Clara Mae'S Chocolate Pie
Creamy chocolate pie with a rich cocoa filling and fluffy meringue topping, perfect for chocolate lovers and special occasions or a comforting dessert after dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix sugar, flour, cocoa, milk, and salt in a saucepan.
- Cook for 3 minutes over medium heat.
- Remove from heat; add egg yolks and margarine, stirring well.
- Return to heat and cook until mixture separates when a spoon is cut through it.
- Add vanilla extract and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the hot filling into the baked pie shell.
- Beat egg whites and sugar until stiff peaks form, then spread on top of the pie.
- Bake at 350°F until the meringue is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder and fresh eggs. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works as a great substitute. Make sure to beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form for a fluffy meringue. To prevent the meringue from weeping, spread it to the edges of the pie filling to seal it. This pie pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delightful chocolate pie chilled, garnished with chocolate shavings or fresh berries for an extra touch. It pairs well with whipped cream or a side of coffee. For a complete dessert spread, consider serving it alongside Marcia'S Peanut Butter Fudge(Old Fashioned) or Chewy Noels for a sweet treat assortment.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover pie in the refrigerator, loosely covered to prevent the meringue from becoming soggy. It is best consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If you need to reheat it, do so gently in the oven at a low temperature to avoid melting the meringue.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Clara Mae'S Chocolate Pie contains roughly 646 calories, with 20g protein, 90g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (40% of the Daily Value), iron (40% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1051mg 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 crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A store-bought pie crust can save time and still yield a delicious chocolate pie. Just ensure it is baked according to package instructions before adding the filling.
What can I do if my meringue is not forming stiff peaks?
If your meringue isn't forming stiff peaks, ensure that your mixing bowl and beaters are completely clean and free of any grease. Also, make sure the egg whites are at room temperature and try adding a pinch of cream of tartar as it helps stabilize the meringue.
How can I tell when the filling is done cooking?
The filling is done when it thickens and coats the back of a spoon. It should hold its shape when you draw a line through it with a spoon. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent it from scorching on the bottom.
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).