Name: Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487272H57M56S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (9″) pre-baked pie crust; ¼ cup butter; 1 cup sugar (plus extra for meringue); ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thicker custard); ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; Pinch of salt; 2 cups milk (whole works best); 3–4 egg yolks; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3–4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness); For the Meringue:; Egg whites from those yolks (about 3–4); Pinch of salt or ¼ tsp cream of tartar; ¼–½ cup granulated sugar; ¼ tsp vanilla extract

I dive into a nostalgic chocolate custard baked in a flaky crust and crowned with a glossy, golden meringue—classic, comforting, and visually stunning. Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how the silky, rich chocolate filling contrasts with the airy sweetness of the meringue. It feels like a warm hug in pie form—nostalgic, yet elegant enough for a special occasion.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (9″) pre-baked pie crust
¼ cup butter
1 cup sugar (plus extra for meringue)
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for thicker custard)
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
2 cups milk (whole works best)
3–4 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
3–4 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra richness)

For the Meringue

Egg whites from those yolks (about 3–4)
Pinch of salt or ¼ tsp cream of tartar
¼–½ cup granulated sugar
¼ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a saucepan, melt butter. Whisk together sugar, flour (or cornstarch), cocoa, and salt; gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks. Temper them by slowly adding some hot chocolate mixture, then return to pan. Stir until thick. Add vanilla and chocolate chips until melted.
Pour hot filling into the baked crust.
Meanwhile, beat egg whites (room temperature) with salt or cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and vanilla until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing to the crust edges. Bake 10–15 minutes, until meringue is golden brown.
Cool for about an hour at room temperature, then refrigerate uncovered for 3–6 hours before slicing.

Servings and timing

Makes one 9″ pie, serving about 8. Prep time is about 20 minutes, bake time about 15 minutes, plus cooling and chilling brings total to around 5½ hours (mostly hands-off).

Variations

Use cornstarch instead of flour for a silkier custard.
Add ¼ cup cream of tartar for a more stable meringue.
Stir in extra 3–4 oz of chocolate chips or drizzle melted chocolate on top for depth.
Remove the meringue step and top with whipped cream for a simpler pie.

Storage/reheating

Store pie in the fridge, loosely covered. If uncut, leave the top uncovered; for leftovers, tent plastic wrap over toothpicks to protect the meringue. Keeps best for 2 days. Don’t freeze—it will compromise texture.

FAQs

Can I prevent the meringue from weeping?

I always spoon the meringue onto piping-hot custard and seal to the crust edges to prevent separation and moisture accumulation.

Can I use cornstarch instead of flour?

Yes—I often swap in cornstarch for a smoother, more custard-like filling that still sets well.

How do I get glossy, stiff meringue?

I beat room-temperature whites with cream of tartar or salt, then add sugar gradually until stiff, glossy peaks form and no grittiness remains.

Why seal the meringue to the crust?

Sealing prevents the meringue from shrinking away from the filling and weeping, keeping the layers intact.

How far ahead can I make this pie?

I make it the morning of serving or the night before. After cooling and chilling, it’s best eaten within 2 days for peak texture.

Conclusion

Fashioned Chocolate Pie with Golden Meringue is a timeless classic—from the rich chocolate custard to the fluffy, golden peaks atop. I love how it straddles comfort food and elegant dessert. With simple steps and attention to sealing the meringue, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time.