Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie is a creamy, deliciously decadent chocolate pie with a light, fluffy meringue, ust like generations of home bakers have enjoyed. It is a classic dessert, perfect for any gathering at any time of year.

Slice of Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie sitting on a clear plate.

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My amazing mother-in-law shared her old-fashioned chocolate pie recipe with me because it is my husband’s favorite dessert. This pie recipe was handed down in my husband’s family by his great-great-aunt and has been served at his family gatherings for over 100 years.

Old-fashioned cream pies are often made with either meringue or whipped cream. This recipe uses a classic meringue topping, which was common in many vintage pie recipes. Chocolate cream pies are usually chilled and topped with whipped cream instead.

This dessert is perfect for a potluck, a family get-together, or a fun dinner party. We have it for almost every holiday, and I make it for my hubby’s birthday every year. Anytime we visit his mom, she has one sitting on the counter waiting for him.

Chocolate meringue pie sitting on cake plate.

Why You Will Love This Pie Recipe

Old-fashioned chocolate pie is a classic Southern dessert made with a homemade chocolate custard filling, a flaky baked pie crust, and a light, fluffy meringue topping. Unlike many modern chocolate pies, this traditional recipe uses cocoa powder to create its rich flavor and silky texture.

This recipe is easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and turns out perfect every time. It can be made at the last minute and is great to serve at any celebration or get-together.

Slice of chocolate pie with meringue sitting on a clear plate.

Ingredients

This delicious old-fashioned chocolate pie is not only a simple recipe to make, but it also uses simple ingredients. You might even have most of the ingredients on hand.

Cocoa powder
Eggs
Whole milk
Sugar
Flour
Pre-baked pie crust
Cream of tartar
Chocolate shavings (optional)

HINT: When I’m in a hurry, I use a pre-made pie crust, because it is so much easier!

Why This Recipe Uses Cocoa Powder

Cocoa powder gives this old-fashioned chocolate pie its rich chocolate flavor while keeping the filling smooth and silky. Unlike some chocolate desserts that use melted chocolate, this recipe relies on cocoa powder to create the classic custard-like filling that has been loved for generations.

Ingredients for the pie sitting on a countertop.

Equipment

You will need the following to create this homemade chocolate pie recipe:

Instructions for Making the Old Fashioned Chocolate Pie

To make old-fashioned chocolate pie, begin by mixing the cocoa powder, egg yolks, part of the milk, sugar, and flour in a medium bowl. The rest of the milk is cooked over medium heat in a medium-sized heavy saucepan until it begins to bubble around the edges.

Eggs, cocoa, flour, and sugar in a mixing bowl.

Mixing the ingredients in a heavy pot on the stove.

Once the milk boils, gradually pour it into the bowl of the cocoa powder mixture. Then, pour it back into the pot and boil gently for about 5 minutes, or until thick. Once the chocolate pie filling has thickened, pour it into the prepared crust.

Pouring the chocolate filling into the pie shell.

In a separate large bowl, beat the egg whites, cream of tartar, and sugar until stiff peaks form. This will create a gorgeous whipped meringue that tops the sweet chocolate filling. Once the meringue is placed on top of the hot pie filling, it will bake in a 400-degree oven for 4 to 5 minutes. Cool the pie on a wire rack. If you choose to use chocolate shavings, sprinkle them on top of the meringue after it has cooled.

NOTE: Pour the meringue on HOT filling because it will partially cook the meringue from below and create a seal that prevents weeping. This will give you the perfect texture every time.

Substituting or Modifying the Ingredients

Dairy-free option:
If needed, you can make this pie dairy-free by using almond milk, cashew milk, or another dairy-free alternative. Keep in mind that whole milk gives the filling its rich, creamy texture, so the finished pie may be slightly less creamy with a non-dairy substitute.

Chocolate filling shortcut:
If you are short on time, you can use a cook-and-serve chocolate pudding mix in a pinch. However, the homemade chocolate custard filling is what gives this old-fashioned pie its classic flavor and texture.

Crust options:
While I love this pie with a traditional baked pie crust, you can also substitute a gluten-free crust or try a graham cracker crust, Oreo crust, or Biscoff Pie Crust.

Topping options:
If you prefer a chocolate cream pie instead of a meringue pie, you can top the cooled pie with whipped cream instead. This creates a slightly different dessert but keeps the same rich chocolate filling.

How to Store Old Fashioned Chocolate Meringue Pie

For the best results, I recommend making this chocolate meringue pie the same day you plan to serve it. If you have leftovers, cover the pie loosely with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that meringue pies are best enjoyed within a day or two. Over time, moisture from the filling and meringue can soften the crust and cause the topping to lose some of its light, fluffy texture.

Allow the pie to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. Covering it too soon can trap moisture, which may cause the meringue to become watery. For the best results, avoid tightly wrapping the meringue and enjoy the pie within a couple of days.

Unfortunately, meringue pies cannot be frozen. The delicate topping is the star of this dessert, and freezing can cause it to become watery and lose its light, fluffy texture once thawed.

Bon Appétit

This old-fashioned chocolate meringue pie is a chocolate lover’s dream. It is delicious and so easy to make, you will find yourself serving it over and over for every special occasion you can think of. If you are a pie connoisseur, you might want to also check out my Grandma’s Chess Pie Recipe.

xoxo,
Molly