Ingredients
- 1 pre-baked 9-inch pie crust
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for filling)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for filling)
- 3 large egg whites, room temperature
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (for meringue)
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for meringue)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the pre-baked pie crust is cooled and ready.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in 1 cup sugar, flour, and cocoa powder until smooth.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly. Cook and whisk for 5–7 minutes until thickened and gently boiling.
- Temper the egg yolks by slowly whisking about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into them. Return the yolk mixture to the saucepan and cook for 2 more minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Pour the filling into the pre-baked pie crust and spread evenly.
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites on medium speed until foamy. Add cream of tartar and continue beating. Gradually add 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until stiff, glossy peaks form. Beat in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Spread meringue over the warm filling, sealing it to the crust edges.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until meringue is golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack for at least 2 hours before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Seal meringue to crust edges to prevent shrinking.
- Beat meringue until stiff, glossy peaks form for best structure.
- Allow pie to cool completely for clean slices.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Meringue does not freeze well; avoid freezing fully assembled pie.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 260 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
