla extract, mixing until the butter is completely melted and the filling is smooth and glossy.
Fill the Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into your pre-baked pie crust, spreading it evenly. The aroma of rich chocolate at this stage is simply irresistible!
Step 3: Make the Meringue (Optional)
If you’re opting for a traditional meringue topping, this step is well worth it!
Beat the Egg Whites: In a clean bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks begin to form. Gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Spread Over the Pie: Gently spread the meringue over the warm chocolate filling, making sure to extend it to the edges of the pie crust to seal it. This ensures the meringue doesn’t shrink during baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pie
Return the pie to the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue turns a beautiful golden brown. Keep a close eye on it during this step as meringue can brown quickly.
Tips for Making the Perfect Chocolate Pie
- Avoid Lumpy Filling: Whisk the milk mixture into the dry ingredients slowly and continuously to avoid lumps. A smooth, lump-free filling is key to the pie’s creamy texture.
- Seal the Meringue: If using the meringue topping, make sure it touches the edges of the pie crust. This prevents shrinking during baking and ensures an even golden-brown finish.
- Chill Before Slicing: For clean, picture-perfect slices, refrigerate the pie for at least 2 hours after it has cooled to room temperature. This gives the chocolate filling time to fully set.
What to Serve with Chocolate Pie
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is delicious on its own, but if you want to elevate the dessert, here are some serving ideas:
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the rich chocolate filling.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or even a few slices of banana can bring a fresh, fruity element to each bite.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top—absolutely heavenly!
Storing and Freezing Chocolate Pie
Refrigerating:
Store the pie in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to let the pie cool completely before covering to prevent condensation from forming on the meringue or filling.
Freezing:
Chocolate pie (without meringue) freezes well! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the pie a day in advance. Just refrigerate it after it cools and add the meringue right before serving for the freshest taste.
What can I use instead of meringue?
If meringue isn’t your style, you can top the pie with whipped cream or enjoy it without a topping at all. It’s just as delicious!
Can I use a store-bought pie crust?
Absolutely! Store-bought pie crusts save time and still deliver a delicious result. Just be sure to bake it before adding the filling.
Conclusion
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a true celebration of nostalgia and rich chocolatey goodness. With its silky filling, buttery crust, and fluffy meringue, it’s a dessert that will make anyone feel like they’ve stepped back in time to simpler, sweeter days. Whether you make it for a holiday or just to treat yourself, this pie is guaranteed to impress.
Don’t forget to share your pie creations on Pinterest and leave a review—I love hearing about your kitchen adventures! And if you’re craving more delicious treats, check out my Southern Peach Cobbler recipe for another crowd-pleasing dessert.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 6g
- Sugar: 34g
Enjoy every bite of this delectable chocolate treat!
Recipes You Will Love :
- No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake Lasagna
- No-Bake Peanut Butter Cheesecake Balls Recipe
- Cherry Cheesecake Fluff – Quick & Creamy No-Bake Dessert Recipe
Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie Recipe: A Nostalgic Delight!
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus 2 hours for chilling)
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a slice of nostalgia wrapped in a buttery crust. Featuring a rich and creamy chocolate filling, it’s topped with a fluffy meringue that turns golden brown after baking. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this dessert is simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re bringing a taste of the past to a holiday table or enjoying a special treat with your loved ones, this pie is bound to impress with its deep chocolate flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Ingredients
For the Pie Crust:
- 1 pre-made or homemade 9-inch pie crust
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Meringue (Optional):
- 4 large egg whites
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Pie Crust: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Roll out the pie crust and press it into a 9-inch pie dish. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden, and set aside to cool.
- Make the Chocolate Filling: In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, flour, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks and milk until smooth. Gradually add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients, whisking constantly. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thick and bubbly (7-10 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.
- Fill the Pie Crust: Pour the chocolate filling into the baked pie crust.
- Prepare the Meringue (Optional): Beat egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and vanilla, beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the meringue over the warm chocolate filling, ensuring it reaches the edges of the crust.
- Bake: Bake the pie at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until the meringue is golden brown. Cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Instructions
- If you don’t want to use meringue, whipped cream makes a delicious alternative!
- Be sure to chill the pie before serving for a firm, creamy filling.
- This pie freezes well without the meringue. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Notes
- If you don’t want to use meringue, whipped cream makes a delicious alternative!
- Be sure to chill the pie before serving for a firm, creamy filling.
- This pie freezes well without the meringue. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 120mg