Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue (Print Version)

Buttery crust filled with smooth chocolate and crowned with golden meringue for nostalgic indulgence.

# Ingredients:

→ Chocolate Filling

01 - 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
02 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter
03 - 1 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
05 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
06 - 2 cups whole milk
07 - 3 large egg yolks
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Meringue Topping

10 - 3 large egg whites
11 - 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
12 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
13 - 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

# Steps:

01 - Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, and salt until evenly combined.
03 - Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the melted butter, mixing until a smooth paste forms.
04 - Slowly pour whole milk into the saucepan, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
05 - Increase heat to medium. Stir constantly as mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5 to 7 minutes.
06 - Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring to ensure smooth texture.
07 - In a small bowl, beat egg yolks lightly. Gradually add a few tablespoons of hot mixture to the yolks, whisking to temper.
08 - Return the tempered egg yolks to the saucepan, stirring constantly for 2 more minutes until filling is thick and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
09 - Pour hot chocolate filling into pre-baked pie crust and set aside.
10 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
11 - In a clean mixing bowl, beat egg whites and cream of tartar at medium speed until soft peaks form.
12 - Gradually add granulated sugar, one tablespoon at a time, beating constantly. Increase speed to high and continue until stiff, glossy peaks form, about 5 to 7 minutes. Gently fold in vanilla extract.
13 - Spoon meringue over the hot chocolate filling, spreading to the crust's edge and creating decorative peaks.
14 - Bake in preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until meringue is golden brown.
15 - Remove pie from oven and cool on wire rack for about 2 hours. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until fully set before slicing.

# Notes:

01 - Spread meringue to the crust's edge to avoid shrinking during baking.