Name: Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pork tenderloin; 8-10 bacon strips; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Chocolate pie is a timeless dessert that has been passed down through generations. The old-fashioned chocolate pie recipe is a comforting, rich dessert that combines a creamy, custard-like filling with a perfectly baked flaky pie crust and a signature meringue topping. This dessert is beloved for its simplicity and nostalgia, evoking memories of family gatherings and home-cooked meals.

The origins of chocolate pie are tied to America’s early pudding pies, which were often made with cocoa or melted chocolate. With its roots deep in Southern cuisine, the chocolate pie has evolved into a modern classic. Whether you’re a first-time baker or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to delight and impress.

To understand the dessert better, it’s essential to appreciate the history of chocolate in America, and how it has shaped many American dessert recipes. For an in-depth look at the evolution of chocolate and its pivotal role in American cuisine, History.com offers an informative read.

Contents hide

1 Historical Context and Origins

2 Key Ingredients and Their Significance

2.1 Selecting the Perfect Pie Crust

2.2 Crafting the Chocolate Filling

3 Meringue Topping: The Final Touch

3.1 Assembling and Baking the Pie

3.2 Serving Suggestions

3.3 Variations and Modern Twists

3.4 FAQs

4 Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe

4.6 Did you make this recipe?

Historical Context and Origins

Chocolate pie is not only a delicious treat but a part of American culinary heritage. The origins of this pie are thought to trace back to the early American pudding pies, which used cocoa powder or melted chocolate to create a smooth, rich filling. Chocolate pie recipes were often passed down through families, with subtle variations introduced based on personal taste and regional preferences.

The dessert was particularly popular in Southern states, where pie-making traditions were deeply embedded in the culture. The chocolate pie you know today likely evolved from these early recipes, which were simple yet satisfying. Over the years, variations have included the addition of meringue toppings, which elevate the pie with a light, fluffy contrast to the rich filling.

This humble pie is also an example of American ingenuity, where readily available ingredients, such as cocoa powder and sugar, were transformed into a dessert that has remained popular for decades. For more insights into the pivotal role that chocolate has played in the American kitchen, explore the fascinating history of chocolate at Serious Eats.

Key Ingredients and Their Significance

Every old-fashioned chocolate pie relies on a handful of key ingredients that work together to create its distinct, rich flavor. Below is a breakdown of the essential ingredients:

Cocoa powder: This is the primary flavor base of the pie. Unsweetened cocoa powder provides that deep, bittersweet taste that balances the sweetness of the sugar and other ingredients. For a smoother pie, you can also use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, which offers a less acidic flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps sweeten the custard filling and enhances the flavors of the chocolate, bringing the right balance to the pie.
Flour: Flour helps to thicken the custard, giving the pie its desired consistency. It’s important to cook the flour properly to avoid any raw taste.
Eggs: Eggs are critical to thickening the custard. Egg yolks help create a rich, velvety filling, while the egg whites are used for the meringue topping.
Whole milk: Whole milk creates a creamy, smooth texture for the filling, helping it set properly while maintaining a rich mouthfeel.
Butter: Butter adds richness and creaminess to the filling, contributing to the luxurious texture of the chocolate custard.
Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, giving the pie a warm, aromatic finish.

As you experiment with your chocolate pie, you might choose to use high-quality chocolate or adjust the proportions of these ingredients based on your taste preferences. The use of premium dark chocolate or milk chocolate can make a noticeable difference in the flavor profile of the pie.

Selecting the Perfect Pie Crust

The perfect pie starts with the right pie crust. While you can use a store-bought pie crust to save time, making your own pie crust gives your chocolate pie that extra homemade touch. Here are the key steps to creating a delicious, flaky pie crust:

Use cold ingredients: Keep your butter and water ice-cold before mixing. Cold ingredients prevent the crust from becoming tough, allowing it to stay flaky when baked.
Don’t overwork the dough: Over-mixing can result in a tough pie crust. Handle the dough as little as possible, just enough to bring it together.
Blind bake the crust: Blind baking (pre-baking the crust before filling it) ensures the crust stays crisp and doesn’t absorb too much moisture from the custard filling.

