Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chocolate Meringue Pie is a timeless dessert that never fails to impress. It combines a silky, deeply chocolate filling with a light, cloud-like meringue, all nestled in a crisp pie crust. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between rich and airy, making each bite indulgent without feeling too heavy. I have made this pie for holidays and family gatherings, and it always disappears quickly. The contrast between the warm chocolate base and the soft meringue topping is what makes this dessert truly special. While it may look like a bakery-level pie, the steps are very manageable, even for home bakers. If you enjoy classic desserts with bold flavor and elegant presentation, this Chocolate Meringue Pie is a recipe you will want to keep in your collection.
Print
Chocolate Meringue Pie Recipe with a Rich Filling and Fluffy Topping
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic dessert featuring a flaky pie crust filled with rich chocolate pudding and topped with a light, fluffy golden meringue.
Ingredients
- 1 baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 large egg yolks
- 120 g dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
- In a saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Temper egg yolks with hot mixture, then return to saucepan.
- Cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in chocolate, butter, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour chocolate filling into baked pie crust.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
- Gradually add sugar and beat until stiff, glossy peaks form.
- Spread meringue over hot filling, sealing edges to crust.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until meringue is lightly golden.
- Cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Seal meringue to crust to prevent shrinking.
- Slice with a clean knife for neat pieces.
- Store refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Pie crust
A baked pie crust provides the sturdy base needed to hold the creamy chocolate filling. Homemade or store-bought both work well.
Granulated sugar
Sugar sweetens the filling and the meringue while helping create the correct texture.
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Cocoa powder delivers deep chocolate flavor without making the filling overly sweet.
Cornstarch
This thickens the chocolate filling and gives it a smooth, sliceable consistency.
Salt
A small amount of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances sweetness.
Whole milk
Milk creates a creamy, custard-like base for the filling.
Egg yolks
Egg yolks add richness and structure to the chocolate filling.
Unsalted butter
Butter adds shine and depth to the chocolate layer.
Vanilla extract
Vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor and adds warmth.
Egg whites
Egg whites are whipped into a light, stable meringue topping.
Cream of tartar
This stabilizes the egg whites and helps the meringue hold its shape.
Directions
Begin by preparing and baking the pie crust according to your chosen recipe. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornstarch, and salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Reduce the heat and cook briefly to remove any starchy taste.
Temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking in a small amount of the hot chocolate mixture, then return everything to the saucepan. Continue cooking until thick and glossy. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla until fully incorporated. Pour the hot chocolate filling into the prepared pie crust.
To make the meringue, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar and continue beating until stiff, glossy peaks develop. Spread the meringue over the hot filling, sealing it all the way to the crust edges.
Bake until the meringue is lightly golden. Cool the pie at room temperature, then refrigerate before slicing.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and Timing
This pie serves 8 people. Preparation takes approximately 30 minutes, with a baking time of about 15 minutes. Cooling and chilling require an additional 2 to 3 hours.
Storage/Reheating
Store Chocolate Meringue Pie loosely covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dessert is best served chilled and does not require reheating.
Variations and Customizations
Chocolate Meringue Pie is easy to adapt to personal preferences. For a darker chocolate flavor, add a small amount of melted dark chocolate to the filling. If you prefer a softer meringue, reduce the baking time slightly for a marshmallow-like texture. A graham cracker or chocolate cookie crust can be used instead of traditional pastry for added flavor. You may also add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate notes. Each variation keeps the essence of the pie while offering a subtle twist on the classic.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dessert contains dairy, eggs, and gluten. It is rich and best enjoyed in moderation. Dairy-free alternatives can be used for the filling with adjusted texture.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Seal the Meringue
Spreading the meringue to the crust edges helps prevent weeping.
Use Hot Filling
Adding meringue to hot filling helps it adhere and set properly.
Avoid Overbaking
Bake just until golden to keep the meringue soft inside.
Clean Slices
Use a clean, sharp knife for neat slices.
FAQs
Why does my meringue weep?
This usually happens if the meringue is undercooked or not sealed to the crust.
Can I make this pie ahead of time?
Yes, but it is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture.
Can I use a store-bought crust?
Yes, a store-bought crust works well and saves time.
How do I know when the filling is thick enough?
The filling should coat the back of a spoon and hold its shape.
Can I freeze Chocolate Meringue Pie?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
What cocoa powder works best?
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides the best balance.
Can I use egg substitutes?
Egg substitutes may affect texture and stability.
Why is my filling runny?
The filling may not have cooked long enough to activate the cornstarch.
Can I torch the meringue?
Yes, a kitchen torch can be used instead of baking.
Should this pie be refrigerated?
Yes, refrigeration helps the pie set properly.
Conclusion
Chocolate Meringue Pie is a classic dessert that combines rich chocolate flavor with a light, airy topping. Elegant yet comforting, it is perfect for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you want a truly memorable dessert.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!