Aunt Edna'S Chocolate Pie
A rich, creamy chocolate pie with a smooth filling and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions, offering a classic homemade dessert experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the pie shell at 425°F and let it cool.
- Sift the dry ingredients (sugar, cornstarch, cocoa, salt) together.
- Add milk, melted margarine, and egg yolks to the dry mixture.
- Blend until smooth.
- Cook over medium heat until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Pour the filling into the cooled pie shell.
- Beat the egg whites into a meringue and spread over the pie.
- Brown the meringue in a 425°F oven for approximately 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark cocoa powder instead of regular cocoa. If you're out of margarine, unsalted butter works perfectly as a substitute. To avoid a grainy texture, ensure the sugar and cornstarch are well sifted together. This pie can be made ahead of time; just add the meringue before serving to maintain its texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Aunt Edna's Chocolate Pie chilled, topped with fresh whipped cream or shaved chocolate for added decadence. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of Chocolate Chip-Mint Ice Cream for a delightful contrast. Consider serving alongside a fruit salad for a refreshing balance.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, loosely covered with plastic wrap to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. It's best enjoyed within 2-3 days. If you need to reheat the pie, do so gently in a low oven to avoid collapsing the meringue.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Edna'S Chocolate Pie contains roughly 475 calories, with 10g protein, 82g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (40% of the Daily Value), iron (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1065mg per serving (46% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a store-bought pie shell for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie shell can save time and effort. Just ensure it's a deep dish to hold all the filling. Follow the package instructions for pre-baking to achieve a perfect crust.
How can I make a gluten-free version of this pie?
To make this pie gluten-free, use a gluten-free pie crust and ensure all your ingredients, including cornstarch, are certified gluten-free. The filling remains naturally gluten-free, so you can enjoy this dessert without worry.
What’s the best way to make the meringue?
To make a stable meringue, ensure your mixing bowl and beaters are clean and free from any grease. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form before gradually adding sugar, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form. This will help the meringue hold its shape better.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).