If you’re looking for a step-by-step guide to creating the perfect pie crust, refer to comprehensive guides online that break down the techniques for flaky, melt-in-your-mouth crusts.

Crafting the Chocolate Filling

Making the chocolate custard filling is the heart of this pie. This rich, smooth filling requires attention to detail to get it just right. Follow these steps to create the perfect chocolate custard:

Mix dry ingredients: Whisk together sugar, cocoa powder, and flour in a saucepan. This helps ensure the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumping when you add liquid.
Add milk: Gradually pour in whole milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. The milk should be added slowly to achieve a smooth, consistent mixture.
Cook the mixture: Heat over medium heat, constantly stirring until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Don’t rush this step! The custard should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape.
Temper the eggs: Remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly before adding beaten egg yolks. Slowly temper the eggs by adding a small amount of the hot mixture to the eggs, then whisking the eggs back into the saucepan. This step prevents the eggs from scrambling.
Add flavoring: Stir in vanilla extract and butter, which will melt into the custard and create a smooth, velvety texture.

Meringue Topping: The Final Touch

The light and airy meringue topping is a key part of this dessert. The meringue provides a textural contrast to the creamy chocolate filling. Here’s how to prepare the perfect meringue:

Whip egg whites: Start by beating the egg whites with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form. This means the egg whites should hold their shape but still be soft at the tips.
Gradually add sugar: Slowly add sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to beat the egg whites. This helps stabilize the meringue, ensuring it holds its shape when baked.
Bake the meringue: Once the meringue reaches stiff peaks (it should be glossy and firm), spread it over the cooled chocolate filling, making sure to seal the edges of the crust to prevent shrinking. Bake in the oven until the meringue turns a golden brown.

Meringue can be tricky to perfect. If you encounter issues with it, like weeping or deflation, check out detailed resources on how to avoid these common meringue mistakes to ensure your topping is flawless.

Assembling and Baking the Pie

After you’ve prepared the crust, filling, and meringue, it’s time to assemble and bake the pie. Follow these steps:

Pour the filling: Once your chocolate filling is prepared and slightly cooled, pour it into the pre-baked pie crust.
Top with meringue: Spread the meringue over the filling, ensuring it completely covers the surface of the pie, touching the crust to prevent shrinking during baking.
Bake the pie: Bake at a moderate temperature (about 350°F or 175°C) until the meringue is golden brown and the filling has set.
Cool the pie: Let the pie cool completely before serving. This allows the filling to firm up and makes slicing easier.

Serving Suggestions

An old-fashioned chocolate pie is already a decadent dessert on its own, but you can elevate the experience with a few simple additions:

Whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy contrast to the richness of the chocolate filling.
Fresh berries: Add a burst of freshness by serving with a handful of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries.
Cocoa powder: Dust the top of the meringue with a light sprinkling of cocoa powder for an extra layer of flavor.

Variations and Modern Twists

While the classic chocolate pie is fantastic as it is, there are several variations and modern twists you can try:

Espresso powder: Adding a small amount of espresso powder can intensify the chocolate flavor, giving the pie a deeper, more robust taste.
Nuts: Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, can be folded into the filling or sprinkled on top for added texture and flavor.
No-bake version: Skip the meringue and custard-making process by using a premade chocolate pudding mix, topped with whipped cream for a simple, no-bake alternative.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of cocoa powder? Yes, dark chocolate can be used, but it will change the flavor and texture of the filling. You’ll need to melt the chocolate before adding it to the mixture.
How do I prevent the filling from being too runny? Ensure the filling is cooked long enough to thicken. If needed, you can add a little more flour to help it set.
Is it necessary to use meringue? No, you can skip the meringue and top the pie with whipped cream or even a chocolate ganache.
How long can I store the pie? The pie can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap.

Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie recipe

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Bacon Brown Sugar Pork is a savory, smoky, and sweet dish that combines the richness of pork, the crispy texture of bacon, and the caramelized sweetness of brown sugar. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pork tenderloin
8–10 bacon strips
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix brown sugar, garlic, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Rub the seasoning mixture over the pork tenderloin.
Wrap the pork tenderloin with bacon strips, securing them with toothpicks if needed.
Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bacon is crispy and pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.